Historical Places in Uttarakhand: A Heritage Tour Guide 2026

Historical Overview of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand's history is a rich tapestry woven through millennia - from ancient Vedic settlements to medieval kingdoms, Mughal influences, and British colonial era. The state preserves remarkable historical monuments that tell stories of its glorious past.

Ancient Period Sites (Before 800 CE)

1. Jageshwar Dham

Location: Almora District Period: 7th-12th Century CE

A cluster of 124 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, representing the finest examples of Nagara-style architecture.

Key Features:

• Jageshwar Temple (main shrine)

• Mrityunjay Temple

• Inscriptions dating to 7th century

• Dense deodar forest setting

2. Baijnath Temple

Location: Bageshwar District Period: 1150 CE (Katyuri period)

One of the finest Katyuri-era temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath (lord of physicians).

Highlights:

• Intricate stone carvings

• Gomti River setting

• Katyuri architectural style

• Annual Shivratri fair

3. Katarmal Sun Temple

Location: Near Almora Period: 9th Century CE

The second most important sun temple in India after Konark, built by the Katyuri kings.

Special Features:

• Main shrine faces east

• 45 smaller shrines surrounding

• Unique Kumaoni architecture

• Spectacular sunrise experience

4. Dwara Hat Temples

Location: Near Ranikhet Period: 10th-12th Century CE

A group of ancient temples showcasing Katyuri craftsmanship.

Includes:

• Maniyan Temple

• Kacheri Temple

• Ancient stone sculptures

Medieval Period Sites (800-1700 CE)

5. Champawat

Location: Champawat District Period: Chand Dynasty Capital (7th-18th century)

The ancient capital of the Kumaon kings offers remarkable architectural heritage.

Key Sites:

• Baleshwar Temple (exquisite carvings)

• Ek Hathiya ka Naula (single-hand carved step well)

• Nagnath Temple

• Chand Fort ruins

6. Almora

Location: District Headquarters Period: 1560 CE onwards (Chand Dynasty)

Founded by Raja Kalyan Chand, Almora served as the capital of Kumaon for centuries.

Historical Attractions:

• Almora Fort remnants

• Nanda Devi Temple

• Lala Bazaar (ancient market)

• Stone-paved streets

7. Srinagar (Garhwal)

Location: Pauri District Period: Medieval Garhwal Capital

The ancient capital of Garhwal kingdom before it was destroyed by floods.

Sites to Visit:

• Dhari Devi Temple

• Shankaracharya Math

• Kamalkeswar Temple

8. Pithoragarh Fort (Soar)

Location: Pithoragarh Period: Built by Gorkhas (1789)

A fort constructed by the Gorkhas during their occupation of Kumaon.

Features:

• Strategic hilltop location

• Panoramic valley views

• Colonial modifications

Colonial Era Sites (1815-1947)

9. Nainital

Location: Nainital District Period: Established 1841

A classic British hill station with preserved colonial architecture.

Heritage Sites:

• Raj Bhavan (Governor's House)

• St. John in the Wilderness Church

• Victorian-era Mall Road

• The High Court building

10. Mussoorie

Location: Dehradun District Period: Established 1823

The "Queen of Hills" retains significant colonial heritage.

Colonial Landmarks:

• Christ Church

• Landour Bazaar

• George Everest's House

• Gun Hill Tower

11. Ranikhet

Location: Almora District Period: Established 1869

A cantonment town with preserved British-era structures.

Historical Places:

• Kumaon Regimental Museum

• Chaubatia Gardens

• Golf Course (oldest in India)

• Colonial bungalows

12. Lansdowne

Location: Pauri District Period: Established 1887

Named after Lord Lansdowne, this quiet cantonment preserves colonial charm.

Attractions:

• Garhwal Rifles Regimental Museum

• St. Mary's Church

• War Memorial

• Colonial architecture

Archaeological Sites

13. Lakhu Udyar Cave

Location: Near Almora Period: Prehistoric (10,000+ years old)

Rock paintings depicting prehistoric human life in the Kumaon Himalayas.

Features:

• Ancient cave paintings

• Human and animal figures

• Archaeological significance

14. Binsar

Location: Almora District Period: 10th-11th Century CE

Ruins of temples and historical structures amidst dense forests.

Sites:

• Bineshwar Temple

• Wildlife Sanctuary

• Zero Point

Heritage Tour Itineraries

Kumaon Heritage Circuit (6-7 Days)

• Day 1: Arrive Kathgodam, drive to Almora

• Day 2: Katarmal Sun Temple, Almora town

• Day 3: Jageshwar temple complex

• Day 4: Champawat heritage sites

• Day 5: Pithoragarh, Chandak viewpoint

• Day 6: Ranikhet, Chaubatia

• Day 7: Nainital, departure

Garhwal Heritage Circuit (5-6 Days)

• Day 1: Dehradun, FRI, Tapkeshwar

• Day 2: Mussoorie heritage walk

• Day 3: Landour, George Everest's House

• Day 4: Lansdowne, Regimental Museum

• Day 5: Srinagar, Dhari Devi Temple

• Day 6: Return to Dehradun

Museums Worth Visiting

• Kumaon Regimental Museum, Ranikhet

- Military history and artifacts

• Garhwal Rifles Museum, Lansdowne

- Regimental memorabilia

• Anthropological Museum, Almora

- Local cultural artifacts

• Tibetan Museum, Dehradun

- Tibetan heritage collection

Conservation Status

Many historical sites in Uttarakhand are:

• ASI protected monuments

• State heritage sites

• In need of preservation efforts

• Being documented for UNESCO consideration

Conclusion

Uttarakhand's historical heritage is as impressive as its natural beauty. From prehistoric caves to Katyuri temples, from medieval forts to colonial hill stations, the state offers a fascinating journey through time. Explore these living monuments with Travel My Bharat's curated heritage tours!