Foodie's Delight in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Auli, Chopta, Bhimtal, and Kausani
Tuesday, August 8: Haridwar
Start your foodie adventure in Haridwar by experiencing the famous evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri ghat. In the morning, visit the bustling streets of Haridwar and try local delicacies like aloo puri, kachori, and jalebi. Indulge in a traditional thali for lunch at a local restaurant. In the evening, explore the local street food scene at the Har Ki Pauri market, where you can try chaat, pakoras, and lassi.
Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2-3 hours
Local Street Food: ₹500 ($7) per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mohan Ji Puri Wale, known for their crispy and flavorful aloo puris. A meal here costs around INR 100 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hoshiyarpur Dhaba, a popular local spot famous for their traditional thali. A meal here costs around INR 200 per person.
In the evening, dine at Mathura Vaishno Bhojnalya for an authentic dinner experience. This restaurant is known for its wide variety of vegetarian dishes and the average cost for a meal is around INR 300 per person.
Wednesday, August 9: Rishikesh
Head to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world. Start your day with a healthy vegetarian breakfast at one of the many yoga cafes in the town. Afterward, take a walk along the banks of the Ganges and visit the iconic Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. For lunch, enjoy a traditional Indian thali at a riverside restaurant. In the evening, savor the flavors of Rishikesh by trying local dishes like aloo tikki, momos, and falafel.
Yoga Cafe Breakfast: ₹300 ($4) per person, 1-2 hours
Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula: Free, 2-3 hours
Local Cuisine: ₹500 ($7) per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For a wholesome vegetarian breakfast, head to the famous Chotiwala Restaurant in Rishikesh. They serve delicious Indian breakfast dishes like dosa, idli, and paratha. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a traditional Indian thali lunch, visit the popular Little Buddha Cafe. Located by the Ganges, they offer a variety of vegetarian dishes served in a thali. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, try the Oasis Restaurant in Rishikesh. Known for its serene ambience and delicious food, they serve a wide range of cuisines including Indian, Asian, and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Thursday, August 10: Mussoorie
Travel to the scenic hill station of Mussoorie. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local bakery, where you can try freshly baked pastries and cakes. Explore the Mall Road, lined with shops and restaurants, and indulge in some retail therapy. For lunch, taste the flavors of the mountains with local dishes like kachmauli, chicken stew, and garhwal dal. In the evening, enjoy a refreshing cup of tea or coffee at a scenic viewpoint.
Breakfast at a Bakery: ₹200 ($3) per person, 1-2 hours
Mall Road: Free, 3-4 hours
Mountain Cuisine: ₹800 ($11) per person, 2-3 hours
Scenic Viewpoint: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at The Little Bakery, a cozy breakfast spot that offers a wide variety of freshly baked pastries and cakes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For a traditional lunch experience, head to Kalsang, a local restaurant famous for its authentic Tibetan and Chinese cuisine. Try their kachmauli, chicken stew, and garhwal dal. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at The Pavilion, a charming restaurant known for its picturesque setting and delectable Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 800 per person.
Friday, August 11: Auli
Embark on an adventure to Auli, a picturesque skiing destination. Start your day with a warm and hearty breakfast at your hotel. Spend the morning exploring the snow-covered slopes and enjoying panoramic views of the Himalayas. For lunch, savor the local cuisine with dishes like khatta mitha chicken and gahat ki dal. In the evening, relax by a bonfire and enjoy a barbecue dinner under the starry sky.
Hotel Breakfast: Included, 1-2 hours
Skiing and Sightseeing: ₹2,000 ($28) per person, 4-5 hours
Local Cuisine: ₹800 ($11) per person, 2-3 hours
Bonfire and Barbecue Dinner: ₹1,000 ($14) per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Clifftop Club, where you can enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
Indulge in a flavorful lunch at Café Buransh, known for its authentic Garhwali cuisine. Try their signature dish of khatta mitha chicken, which perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
For dinner, head to The Buzz, a cozy restaurant offering a wide range of barbecue options. Feast on succulent grilled meats and enjoy the enchanting ambiance of the outdoor seating area. Average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Saturday, August 12: Chopta
Proceed to Chopta, known as the "Mini Switzerland of India." Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel. Explore the scenic beauty of Chopta by trekking to the Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature. In the evening, unwind with a cup of hot chocolate and delicious snacks at a local cafe.
Hotel Breakfast: Included, 1-2 hours
Trek to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak: ₹500 ($7) per person, 5-6 hours
Packed Lunch: ₹300 ($4) per person, 1 hour
Cafe Snacks: ₹200 ($3) per person, 1-2 hours
Sunday, August 13: Bhimtal
Head to the tranquil town of Bhimtal, famous for its serene lakes. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a lakeside cafe. Explore the Bhimtal Lake and enjoy boating amidst the scenic surroundings. For lunch, try local delicacies like bhatt ki churkani, kumaoni raita, and mandua ki roti. In the evening, relax by the lake and witness the beautiful sunset.
Lakeside Cafe Breakfast: ₹300 ($4) per person, 2-3 hours
Bhimtal Lake: ₹200 ($3) per person, 2-3 hours
Local Cuisine: ₹500 ($7) per person, 2-3 hours
Lakeside Sunset: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Lakeside Cafe, overlooking the serene Bhimtal Lake. Indulge in their sumptuous offerings of pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Taste of Kumaon restaurant. Savor the authentic flavors of Kumaoni cuisine with dishes like bhatt ki churkani, kumaoni raita, and mandua ki roti. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Sunset View Restaurant, located by the lakeside. Enjoy delectable North Indian and Chinese dishes while soaking in the stunning sunset view. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, August 14: Kausani
Conclude your foodie journey in Kausani, a hill station known for its tea gardens. Start your day with a refreshing tea tasting experience at a tea estate. Explore the scenic viewpoints in Kausani and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. For lunch, indulge in local dishes like kumaoni thali and bhang chutney. In the evening, relax with a cup of herbal tea and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Tea Tasting Experience: ₹500 ($7) per person, 2-3 hours
Scenic Viewpoints: Free, 3-4 hours
Local Cuisine: ₹800 ($11) per person, 2-3 hours
Herbal Tea: ₹100 ($2) per person, 1-2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
As a foodie, don't miss the opportunity to explore the local street food scenes in each destination. In Haridwar, try the famous kachoris at Mohanji Puri Wale or the chaat at Hoshiyar Puri. In Rishikesh, visit Chotiwala Restaurant for delicious North Indian cuisine. In Mussoorie, don't miss the momos at Kalsang Friends Corner. In Auli, try the local Garhwali cuisine at Auli D's Food Plaza. In Chopta, have a meal at Maggi Point, known for its mouthwatering Maggi noodles. In Bhimtal, visit I Heart Cafe for delectable desserts. In Kausani, sample the local jams and preserves at Kausani Tea Estate.