UTTARAKHAND
The famed town of Badrinath is among the four dominant Char Dham pilgrimage sites of India as well as the Chota Char Dham. It is perched at an average elevation of 3,300 metres (10827 feet) above sea level on the banks of Alaknanda River.
This holy town is named after the Badrinath temple dedicated to the preserver, Lord Vishnu. Many Hindu devotees are smitten by the charm of this holy shrine as it showcases the traditional Garhwali wooden architecture.
Kedarnath is a holy Hindu town located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand in India. It is one of the Char Dhams located in the Himalayas. Kedarnath is situated at an astonishing height of 3584 meters above sea level near the head of Mandakini River.
The Kedarnath temple lies amidst the majestic snow-capped Garhwal Himalayan ranges and is thronged by lakhs of tourists every year.
Jageshwar is situated at an elevation of 1,870 mts above sea level and at a distance of 37 kms from Almora. Jageshwar is an important tourist destination of Kumaon and receives thousands of visitors every year. It is situated amidst dense Deodar forest with a stream flowing at its backyard.
Gangotri is a small town centered around the temple of Gangotri temple and is one of the holy places among the four Char Dhams. It is the highest and the most important temple of river Ganga which is worshiped as a Goddess in India.
The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri glacier that can be accessed by a short 19 km trek from Gangotri. But according to Hindu mythology, Gangotri is the place where river Ganga descended from heaven when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from his luscious locks.
The source of River Yamuna, Yamunotri is also one of the four sites of Char Dham pilgrimage. Yamunotri is located at a height of 3293 mts above sea level and located in Uttarkashi district. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides and lies in close proximity of the Indo-China border. It is known for offering peace and tranquillity to its visitors.
The Bandarpunch Mountain is at a height of 6315 mts and lies north of Yamunotri. Yamunotri is at a distance of 236 km from Rishikesh, 21 km from Sayaan Chatti 278 km from Dehradun, and 176 km from Chamba.
Tungnath Temple peacefully adorned on the Chandranath Parvat is the highest Shiva temple in the world and the highest Panch Kedar temple of Uttarakhand.
It is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath is perched at an elevation of 3, 680 metres above sea level and is considered to be more than 1,000 years old.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred and famous temple located at 32 kms from Rishikesh. Scenically situated on a hill at a height of 1330 mtrs, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a one of the most popular temples of Lord Shiva.
Nellkanth Temple is a famous pilgrimage near Rishikesh, the temple lies above Swargashram adjacent to Nar Narayan mountain range.
On the banks of Alaknanda river, the holy temple of Goddess Dhari Devi is located between Srinagar and Rudraprayag on Badrinath Road. Dhari Devi Temple diety is Maa Dhari Devi.
Now relocated from 20 meter high rock to man made structure in 2013, Dhari Devi Temple is the centre of faith for the people of Garhwal.
The famous Temple of Chitai Almora is the Golu Devta Chitai temple, dedicated to Gollu or Goljyu Devta an Avtar (incarnation) of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairav. Although there are many temples of Golu Devta in Almora but the Chitai Golu Devta Temple is the most sacred one. It is reputed to make every wish come true, provided the worshipper ask for it with a clear conscience. The temple is situated at 9kms from Almora.
In the tranquil vistas of Kumaon, lies a sacred temple of Nanda Devi, an incarnation of the Hindu Goddess Durga. This holy shrine is located in the heart of Almora city. Many Hindu pilgrims religiously visit this temple as Nanda Devi is considered to be the “Destroyer of Evil” and the saviour of the denizens of Kumaon as well as other regions of Uttarakhand.
Popular second home locations in Uttarakhand include established hill stations like Mussoorie and Nainital,known for their colonial charm and scenery. Dehradun and Haldwani are also popular for their infrastructure and connectivity. Other favored spots are Mukteshwar, Almora, Ranikhet, Dhanaulti, and Kandakhal.
Dehradun:
The capital city offers good connectivity, educational institutions, and a peaceful lifestyle. Dehradun’s second home market is driven by its appeal as a peaceful destination with potential for property value aappreciation. Popular areas include Rajpur Road, Sahastradhara Road, and Mussoorie Road.
- Rajpur Road: Considered one of the most posh and popular areas for real estate investment.
- Sahastradhara Road: Another well-regarded area for purchasing property.
- Mussoorie Road: An attractive destination, especially for those looking for a second home.
- Indra Nagar Colony: A notable area for residential property.
- Vikasnagar: A location worth considering for property investment.
Mussoorie:
Famous for its colonial charm, picturesque views, and pleasant weather. The second home market in Mussoorie is experiencing a surge in demand, driven by urban buyers from the NCR and other cities seeking peace and a lifestyle change. The market offers flats, independent houses, cottages, and villas.
Key trends in the Mussoorie second home market
- Steady property appreciation: Property rates have shown consistent growth, with land values rising up to 15% annually in some areas.
- Infrastructure development: Ongoing and planned projects, such as the Dehradun–Mussoorie Ropeway, are expected to boost values.
- Diversified investment options: Choices include land, ready-to-move homes, and under-construction projects.
- Rental income potential: Tourism-driven rentals via short-term platforms offer income opportunities.
Factors to consider before buying
- High costs in prime areas: Locations near Mall Road often come at a premium.
- Limited new supply: Demand often exceeds supply in prime zones.
- High maintenance demands: Hill properties require regular upkeep.
- Regulations for agricultural land: Restrictions may apply outside municipal limits.
Nainital:
A well-known tourist destination in the Kumaon region with growing demand for homestays. Popular second home locations include Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Bhowali, and Ramgarh.
- Mukteshwar: Known for its serene environment and holiday home projects.
- Bhimtal: A popular option with 3–4 BHK villas available for resale.
- Bhowali: Developing infrastructure and growing appeal for second homes.
- Ramgarh: Another sought-after destination for owning a second home.
Rishikesh:
A spiritual hub that is also becoming a popular residential and investment location. Popular locations for a second home in Rishikesh include Tapovan, Laxman Jhula, and Muni Ki Reti, known for their spiritual ambience and access to amenities like yoga schools and cafes. Shivpuri is another option, appealing to adventure enthusiasts due to its proximity to white-water rafting.
- Tapovan: A tranquil area known for its scenic beauty and numerous yoga schools and ashrams.
- Laxman Jhula: Popular for its iconic suspension bridge and vibrant atmosphere with guesthouses, cafes, and temples.
- Muni Ki Reti: Located on the banks of the Ganges, offering a blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance.
- Shivpuri: Ideal for adventure lovers with easy access to rafting and trekking.
- Swarg Ashram: A serene riverside area known for its peaceful environment and spiritual centers.
Haridwar:
Another major spiritual center with increasing real estate demand due to tourism. The second home market in Haridwar is growing due to its strong tourism, spiritual importance, and potential for capital appreciation and rental income. Popular areas include Patanjali, Suman Nagar, Jwalapur, and locations along NH-58.
- Growth drivers: Strong tourism and spiritual appeal create consistent demand for second homes and rentals.
- Investment potential: Attractive for capital growth and rental yields supported by modern infrastructure.
- Property types: Apartments, ready-to-move projects, and residential plots are available.
Dhanaulti:
An increasingly popular destination offering a quieter alternative to Mussoorie. Dhanaulti is known for its stunning natural beauty, including views of the snow-capped Himalayas, lush green valleys, and dense forests. It is also popular for adventure sports like paragliding, zip-lining, and camping, along with spiritual sites such as the Surkanda Devi Temple.
- Himalayan views: Panoramic views of snow-covered mountains make it a major attraction.
- Forests and valleys: Dense forests and beautiful valleys provide a peaceful hill-station lifestyle.
Mukteshwar:
Known for its pleasant weather and scenic beauty, Mukteshwar is a popular choice for a quiet getaway and second homes, offering panoramic Himalayan views and a peaceful environment.
Ranikhet:
A popular destination, particularly favored by those looking for a peaceful setting post-retirement. Ranikhet offers lush greenery, colonial-era charm, and a calm lifestyle.
Almora:
Offers a blend of traditional culture and modern influences, surrounded by rhododendron and pine forests.Almora is famous for its picturesque hill-station views of the Himalayas, unique cultural heritage, traditional handicrafts, and distinct local cuisine.
Cultural and historical sites
- Temples: Almora is home to several ancient and important temples, including the intricately carved Nanda Devi Temple, Chitai Golu Temple, and the hilltop Kasar Devi Temple. The nearby Jageshwar Dham is a large complex of ancient temples.
- Katarmal Sun Temple: An 800-year-old Sun Temple and one of the finest examples of Kumaon rock architecture.
- Museums: The Govind Ballabh Pant Government Museum offers insights into the region’s history and culture.
Natural beauty and viewpoints
- Panoramic Views: Located on a ridge, Almora provides sweeping views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
- Bright End Corner: Famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the mountains.
- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: A protected area near Almora known for its rich biodiversity.
Local crafts and food
- Handicrafts: Local markets, especially Lal Bagh Market, are known for Angora wool products, bronze and brassware, and handmade jewelry.
- Cuisine: Almora is famous for its local cuisine, particularly the sweet delicacy Bal Mithai, made from roasted khoya.