Uttarakhand, situated in the northern India was formerly known as Uttaranchal. Being famously known as Devbhoomi (The Land of Gods), it is famous for pilgrimage in India. Besides being home to several pilgrims, the state provides ample opportunity to the adventure lovers. One can really enjoy this place of lofty mountains, rivers and wild forests by experiencing the different kinds of fun activities in Uttarakhand.
- Skiing
The snow covered steep slopes of the Himalayan range can help you to gain one of the most thrilling experiences of Skiing. The best ski sports are done in the hills of the Garhwal and the Kumaon in between the months of December and mid-March. The famous skiing sites in India like Auli, Mundali and Dayara Bugyal are based in Uttarakhand.
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Auli: The most famous resort for skiing is Auli on the Garhwal hills, which attracts people for its world-class facilities and natural slopes. Auli provides a beautiful sight of some Himalayan peaks like Kamey, Nanda Devi and Dunagiri.
Dayara Bugyal: The resort of Dayara Bugyal provides a lifetime experience of skiing. It offers a combination of trekking as well as skiing. One needs to trek for 8 kms before skiing. - Trekking
Mountainous Uttarakhand is the ideal place for trekking freaks. The lofty mountain ranges along with vast forests helped in the rapid growth of trekking in Uttarakhand. The state possesses some of the well-known trekking sites. The most famous among them is the one starting from Netwar and ending at Har ki Doon, at 3500 meters, bypassing Osla. While on this adventure, one needs to pass Chandrashila hilltop consisting of forests of chinars, willows, walnuts and chestnuts.
The most adventurous trek of Uttarakhand is the one through the hardy landscape of the Gangotri Kedarnath. This trek is done through the path in between Gangotri and Kedarnath, which offers scenic beauty of the high hills along with the gushing Madakini.
Some of the other treks are from Dehradun to Kempty Falls passing through Mussoorie, Jwala Devi etc. and Rishikesh to Gopeshwar passing through Kalpeshwar, Rudranath etc. - White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting is one of the most famous activities in Uttarakhand. Adventure lovers can have a hand on experience of the pristine and unpolluted river water. The rapids of Uttarakhand provide ample opportunity to the water rafters to experience the gushing rivers. Some of the exotic locales for Water Rafting in Uttarakhand are:
- The Ganges along with its numerous tributaries
- Devprayag, the meeting point of Bhagirathi and Alakananda.
- Ramganga, originating from the Namik glacier.
- Paragliding
Paragliding, one of the competitive and recreational flying sports, is basically flying through a foot-launched aircraft. A paraglide is capable of flying at a height of 10,000 ft. or more for hours. The most remarkable place of paragliding in India lies in Pithoragraph of Uttarakhand. A paraglide in Pithoragraph, located in between Nepal and Tibet, will help you explore the rare species like peafowls, snow leopards and musk deers in their own habitat. It will even take you through the swift rivers, thick forests and cloud filled blue sky. The activity can really make you fall in for nature. - Jungle Safari
Jungle Safari is considered to be the most unique kind of activities in Uttarakhand. Being usually done in the National Parks, the jungle safari brings one close to the wilder siblings of nature.
Jungle safaris in Uttarakhand can be done in two ways, upon elephant backs or by hiring jeeps. Elephants are the most convenient for people who are observant in nature while jeeps need to be used to have a glimpse of tigers. Some national parks even offer horses to be used on the safari. Corbett National Park and Rajaji National Park are some of the renowned national parks in Uttarakhand. Dense forests along with sprawling grasslands, river beds, varied flora and fauna give one an experience worth remembering. - Golfing
People who don't enjoy being in the proximity of nature can even enjoy Uttarakhand. Golf is one of the popular sports in Uttarakhand. The state has got some of the beautiful golf courses created green meadows of Uttarakhand surrounded by snow capped small elevated hills along with magnificent lakes. Raj Bhawan Golf Course and Upat Golf Course in Nainital and Ranikhet respectively are the two major golf courses in Uttarakhand. - Camping
Camping is one of the best ways to enjoy the wonders of environment in the lap of nature. Be it wildlife camping or normal camping, the beauty of the place will make you experience this activity in Uttarakhand. Tons Valley located above 3600 feet in Garhwal, Jharipani in Mussoorie, Chitrauli in Nainital are to name a few of the world famous camping places.
Mundali: Mundali, being 125kms from Dehradun, remains snow covered throughout the year. Being situated amidst elevated snow-filled mountain peaks, Mundali is famous for its beautiful view.
Kaudilya Rafting Camp of Uttarakhand is the most familiar name to the water rafters for its specialized facilities.
Activities in Uttarakhand
