7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Uttarakhand

Saturday, September 2: Arrive in Dehradun

Start your Uttarakhand adventure by arriving in Dehradun, the capital city. In the morning, visit the Robber's Cave, a natural cave formation with a stream running through it. Spend the afternoon exploring the Tapkeshwar Temple, known for its Shiva lingam and stunning surroundings. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Rajpur Road and experience the local street food.

• Robber's Cave: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Tapkeshwar Temple: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1 hour
• Rajpur Road: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2 hours

Sunday, September 3: Mussoorie

Head to Mussoorie, a picturesque hill station. Start your morning with a visit to Gun Hill, the second highest peak in Mussoorie, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, explore the Mall Road, filled with shops and local eateries. Enjoy the evening at the beautiful Kempty Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip in the water.

• Gun Hill: Cable car ride costs around INR 75, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Mall Road: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 3 hours
• Kempty Falls: Entry fee around INR 20, estimated time spent: 2 hours

Monday, September 4: Rishikesh

Travel to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world. Start your day by attending a morning yoga session near the banks of the Ganges River. In the afternoon, explore the famous Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges. End the day with a mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Triveni Ghat.

• Yoga session: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 3 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1 hour

Tuesday, September 5: Nainital

Make your way to the charming hill station of Nainital. Start your morning with a boat ride in the serene Naini Lake. Explore the Naina Devi Temple and enjoy panoramic views from the Naina Peak in the afternoon. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Mall Road and indulge in some local shopping.

• Boat ride in Naini Lake: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Naina Devi Temple: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1 hour
• Naina Peak: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Jim Corbett National Park

Head to Jim Corbett National Park, renowned for its majestic tigers and diverse wildlife. Start your day with an early morning jeep safari for a chance to spot the elusive big cats. In the afternoon, visit the Corbett Falls and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Spend the evening exploring the local markets and trying local delicacies.

• Jeep safari in Corbett National Park: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 4 hours
• Corbett Falls: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Local markets: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2 hours

Thursday, September 7: Haridwar

Travel to Haridwar, a sacred city on the banks of the Ganges River. Start your morning by taking a dip in the holy waters at Har Ki Pauri ghat. Explore the ancient Mansa Devi Temple in the afternoon and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in the evening.

• Har Ki Pauri ghat: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Mansa Devi Temple: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1 hour

Friday, September 8: Dehradun Sightseeing

Conclude your trip by exploring the attractions in Dehradun. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar for some shopping. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Robber's Cave and enjoy a tranquil walk in the surrounding nature. End the day with a visit to the Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centers in India.

• Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Robber's Cave: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
• Mindrolling Monastery: Entry is free, estimated time spent: 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path experiences, consider visiting the peaceful hill station of Kanatal, located near Mussoorie. Explore the unspoiled beauty of Chopta, known as the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand." Additionally, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Check out hotel and flight prices in Uttarakhand on Kayak.