7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Nainital, Mussoorie, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar
Friday, December 1: Nainital
Start your trip by exploring the enchanting hill station of Nainital. In the morning, take a boat ride on the picturesque Naini Lake and visit the famous Naina Devi Temple. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the Mall Road, known for its shops and restaurants, and don't miss the stunning views from Tiffin Top. In the evening, go for a peaceful walk at the beautiful Eco Cave Gardens.
Naini Lake Boat Ride: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Naina Devi Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Mall Road: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
Tiffin Top: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Eco Cave Gardens: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Nainital is Café Chica, known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop, a cozy eatery that serves a variety of cuisines including Indian and Italian. The average cost for a lunch meal is about ₹400 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Zooby's Kitchen, a charming restaurant that offers a range of North Indian and Chinese dishes. The average cost for a dinner meal is about ₹500 per person.
Saturday, December 2: Mussoorie
Head to the scenic hill station of Mussoorie. Morning begins with a visit to the iconic Kempty Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip. Explore the bustling Mall Road in the afternoon, shop for souvenirs, and savor local delicacies. In the evening, take a cable car ride to Gun Hill and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Kempty Falls: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Mall Road: Cost varies, 3-4 hours
Cable Car to Gun Hill: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try the charming Little Llama Cafe, located near Kempty Falls. Indulge in their delicious pancakes and coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, head to The Tavern Restaurant, situated on Mall Road. Enjoy their wide variety of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
For dinner, dine at Urban Turban, a trendy restaurant known for its fusion cuisine. Try their signature dishes like Butter Chicken Pizza and Tandoori Momos. Average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Sunday, December 3: Dehradun
Visit the vibrant city of Dehradun. Start your day with a visit to the tranquil Robber's Cave, followed by a trip to Tapkeshwar Temple, known for its natural cave and a flowing river. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Malsi Deer Park, home to various wildlife species. In the evening, take a walk at the illuminated Clock Tower and indulge in some local street food.
Robber's Cave: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Tapkeshwar Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Malsi Deer Park: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Clock Tower: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Café de Hills: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Café de Hills, located near Robber's Cave. This cozy café offers a variety of options, including fluffy pancakes and delicious omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Mainland China: For a delicious lunch, head to Mainland China in Dehradun. This restaurant serves mouthwatering Chinese cuisine, from dim sum to sizzling noodles. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Black Pepper Restaurant: End your day with a memorable dinner at Black Pepper Restaurant. With its charming ambiance and delectable Indian and continental dishes, this place is perfect for a relaxing dinner. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Monday, December 4: Rishikesh
Experience the spiritual town of Rishikesh. Begin your day with a morning yoga session by the river Ganges. Explore the famous Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges in the afternoon and visit the Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles stayed and meditated. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
Yoga Session: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Beatles Ashram: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Chotiwala Restaurant in Rishikesh. Enjoy a variety of Indian and Continental breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Savour a hearty lunch at Bistro Nirvana in Rishikesh. This rooftop restaurant offers a panoramic view of the city while serving mouth-watering Indian and Italian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at The Sitting Elephant in Rishikesh. This cozy restaurant offers a wide range of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Rishikesh (Day Trip to Haridwar)
Take a day trip to the holy city of Haridwar. Begin your day with a visit to Har Ki Pauri, the famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges. Explore the various temples and ashrams in the afternoon, including Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri in the evening.
Har Ki Pauri: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Mansa Devi Temple: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Chandi Devi Temple: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 6: Rishikesh
Enjoy another day exploring the serene town of Rishikesh. In the morning, visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, located amidst the mountains. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the banks of the Ganges or indulge in adventure activities like river rafting. In the evening, take a peaceful walk at Triveni Ghat and witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Free entry, 2-3 hours
River Rafting: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Triveni Ghat: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 7: Departure
Enjoy your last day in Rishikesh with a relaxing morning yoga session by the river Ganges. Spend the remaining time exploring local markets and collecting souvenirs. Depart from Rishikesh in the afternoon for your onward journey.
Yoga Session: Cost varies, 1-2 hours
Local Market Shopping: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, consider visiting Daksh Prajapati Temple in Kankhal, Haridwar, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its peaceful atmosphere and intricate architecture. Another hidden gem is Sahastradhara in Dehradun, a stunning waterfall surrounded by limestone formations. Families can also enjoy a visit to the Rajaji National Park near Haridwar, where they can spot various wildlife species in their natural habitat.