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Steeped in history and spirituality, Varanasi – Uttar Pradesh offers countless experiences for every traveler. Discover sacred ghats, historic temples, and unique cultural landmarks among the top places to visit in Varanasi.
Perched on a ridge overlooking the majestic Himalayas, this serene ashram is where Mahatma Gandhi stayed for 12 days in 1929 and composed his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, titled Anashakti Yoga. The ashram maintains a small museum displaying Gandhi’s photographs, letters, and simple living quarters, preserving his legacy of peace and non-violence.
Visitors come here not just for history but for the breathtaking sunrise views over Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks from the ashram lawn.
A sprawling tea plantation spread across gentle slopes, offering guided tours and fresh Kumaoni tea tastings amidst scenic surroundings.
An ancient stone temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring exquisite 12th-century Nagara architecture and located along the Gomti River.
A hidden gem featuring a cascading waterfall, ancient rock-cut caves, and a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, accessible via a short trek.
A unique rural development center founded by Gandhian follower Sarlaben, promoting women’s empowerment and traditional crafts in a peaceful setting.
Dedicated to Goddess Bhramari (a form of Durma), this ancient hilltop temple is perched on a secluded ridge surrounded by dense pine and oak forests. The temple gets its name from “Bhramar” meaning bumblebee, as the goddess is believed to be surrounded by bees protecting the shrine.
Besides its spiritual significance, the temple offers spectacular panoramic views of the Kumaon hills, Someshwar Valley, and on clear days, the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Named after Lord Shiva (Someshwar means “Lord of the Moon”), this lush, terraced valley is nestled between dense pine forests and rolling hills, offering a serene escape from tourist crowds. The valley is known for its sprawling fruit orchards, particularly apples, peaches, and plums, as well as terraced farming fields that create a stunning patchwork of green during the growing season.
Visitors can enjoy peaceful village walks, interact with local Kumaoni families, and witness spectacular sunset views over the surrounding hills, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
An ancient cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a natural Shiva Linga and a small waterfall inside the cave.
A small museum showcasing Kumaoni culture, traditional attire, agricultural tools, and photographs of the region’s history.
A serene high-altitude lake surrounded by oak and rhododendron forests, ideal for birdwatching and peaceful nature walks.
Situated at the sacred confluence of the Saryu, Gomti, and Bhagirathi rivers, Bageshwar is a historic temple town dominated by the ancient Bagnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town derives its name from “Bag” (tiger) and “Ishwar” (god), referencing a legend of a tiger worshipping Lord Shiva at this site.
Bageshwar hosts the famous Uttarayani Fair every January, attracting thousands of pilgrims and traders, making it a vibrant cultural hub in the Kumaon region.
A historic hill town perched on a horse-saddle-shaped ridge, Almora was once the capital of the Chand dynasty and is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage and traditional Kumaoni cuisine.
The town features charming bazaars like Lala Bazaar and Mall Road, selling exquisite copperware, ringal (bamboo) crafts, and unique Kandali topi caps. Almora is also home to the beautiful Nanda Devi Temple, Chitai Temple with its famous brass bells, and the Kasar Devi temple, believed to possess magnetic energy fields.
A protected forest area home to leopards, barking deer, and over 200 bird species, with trekking trails through dense oak and rhododendron trees.
The highest viewpoint within Binsar Sanctuary, offering a spectacular 180-degree view of the Himalayan peaks including Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, and Trishul.
A revered temple complex featuring over 100 ancient stone shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, set in a dense deodar forest valley.
An ancient hilltop temple believed to have magnetic energy fields, visited by Swami Vivekananda and Bob Dylan, offering stunning sunset views.
A historic hill town perched on a horse-saddle-shaped ridge, Almora was once the capital of the Chand dynasty and is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage and traditional Kumaoni cuisine. The town features charming bazaars like Lala Bazaar and Mall Road, selling exquisite copperware, ringal (bamboo) crafts, and unique Kandali topi caps.
Almora is also home to the beautiful Nanda Devi Temple, Chitai Temple with its famous brass bells, and the Kasar Devi temple, believed to possess magnetic energy fields.
A unique 9th-century sun temple built in the Katarmal style, featuring intricately carved stone wheels and a rare idol of the Sun God.
A charming cantonment hill station with sprawling golf courses, pine forests, and the historic Chaubatia Gardens known for apple orchards.
An ancient town dotted with beautifully carved stone temples from the Katyuri dynasty, showcasing classic medieval Kumaoni architecture.
Perched dramatically on a rocky cliff at 2,285 meters, this 350-year-old stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. According to legend, Lord Shiva blessed a demon named Muktasur here, granting him liberation (moksha), which gave the temple and town its name.
The temple complex is surrounded by fruit orchards and rhododendron forests, and the nearby “Chauli-ki-Jali” rock formation is popular for rappelling and rock climbing.