Family-Friendly Itinerary in Uttarakhand: Exploring the Natural Beauty
Monday, October 16: Arrival in Dehradun
Welcome to Uttarakhand! Start your journey by arriving at Dehradun, the capital city. Spend the morning exploring the Robber's Cave, a stunning natural limestone cave formation. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Sahastradhara, known for its medicinal sulfur waterfalls. Enjoy a peaceful evening walk along the Mall Road, lined with shops and eateries.
Robber's Cave: Entry Fee: INR 25, Time Spent: 2 hours
Sahastradhara: Entry Fee: INR 10, Time Spent: 3 hours
Mall Road: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Oberoi's Café: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Oberoi's Café, known for its cozy ambiance and mouth-watering selection of pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Chhaya Café: For a delightful lunch experience, head to Chhaya Café, a charming eatery with a serene outdoor seating area. Their menu offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including salads, sandwiches, and wraps. The average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Orchard Restaurant: Indulge in a delectable dinner at Orchard Restaurant, famous for its warm hospitality and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. They specialize in North Indian cuisine and serve a range of dishes, including tandoori kebabs and aromatic biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Tuesday, October 17: Mussoorie
Head to the enchanting hill station of Mussoorie. Morning time is perfect for a visit to Kempty Falls, where you can enjoy the cascading water and take a dip in the pool. In the afternoon, explore the Gun Hill viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Wrap up the day with a visit to the vibrant Mall Road, famous for its shopping and street food.
Kempty Falls: Entry Fee: INR 150, Time Spent: 3 hours
Gun Hill: Cable Car Ride Fee: INR 75, Time Spent: 2 hours
Mall Road: Free, Time Spent: 3 hours
Restaurants
A quaint cafe called Cafe By The Way is a great breakfast spot in Mussoorie. They offer a variety of freshly baked pastries and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to the popular Urban Turban restaurant. They serve delicious Indian and international cuisine, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dining experience at Kalsang Friends Corner for dinner. This Tibetan restaurant offers a wide range of mouthwatering momos and other Tibetan delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 18: Nainital
Travel to the charming lakeside town of Nainital. Start the day with a boat ride on the serene Naini Lake, surrounded by lush green hills. In the afternoon, visit the famous Naina Devi Temple and enjoy a cable car ride to Snow View Point for breathtaking vistas. Explore the bustling Mall Road in the evening, known for its local handicrafts and sweets.
Naini Lake Boat Ride: INR 200 per person, Time Spent: 2 hours
Naina Devi Temple: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Snow View Point Cable Car: INR 150, Time Spent: 2 hours
Mall Road: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
Thursday, October 19: Jim Corbett National Park
Embark on a thrilling wildlife adventure at Jim Corbett National Park. Start your morning with a jungle safari to spot tigers, elephants, and various wildlife species. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Corbett Waterfall for a refreshing experience. Spend the evening relaxing at your resort in the park.
Jungle Safari: Entry Fee: INR 4,500 per jeep, Time Spent: 5 hours
Corbett Waterfall: Entry Fee: INR 50, Time Spent: 2 hours
Accommodation in Jim Corbett National Park: Prices vary, check here
Friday, October 20: Rishikesh
Explore the spiritual town of Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, suspension bridges over the Ganges. Attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Wrap up the day by exploring the vibrant markets of Rishikesh.
Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Free, Time Spent: 2 hours
Ganga Aarti Ceremony: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Exploring Markets: Prices vary, Time Spent: 2 hours
Saturday, October 21: Haridwar
Visit the holy city of Haridwar, located on the banks of the Ganges River. Begin the morning with a spiritual dip in the sacred Har Ki Pauri ghat. Explore the temples of Haridwar, including Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple. Attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri in the evening.
Har Ki Pauri: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Mansa Devi Temple: Cable Car Fee: INR 100, Time Spent: 2 hours
Chandi Devi Temple: Cable Car Fee: INR 100, Time Spent: 2 hours
Sunday, October 22: Departure from Dehradun
Say goodbye to the beautiful state of Uttarakhand. Spend the morning exploring Dehradun's Forest Research Institute, a renowned research center with stunning architecture. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Clock Tower and indulge in some last-minute shopping. Depart from Dehradun with cherished memories of your family-friendly Uttarakhand adventure.
Forest Research Institute: Entry Fee: INR 100, Time Spent: 2 hours
Clock Tower: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Uttarakhand offers several hidden gems and local favorites for families to explore. Consider visiting the lesser-known Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary near Nainital, where you can spot a variety of migratory and resident birds. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is Binsar, a charming hill station known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas. Families can also enjoy camping and adventure activities in the serene hill town of Kanatal. These hidden gems provide an opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories for the whole family.