In photos: Uttarakhand's most blissful yet offbeat places

Uttarakhand is easily one of the most beautiful states in India, and is a favourite of many. It’s not just the spiritual side of the state that brings in thousands of visitors every year, but also the natural beauty that has most people wanting to come back to more.

Being a popular tourist destination, the more popular places in Uttarakhand may find themselves a little too crowded, most of the time. That’s when we look at the places that are offbeat yet stunning. With a diverse landscape ranging from snow-capped peaks and majestic glaciers to lush green valleys, meandering rivers, and pristine lakes, these offbeat destinations will capture your heart for good.

Kasar Devi is a serene village in the Kumaon region, perfect for those who are looking for some quiet time in the midst of nature. There’s the renowned Kasar Devi Temple with a view that will leave you truly speechless. This small village has been a favourite of big names like Swami Vivekananda, Bob Dylan, Uma Thurman and many more. It’s the spirituality, peace and quiet of the place, they say.

Ukhimath, the winter seat of Kedarnath deity, is as pretty as they come. Surrounded by beautiful mountain views, the town is an absolute delight in the winter months. This is also when a lot of pilgrims visit Ukhimath to worship the deity Kedarnath.

This high-altitude destination is located in the Uttarkashi district, a destination believed to be the abode of ancient sages. Since it is situated near Gangotri glacier, one can expect to see stunning snow-capped mountains. Tapovan is also a popular trekking destination.

Kedarnath is one of the most important pilgrimage towns in India. This high-altitude town is home to the ancient Kedarnath Temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The Kedarnath temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and to reach there, one needs to trek through beautiful landscapes.

Landour is one of the most quaint and pretty hill stations in the state. For those who love being surrounded by pretty views and history, Landour is just the perfect place. With beautiful views of the Garhwal Himalayas and the Doon Valley, and what’s left of the British colonial era, Landour is perfect for a laidback vacation.

Gwaldam is a picturesque town situated in the Chamoli district, and gives stunning views of the Nanda Devi and Trishul mountain ranges. Most people see the town of Gwaldam as a gateway to several popular trekking routes such as Badrinath, Valley of Flowers, and Roopkund but Gwaldam, on its own, is a very pretty place with a pleasant climate.

Munsiyari is surrounded by mesmerising views of the snow-capped peaks of the Panchachuli range. The town’s lush meadows and pretty trekking trails attract a lot of nature and adventure enthusiasts. Munsiyari also serves as the base for treks to Milam Glacier and Ralam Glacier.

Kanatal is a lesser-known destination but as pretty as they come. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and dense forests. The weather in Kanatal is pleasant throughout the year, and is great for those who are looking for some quality time with nature.

This picturesque, serene and offbeat hamlet in the Nainital district is surrounded by lush forests, terraced fields, and beautiful orchards. Peora is great for a secluded retreat in the lap of nature. When in the village, you can explore many eco-friendly practices and community-based tourism initiatives.