5-Day Itinerary for Nainital, Mussoorie, Kanatal, and Rishikesh in August 2023

1. Day 1: Exploring Nainital
   2 hours 45 minutes (68.3 km) from Pantnagar Airport

   In the morning, visit the Naina Devi Temple, located on the northern shore of Naini Lake, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in India. In the afternoon, head to the Governor's House, a majestic building spread across 220 acres and built in Victorian Gothic architecture. End the day with a relaxing boat ride on the Naini Lake, which is surrounded by lush green hills and offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

2. Day 2: Sightseeing in Mussoorie
   2 hours 10 minutes (77.7 km) from Nainital

   Start the day by visiting the Kempty Falls, a popular tourist spot with a breathtaking view of water streaming down from the mountains. In the afternoon, hit the Mall Road, which offers stunning views of the Doon Valley and is known for its shops and street food. Finally, end the day with a visit to the Mussoorie Lake, which offers boating facilities and beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

3. Day 3: Relaxing in Kanatal
   2 hours 15 minutes (75.6 km) from Mussoorie

   Head to the Tehri Dam in the morning, the tallest dam in India and a popular tourist spot. In the afternoon, visit the Surkanda Devi Temple, an ancient temple located at an altitude of 3030 metres and known for its stunning views of the Himalayan range. End the day with a relaxing walk in the Kodia Jungle, which offers scenic views of the surrounding forests and hills.

4. Day 4: Adventure in Rishikesh
   1 hour 30 minutes (43.9 km) from Kanatal

   Start the day with an adrenaline rush by trying out river rafting on the Ganges river. In the afternoon, visit the Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge that is one of the most popular tourist spots in Rishikesh, and is believed to have been built during the epic period of Ramayana. Finally, end the day with a visit to the Beatles Ashram, an abandoned ashram where the Beatles learned Transcendental Meditation in 1968.

5. Day 5: Departure
   6 hours 45 minutes (290 km) from Rishikesh to Indira Gandhi International Airport

   Spend the morning exploring the Rajaji National Park, a perfect destination for nature lovers, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. In the afternoon, head back to Delhi for departure.

Recommendations

In addition to the itinerary above, you should consider visiting the Corbett National Park, which is about 3 hours away from Nainital and a popular tourist spot known for its tigers and elephants. A day trip to Auli, a skiing destination, is also recommended if you're visiting in the winter season. Make sure to try out the local cuisine, which includes dishes like Bal Mithai, Aloo ke Gutke, and Kumaoni Raita.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Naina Devi Temple (2 hours, free)
• Governor's House (1 hour 30 minutes, free)
• Boat ride on Naini Lake (1 hour, INR 250 per person)
• Kempty Falls (2 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Mussoorie Mall Road (2 hours, free)
• Mussoorie Lake (1 hour, INR 100 per person)
• Tehri Dam (2 hours, free)
• Surkanda Devi Temple (2 hours, free)
• Kodia Jungle (2 hours, free)
• River rafting (2 hours, INR 600 per person)
• Laxman Jhula (1 hour, free)
• Beatles Ashram (1 hour, INR 150 per person)
• Rajaji National Park (3 hours, INR 600 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1400 per person

Check hotel and flight prices here.