The Ganges, yoga towns and high pilgrim trails
Uttarakhand travel guide
Where the Ganges leaves the mountains. Rishikesh is the best-known yoga destination in the world; behind it lie Corbett's tiger forests, the Kumaon hills and pilgrimage routes into the high Garhwal Himalaya.
Why visit Uttarakhand
- Rishikesh for serious yoga study, not just drop-in classes — many schools run Yoga Alliance certified courses.
- Jim Corbett and Rajaji national parks for tigers and elephants.
- Quiet Kumaon hill villages with Himalayan views and very little tourism infrastructure.
- Only five to seven hours by road or rail from Delhi.
Best time to visit
February to April
Warm days, flowering forests, good for walking and rafting.
May to June
Busy Indian holiday season in the hills; book early.
July to September
Monsoon; landslides and river closures are common in the higher valleys.
October to November
The clearest mountain views of the year.
Highlights
Rishikesh
Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan, morning practice, and a walk over the pedestrian bridges.
Corbett National Park
Book zone permits far in advance; the park has seasonal closures.
Kumaon: Binsar and Kausani
Long views of Nanda Devi on clear mornings.
Itineraries
Suggested routes through Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand travel FAQs
Is Rishikesh dry?
Alcohol and meat are prohibited in the core Rishikesh and Haridwar area. Plan accordingly — it is a religious town, not a beach resort.
Can I do a yoga teacher training here as a tourist?
Many travellers do, but check current visa rules: long study programmes may require a different visa category than a tourist e-Visa. Confirm with the Indian mission for your country before booking a course.
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