Leave early to cover the ~260 km to Udaipur on NH47; driving time ~5.5–6h depending on traffic. Aim to maintain comfortable breaks for a 3-friends road crew and refuel as needed (CNG/Petrol stops en route).
Stop at a clean highway dhaba near Himmatnagar/Mehsana for hot chai and paratha or a light breakfast — quick, local and road-friendly; good for stretching legs.
Check into your hotel and have lunch at a lake-facing restaurant (e.g., Jagat Niwas/ambient rooftop) to relax after the drive and enjoy Udaipur’s lake views.
Explore Udaipur City Palace complex (typically open 9:30am–5:00pm) for royal architecture, museums and panoramic lake views; great intro to the city’s history.
Quick morning stop at Saheliyon ki Bari (9:00am–5:00pm) — a pretty garden with fountains and historic charm, good as a short photo stop before leaving Udaipur.
Check into the hotel and head to Nahargarh Fort or a hill viewpoint for sunset (Nahargarh typically open 10:00am–11:00pm) to get evening skyline shots of Jaipur.
Visit Amber Fort early (open ~8:00am–5:00pm) to beat the crowds; explore the ramparts, palace rooms and Sheesh Mahal. The fort is best seen in cooler morning light.
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise (open 6:00am–6:30pm; closed on Fridays for non-worshippers) to see it in soft morning light and avoid major crowds. Note: ticket fees differ for domestic and foreign visitors.
Attend the famous Ganga Aarti (approximately 6:00–7:30pm depending on season) — a moving ritual and highlight of a Haridwar visit; it’s free though donations or a small boat ride are optional.
Early breakfast and depart for the Nainital/Kathgodam region — the mountain drive is longer (~260–300 km) and can take 7–8h, so start early to arrive before sunset.
Spend the morning at Kainchi Dham — the Neem Karoli Baba ashram is a spiritual spot with a peaceful atmosphere and local devotees; typically open early morning to evening (approx 6:00am–7:00pm).
Visit one or two nearby lake spots (Sattal, Bhimtal or Naukuchiatal are within 20–45 km) for boating, birdwatching and quiet scenic time; these spots are typically open daylight hours.
Drive to Kathgodam (approx 30–45 min) for onward trains or continue driving if your plan is to keep going. If returning to Ahmedabad by road, plan a multi-day drive from here — consider stopping overnight en route.