Large flow of pilgrims and severe traffic jam observed at Badrinath Dham temple gates before closure

The gates of the Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi will remain open to pilgrims during the sacred festivals of Diwali and Dhanteras. A temple official reported on Tuesday that the online ticket booking option for visits will be fully maintained so that pilgrims from various countries can avoid any difficulties.

Nevertheless, the temple administration has decided to temporarily suspend bookings for a specific period. According to the SDM of Kashi Vishwanath, Shambhu Sharana, all types of ticket reservations will be temporarily closed from the end of the 'Shringar Bhog Aarti', which will take place on November 9th in the afternoon, until the evening 'Saptarish Aarti' on November 10th.

According to the news agency, this decision was made to ensure the smooth completion of necessary preparatory work related to the 'Annakut' festival. Except for this specified temporary interval, the general temple visiting system, online services, and all other activities will function as usual, allowing pilgrims to visit Baba Vishwanath without hindrance.

During Dhanteras and Diwali, the temple remains open for pilgrims who wish to visit Baba Vishwanath. The option for online ticket booking for visits is also available. Furthermore, magnificent floral and lighting decorations are being held at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham for Diwali and Dhanteras. The neighboring Mata Annapurna temple is also organizing Diwali celebrations, floral decorations, and cultural events.

It is also noted that after Diwali, on November 24, 2026, Deva Diwali will take place, featuring a grand festival of a thousand lights along the banks of the Ganges and within the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

November is considered a good month for travel. After the monsoon season, the beauty of the mountains becomes especially noticeable, and along with the cold, the approach of winter begins to be felt. If you want to visit a place with beautiful lakes, snowy mountains, dense forests, and a tranquil atmosphere, you should consider Uttarakhand. It has both famous mountain resorts, such as Mussoorie and Nainital, and quieter spots, including Auli, Chopta, and Mukteshwar. Below are 10 beautiful places in Uttarakhand where you can plan a trip in November.

Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Mussoorie is an ideal option if you want to take a short mountain hike. Here you can enjoy beautiful mountain views, cafes, and many walking areas. Tourists can stroll along Mall Road and shop at nearby stores. Additionally, the Red Rock offers views of the mountains, and a walk along Camel's Back Road can be a pleasant experience. In November, there is also a chance to see the winterline in Mussoorie. At sunset, the sky is painted in beautiful layers of orange, red, and gray, although this view is not guaranteed every day. It gets colder in the evening, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing. It is important to note that snowfall in November is not a guaranteed event.

If you prefer lake relaxation, Nainital will suit you. This town is situated around Naini Lake and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Here you can go for boat trips on the lake and visit Naina Devi Temple. Walks and shopping on Mall Road are also enjoyable. If you have another day, you can visit Bhimtal and Sattal. In November, it is cool here in the morning and evening. Sometimes, due to fog or cloudiness, the mountain views can be unclear, so plan your trip based on the weather forecast.

Rishikesh is an excellent choice for those who want to combine travel with a moment of peace. Here you can sit on the banks of the Ganges, visit ashrams, and experience the atmosphere of the evening Ganga Aarti. The Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat is one of the main attractions. You can also visit the Beatles Ashram and spend time at Tapovan cafe. If you love adventure, there is an opportunity to go rafting on the river. However, the availability of rafting depends on the weather, the condition of the river, and local permits, so this information must be clarified before the trip.

Auli is perfect for those who love cool weather and high mountains. This place is known for its magnificent Himalayan views, green slopes, and skiing opportunities. In November, it starts getting quite cold here. On clear days, stunning views of the surrounding high peaks open up. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee of snowfall in Auli in November. The best time for skiing is from January to March. You can also enjoy a ride on the cable car, but its availability depends on the weather and maintenance.

If you want to spend your vacation among forests instead of mountains, consider Jim Corbett. This place is famous for its dense forests and wildlife. Here you can encounter tigers, elephants, and many species of birds. In November, you can plan a safari in the jungle. However, there is no guarantee that tigers or other animals will be spotted during the safari. Before the safari, you should inquire about permits and accessibility in advance. When choosing a hotel or resort, consider the distance to your safari zone and entry gates.

For those who wish to undertake a religious pilgrimage in a short time, Haridwar is suitable. Har Ki Pauri is one of the most famous attractions. A large number of people gather in the evening to watch the Ganga Aarti. In addition, you can visit the city's temples and shop at local markets. In November, the weather here is usually comfortable for walks, although it can be cool by the banks of the Ganges in the evening. You can also plan a trip to Rishikesh together with Haridwar.

Chopta is considered one of the most beautiful locations in Uttarakhand. Here you can admire the surrounding greenery, forests, and magnificent mountain landscapes. This place is also known for trekking to the Tungnath temple. In November, the cold intensifies significantly here. Freezing or snow is possible on high-altitude trails, which may make trekking difficult. Therefore, before visiting Tungnath, you need to check the route conditions and get information from local residents. If you like walking in the mountains and trekking, Chopta will be a good choice.

If you do not want to go to a very cold place, you can visit Dehradun. Here you can visit the Roberts Cave, walk through local markets, and spend time in nice cafes. From Dehradun, it is easy to reach Mussoorie, and this distance can be covered in just a few hours in normal traffic. In November, the weather here is favorable for walks. It is also a good option for those who want to live close to the mountains.

In the renowned Kedarnath temple complex in Uttarakhand state, snowfall has continued for the second consecutive day. Following the first heavy snowfall, the appearance of the sanctuary has completely changed: the surrounding hills are covered with a white snow cover, and the temple itself and the area around it have also begun to snow.

On one hand, the snow-covered mountains attract pilgrims, but the drop in temperature and severe cold create difficulties for travelers. The snowfall began last night and has led to a significant drop in temperature in Kedarnath, intensifying the feeling of cold, especially in open areas where pilgrims are located and moving.

After prolonged snowfalls, the peaks around Kedarnath look completely white. The area near the temple is also covered in snow. Videos have appeared online from this location showing snow falling from the sky, and the mountains covered in a white blanket.

Every year at the beginning of winter, the temperature in Kedarnath begins to drop sharply. This year, the heavy snowfall has intensified the impact of the cold. These weather changes force people arriving at the sanctuary to exercise increased caution.

The continuous snowfall for the second day in a row has led to increased cold. In such weather conditions, it is extremely important that pilgrims arriving at the sanctuary have warm clothing with them. Those traveling during the snowfall must monitor the weather conditions and take precautions.

Although the sight of Kedarnath during snowfall can be very picturesque, the drop in temperature and changeable weather remain a serious challenge for pilgrims.

Heavy snow regularly falls in Kedarnath during winter, causing the temple to close for the winter period. This year, the temple gates will close on November 11th in observance of Bhai Dooj festival at 8:30 AM. After this, the sacred procession of Baba Kedar will proceed to the Omkareshwar temple, located in Ukhimath. Worship of Baba will be conducted there during the winter. Next year, the gates will reopen at a favorable time in the summer.