I Explored The Offbeat Places In Uttarakhand Under ₹30K Including Adventure Sports, Animal Safari, Stay, Meals & More!

Referred to as the ‘Devabhumi’ (the Land of the Gods), there are numerous reasons to love Uttarakhand. My favorite are its spellbinding landscapes, the composed Himalayas, spiritual centers, adventure sports, a variety of flora & fauna, and holy rivers. The northern Indian state has a charming history and extremely modest people. Exploring less-frequented places in Uttarakhand was like being in the lap of nature where I was surrounded by lush greenery, enormous mountains, and refreshing mist.

Uttarakhand was a mix of budget and a luxury trip for me. Once in a while, the backpacker in me also loves to get pampered with lavishness. And still, I was able to do everything under my budget. I spent around ₹30,000 on this trip that included stay, adventure activities, visiting a national park, food, shopping, conveyance, and other miscellaneous expenses. Let me take you on my enthralling journey.

Landour

Accommodation: Domas Inn (₹2,500 per night)

Landour, nicknamed as ‘A Welsh town in India’, is a small cantonment town. This relatively less-visited Himalayan town has an old-world charm, but this hidden gem is fast becoming a buzzword in travel circles owing to its following attractions:

St. Paul’s Church: It is an Anglican church that was built in 1839. Fascinating from the outside and peaceful from the inside, this church is the main attraction here.

Kellogg Memorial Church: This is a Presbyterian church that was built in 1903. It is known for its alluring exteriors and serene interiors.

Lal Tibba Scenic Point: Located at Lal Tibba, which is at the height of 8000 feet above sea level, this coffee point offers you a view of the Himalayan range. There is a telescope at the terrace and a staff member will set it at a perfect angle for you to have a look at the gigantic range. Apart from cherishing picturesque views, you can also enjoy a cup of hot coffee and snacks here.

Char Dukan: This is among the most happening spots in Landour where you can find several shops and restaurants. Cafe Ivy is a great place where you can spend a relaxed evening. I highly recommend taking a seat on its balcony if you want to enjoy the breathtaking views of the scenic valley.

Sisters Bazaar: Located in the vibrant Sisters Bazaar, Landour Bakehouse is a popular café, which is an ideal place to take care of your hunger pangs. The sandwiches and other quick bites are amazingly delectable. Don’t forget to savor scrumptious pastries here! You can also buy local handicrafts and natural cosmetics from the market.

Also read: Delhi Couple Quit City Life To Build Eco-Friendly Homestay In Uttarakhand That’ll Last 100 Years

Nag Tibba

Accommodation: Camping & Trekking ( ₹3000)

Trekking to this peak will let you witness the oozing natural charm of Uttarakhand. You can appreciate the stunning sunset, cotton-candy clouds, and lush, green mountain ranges, among various other real colors of nature’s beauty while covering a distance of 16 kilometers over two days. At night, stargazing would be an incredible experience for sure. The next morning, start the 1.5-kilometer-long trek from the base camp to reach Nag Mandir.

Dhanaulti

Accommodation: Camping at Camp Calista (₹1,000 per night)

I love this tinsel town for its tranquil vistas offering panoramic views of the lofty Himalayas. The best memory I have of this hill station is when I went trekking and saw the whole place enveloped by the velvety rhododendrons, deodar, and tall oak forests. Trying my hand at various adventure activities is my second best memory. Dhanaulti is an ideal choice if you want to spend your weekend at a place that is untouched by the maddening rush of hill stations.

Also read: 6 Garhwali & Kumaoni Delicacies You Must Try On Your Next Trip To Uttarakhand

Lansdowne

Accommodation: The Rock Heaven Resort (₹1,500 per night)

A quaint little hill town, Lansdowne is laden with oak and pine forests. This hill station is dotted with buildings of the colonial era. The town is a haven for hikers and bird watchers like me. Adding a visit to St. John’s Church to my travel itinerary was a good idea.

Mussoorie

Accommodation: Hotel Midtown (₹5,000 per night)

The ‘Queen of hill stations’ is counted among the state’s favourite holiday destinations for mountain lovers. On a clear day, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Doon valley and the distant Himalayan peaks. You can witness the famous architecture of the British era in its libraries, hotels, and churches. Meeting my favorite author, Ruskin Bond, at Cambridge Book Depot was the major highlight of my trip. Apart from that, you can go and see the following:

Bhatta Falls: Skipping the crowded Kempty Falls, I went to see Bhatta Falls for a comparatively calmer and peaceful experience. This cascade has different levels, and you have to climb stairs to reach each one of them. Eating Maggi sitting on a chair kept in the pool of water is what I enjoyed the most.

Mussoorie Lake: If you are going solo, then probably you won’t enjoy this place. But if you are with friends or family, then it’s worth giving a shot. You can do boating here along with enjoying water zorbing, haunted house, and 5D show. There are several shops selling souvenirs and other gift items made up of wood. A food court is also there.

Nag Devta Temple: I am not a religious person but I visit such places for solace. I sat at the temple stairs for a while and gazed at the green, deep valley. There are some moments when you become oblivious to the passage of time, and I had exactly this feeling here.

Rishikesh

Accommodations: Riverside Camp (₹1,500 per night)

Divine Resort & Spa (₹5,000 per night)

If you are an adventure junkie and want to experience thrilling activities, then Rishikesh, the adventure capital of India, is the one-stop destination for you. This holy city in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River has become a pilgrimage for many adventure freaks. If you want to relish perilous adventures and add a pinch of excitement to your life, then go for the following adventurous activities:

The combo of these 3 extreme adventure activities at Jumpin Heights cost ₹8,250:

Bungee Jump
Giant Swing
Flying Fox

The following 2 activities cost ₹700:

Rafting
Cliff Jumping

Also read: Varr At Rishikesh’s Ganga Kinare Serves Temple Food From Across The Country

Dehradun

Dhamma Salila Vipassana Meditation Centre: I had to follow a very strict timetable throughout the 10-day Vipassana Meditation Course. This meditation is an art of living that one can use to make positive contributions to society. It helps in facing life’s tensions and problems in a calm and balanced way. The day began at 4.00 am and ended at 9.30 pm. All I had to do there was wake up, meditate, eat, and sleep. Easier said than done! I was focused on meditating for 12 hours a day to become more and more aware. Those 10 days gave me a very close experience of living life as a monk because except my clothes, nothing else there was mine.

Nainital

Jim Corbett National Park: Ticket price: ₹1,000

This was my first time at a national park and I was extremely excited to spot at least one tiger. Unfortunately, all I saw there were deer, monkeys, and some birds. But still, the overall experience of being at a forested wildlife sanctuary was mesmerising owing to its natural beauty.

That’s how I spent my days in northern India’s Uttarakhand State and made unlimited memories. Let me know if you have any travel queries in the comment section below.

First Published: June 23, 2021 6:48 PM