UNESCO Heritage Sites in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, often called as “Dev Bhoomi”, is one of the top places to visit in India as it is dotted with placid lakes, stunning hill stations, wildlife habitats, jaw-dropping views of the mighty Himalayas and mystical corners. This Land of the Gods is dotted with age old divine temples that are still alive with the stories and legends of the royals and are still fragrant with the impressions left by them on every nook and corner of Uttarakhand. Among, some of the places are recognized as world heritage sites by UNESCO, and can be visited as part of Uttarakhand tour packages in order to come in close contact with divinity through its rich heritage sites and experience the glory of nature in its full bloom.

Check below the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites in Uttarakhand.

Nanda Devi National Park

Placed at an altitude of 3,500 m, Nanda Devi National Park is situated in the higher ranges of Himalayas in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by the Nanda Devi Mountains on three sides, it is one of the most scenic national parks in India, and among the most spectacular wilderness in the Himalayas. The park is dominated by ‘Nanda Devi Peak’, India’s second-highest peak. The Nanda Devi basin was declared a game sanctuary in 1939 and got the national park status in 1982. The park earned the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2004 due to its unique topography, climate, and diverse wildlife. The park provides shelter to snow leopard, Himalayan black-bear, serow, Himalayan musk deer and Himalayan Tahr. There are around 114 species of birds, including orange-flanked bush robin, Indian tree pipit, yellow-bellied fantail flycatcher, blue-fronted redstart and vinaceous-breasted pipit. Varied species of butterflies can also be seen in the Nanda Devi National Park, among the top tourist places in Uttarakhand. The park has around 312 species of flowers, along with juniper and alpine vegetation. Trekking is the most popular activity in the national park. 

                            Must Visit : Tourist Places in Nanda Devi National Park 

Valley of Flowers

Nestled high at an altitude of 3600 m in the Western Himalayas, Valley of Flowers is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. it is one of the best national parks in Uttarakhand and among must visit places as part of India tour packages, especially for trekking enthusiasts. Initially known as Bhyundar Valley, the Park was discovered and renamed in 1931 by British mountaineer Frank Smith. The Valley of Flowers was declared a National Park in 1982 and was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004. Stretching over a vast expanse of 87.50 sq. km, the Park is known for its scenic beauty comprising alpine shrubs and different colorful flowers, milky white streams, snow-clad peaks and pristine air. More than 650 species of flowers including Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy and Cobra Lily can be found in the Park. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep.

                                  Also Visit : Top Places to Visit in Valley of Flowers

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