A Week in Northern India: Nainital, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Auli

1. Saturday, September 30: Nainital
   5 hours 30 minutes (166 miles) from Delhi

   Start your adventure with a visit to Nainital, a picturesque hill station known for its beautiful lakes and stunning landscapes. In the morning, explore the famous Naini Lake and take a leisurely boat ride. In the afternoon, visit Naina Devi Temple and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, take a stroll along Mall Road and indulge in local street food.

   • Boat Ride on Naini Lake: ₹200, 1 hour
   • Naina Devi Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
2. Sunday, October 1: Mussoorie
   5 hours 30 minutes (174 miles) from Nainital

   Head to Mussoorie, the 'Queen of Hills,' famous for its lush green hills and colonial charm. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kempty Falls and enjoy a refreshing dip in the cascading water. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to Gun Hill for breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. In the evening, explore the bustling Mall Road and try local Tibetan cuisine.

   • Kempty Falls: ₹100, 2-3 hours
   • Cable Car Ride to Gun Hill: ₹100, 1 hour
3. Monday, October 2: Rishikesh
   2 hours 30 minutes (78 miles) from Mussoorie

   Visit the spiritual town of Rishikesh, known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World.' Start your day with a yoga session on the banks of the holy Ganges River. In the afternoon, visit the famous Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula suspension bridges. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

   • Yoga Session: ₹300, 1-2 hours
   • Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula: Free, 2 hours
   • Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Free, 1 hour
4. Tuesday, October 3: Auli
   9 hours (203 miles) from Rishikesh

   Embark on a scenic journey to Auli, a breathtaking hill station nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Enjoy mesmerizing views of the snow-capped peaks during a cable car ride to Auli from Joshimath. In the afternoon, indulge in thrilling skiing or take a leisurely trek through the picturesque meadows. In the evening, relax and soak in the pristine natural beauty.

   • Cable Car Ride to Auli: ₹750, 30 minutes
   • Skiing or Trekking in Auli: ₹500-2000 (depending on the activity), 2-4 hours

Recommendations

Are there any other local attractions, events, or experiences I should also consider? How about day trips? Any good ideas on how to get the most for my money and have a lot of fun?

While visiting these destinations, you can also consider exploring the following attractions:

• Jim Corbett National Park: Take a day trip from Nainital to experience wildlife safaris and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
• Haridwar: Visit the holy city of Haridwar, just a short distance from Rishikesh, to witness the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri and explore ancient temples.

To get the most out of your trip, make sure to book your hotel and flight in advance. You can check prices and availability here.