7-Day Family Friendly Uttarakhand Itinerary

Friday, September 8: Nainital

Start your trip by visiting the scenic Nainital Lake in the morning. Enjoy a boat ride and soak in the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the Naina Devi Temple which offers stunning views of the lake. As the evening sets in, take a stroll along the Mall Road and indulge in shopping and local delicacies.

• Nainital Lake: Estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 2 hours
• Naina Devi Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Mall Road: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2 hours

Saturday, September 9: Jim Corbett National Park

Embark on an early morning jeep safari in Jim Corbett National Park. Explore the diverse wildlife including tigers, elephants, and deer. In the afternoon, visit the Garjia Devi Temple, located atop a hill. End the day with a relaxing riverside picnic on the banks of River Kosi.

• Jeep Safari: Estimated cost - INR 3,000 per vehicle, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Garjia Devi Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Riverside Picnic: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2 hours

Sunday, September 10: Mussoorie

Begin the day by visiting Kempty Falls and enjoying a refreshing dip in the cascading waters. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to Gun Hill, the second-highest peak in Mussoorie, and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the evening, explore the famous Mall Road and indulge in local street food.

• Kempty Falls: Estimated cost - INR 40, Time spent - 2 hours
• Gun Hill: Estimated cost - INR 75, Time spent - 1 hour
• Mall Road: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2 hours

Monday, September 11: Rishikesh

Start the day with a visit to the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the River Ganges. Explore the ashrams and temples in the area. In the afternoon, experience the thrill of river rafting in the holy Ganges. End the day with the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat.

• Lakshman Jhula: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• River Rafting: Estimated cost - INR 1,500 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Ganga Aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Tuesday, September 12: Haridwar

Start the day by visiting Har Ki Pauri, the most sacred ghat in Haridwar, and witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony. Explore the bustling markets and taste the famous Haridwar street food. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the hilltop Mansa Devi Temple for panoramic views.

• Har Ki Pauri: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Mansa Devi Temple: Estimated cost - INR 170 for cable car, Time spent - 2 hours
• Exploring Markets & Street Food: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, September 13: Almora

Visit the ancient Kasar Devi Temple and enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Explore the bright and vibrant markets of Almora, known for their unique handicrafts. In the afternoon, visit the famous Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and spot a variety of flora and fauna.

• Kasar Devi Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Exploring Markets: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2 hours
• Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 150, Time spent - 3-4 hours

Thursday, September 14: Ranikhet

Begin the day by visiting the Jhula Devi Temple, known for its legend and hundreds of bells. Explore the beautiful Chaubatia Gardens and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst apple orchards. In the afternoon, visit the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum and learn about the Indian Army's history.

• Jhula Devi Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Chaubatia Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 20, Time spent - 2 hours
• Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum: Estimated cost - INR 50, Time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary near Nainital, where you can spot a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. Another hidden gem is the Kausani Tea Estate, where you can learn about tea production and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas. Locals also love the tranquil village of Chopta, known as the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand," for its stunning natural beauty and trekking opportunities.

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