Fly from Pune to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport; a connection may be needed, so check schedules before choosing flights. Build in time to reach Pune airport, check in, collect bags and meet your driver—this is a substantial travel day, not just the flight plus a short drive. From the airport, allow roughly 45–75 minutes by pre-arranged taxi to Rishikesh, depending on traffic and where you’re staying. Confirm your pickup in advance, especially if your flight lands late, and keep the rest of the day flexible around your actual arrival.
Once you’ve checked in, head to Triveni Ghat for a gentle first look at the Ganges. Allow about 1–1.5 hours; the evening aarti is usually around sunset, but the exact timing varies, so check locally that day. Arrive early if you want a good place to stand, and expect crowds. If your flight runs late or you’re tired, enjoy the ghat without trying to make the ceremony.
Afterward, go to Chotiwala Restaurant near Ram Jhula for North Indian vegetarian food; budget around ₹250–500 per person. It’s a few kilometres from Triveni Ghat, so a taxi or auto-rickshaw is easier than walking at the end of a travel day; agree on the fare before setting off. Check the restaurant’s current opening hours when you arrive, as timing can vary.
Start at The Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) in Swarg Ashram while it’s still cool; allow 1½–2 hours for the forest paths and murals. Check the current opening hours, entry fee and access arrangements before leaving, as these can change. From central Rishikesh, take an auto or taxi to the Swarg Ashram side; walking between the ashram and the next stop is easiest once you’re there.
Walk to Parmarth Niketan for about an hour in its riverside grounds and gardens. Keep your visit low-key and follow any visitor guidance on site. Then head toward Little Buddha Cafe near Laxman Jhula for lunch; budget roughly ₹400–800 per person. Bridge access in this area can change, so check locally and allow extra time for the crossing or a road transfer rather than assuming a particular pedestrian route is open.
Continue north of Laxman Jhula to Neer Garh Waterfall. Set aside 2–3 hours for the approach and time at the falls; the trail can be steep and slippery, so wear shoes with good grip and carry water. Ask your driver or hotel to confirm the trail is open and conditions are safe after any recent rain. A taxi is the simplest way to reach the trailhead; agree on a pickup plan before setting off, as transport may be less convenient on the return.
Allow the morning for the Rishikesh–Mussoorie transfer, checkout and a proper check-in before heading out; Saturday traffic can make the drive run longer than expected. From your hotel, take a local taxi to Company Garden on Landour Road. Give the landscaped paths and flowerbeds about an hour; it’s an easy, low-key first stop after the move. Entry is typically around ₹25 per person, with any rides or boating charged separately. Hours and fees can change, so confirm locally before setting off.
Head back towards central Mussoorie for a relaxed walk along Mall Road—browse the shops, enjoy the hill views, and don’t feel you need to cover every stretch. It’s liveliest around dusk and can be busy on a Saturday, so allow 1–2 hours and check your hotel’s preferred pickup point if you’re staying away from the centre.
Finish at Kalsang Friends Corner on Mall Road for Tibetan and Asian dishes; budget roughly ₹400–800 per person. It’s a popular spot, so expect a possible wait at dinner time and check the exact branch and current hours before you go.
Head to Lal Tibba Scenic Point early, while the light is best and before Sunday crowds build. It’s in Landour; take a local taxi from Mussoorie and agree on a wait or return pickup, since finding a ride at the viewpoint can take time. Allow about an hour, and check locally whether the viewpoint is open and what entry or telescope fees apply. Himalayan views depend on clear weather, so don’t count on seeing the peaks through haze or cloud.
Walk or take a short taxi hop to Char Dukan for tea and a simple breakfast or snack; budget roughly ₹150–350 per person. Shops’ hours can vary, so check locally if you’re going early. Then spend 1–1½ hours wandering the old cantonment lanes around Landour Clock Tower. The roads are steep and narrow, so wear shoes with grip and take your time; a taxi back toward central Mussoorie is easier than tackling the full descent on foot.
After lunch in Mussoorie, arrange a taxi to George Everest House in Park Estate—allow 2–3 hours for the drive, visit and viewpoints, and confirm road and site access with your driver before setting out. The approach includes walking on uneven, exposed paths, so bring water, sun protection and a light layer; Sunday traffic can slow the return, so leave a generous buffer before dinner.
Check out after breakfast and take your pre-booked taxi from Mussoorie to Dehradun; allow 1.5–2.5 hours, plus time to drop bags or check in. Head first to the Forest Research Institute on Chakrata Road. The monumental colonial-era campus is worth seeing even if the museums aren’t open; visitor access and museum hours can vary, so confirm directly before setting out. Allow 1.5–2 hours, including any entry queue.
Take a taxi to Robber’s Cave (Guchhupani) in Anarwala—traffic and the winding approach can make this a 30–45-minute hop. Spend about 1–1.5 hours exploring the gorge and stream; wear shoes with good grip, as the rocks can be slick, and check local conditions if there has been heavy rain. Finish with dinner at Orchard on Rajpur Road; it’s a relaxed choice after a full day, with a rough budget of ₹700–1,200 per person. Book ahead if you have a preferred dinner time, especially if visiting with a larger group.
Take a taxi to Mindrolling Monastery in Clement Town early; allow roughly 25–40 minutes from central Dehradun, depending on traffic. Set aside 1½–2 hours for the monastery and Great Stupa, and check visitor access and timings before you go—access can vary. Keep the visit quiet and dress respectfully; confirm locally whether any areas are closed or have an entry charge.
Head to Paltan Bazaar in central Dehradun, about 20–35 minutes by taxi from Clement Town. Give yourself around an hour to browse the busy lanes and pick up local snacks or last-minute gifts; shop hours vary, so don’t leave essential purchases until the final minutes. From the bazaar, continue by taxi to Ellora’s Melting Moments on Rajpur Road for a light meal or bakery treats; budget about ₹200–450 per person.
From Rajpur Road, allow roughly 45–75 minutes by road to Jolly Grant Airport, with extra time for traffic, airport check-in and security. Choose a flight from Dehradun to Pune that leaves a generous buffer after your stop, and check the complete itinerary when booking—connections may affect the total journey considerably. Confirm your flight time and airport check-in guidance in advance, and arrange a taxi to the airport rather than relying on finding one at the last minute.
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