Start your trip by arriving in the beautiful hill town of Nainital. In the morning, explore the scenic beauty of Naini Lake by taking a boat ride and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. Afternoon is perfect for visiting the Naina Devi Temple, a sacred site overlooking the lake. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Mall Road, lined with shops and restaurants, and soak in the festive vibes of the holiday season.
Naini Lake Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
Naina Devi Temple: Free entry, Time spent - 1 hour
Mall Road: Cost varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Nanak Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Nanak Restaurant, located near Naini Lake. Indulge in their famous parathas and piping hot chai. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Machan Restaurant: For lunch, head to Machan Restaurant, situated on Mall Road. Relish their authentic North Indian cuisine like butter chicken and paneer tikka. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
The Embassy Restaurant: Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Embassy Restaurant, known for its beautiful lake views and a wide range of Continental and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday December 15: Exploring Nainital
Start your day with a visit to the Snow View Point, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, head to the Eco Cave Gardens, a network of interconnected caves and gardens, perfect for a family adventure. As the evening sets in, visit the Tibetan Market to shop for unique handicrafts and try delicious local snacks.
Snow View Point: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Eco Cave Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 60 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Tibetan Market: Cost varies, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Nanak Bakery and Restaurant. They serve freshly baked breads, pastries, and a selection of Indian and continental breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, visit the Sher-e-Punjab restaurant. This restaurant offers a variety of North Indian dishes, including Punjabi specialties like butter chicken and dal makhani. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, try the Sakley's Mountain Café. Located in the heart of Nainital, this restaurant offers a cozy ambiance and a range of dishes from Italian to Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday December 16: Journey to Dehradun
Leave Nainital and travel to Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. In the morning, visit the iconic Robber's Cave, also known as Gucchupani. Explore the cave's unique natural formations and enjoy a picnic by the river. In the afternoon, visit the Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centers in India, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance. In the evening, take a stroll along Rajpur Road, lined with shops and cafes.
Robber's Cave: Estimated cost - INR 25 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Mindrolling Monastery: Free entry, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Rajpur Road: Cost varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Buffet Wagon, a popular restaurant known for their delicious buffet spread with a variety of Indian and international dishes. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
For lunch, try Kabila Restaurant, which offers a delectable range of North Indian and Chinese cuisine. This restaurant is famous for its mouthwatering kebabs and biryanis. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about Rs. 500 per person.
For dinner, dine at Town Table, a cozy restaurant that serves a delightful selection of Indian, Continental, and Chinese delicacies. This place has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a great dining experience. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about Rs. 800 per person.
Sunday December 17: Discovering Mussoorie
Head to the hill station of Mussoorie, located just a short drive from Dehradun. In the morning, visit the popular Kempty Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip in the cascading waters. Afternoon is perfect for exploring the Mall Road in Mussoorie, lined with shops, cafes, and panoramic views of the mountains. In the evening, visit the Gun Hill Point, the second-highest peak in Mussoorie, for stunning sunset views.
Kempty Falls: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Mall Road: Cost varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Gun Hill Point: Estimated cost - INR 75 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Ivy which offers a variety of delicious breakfast options such as omelettes, pancakes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, try Kalsang Friends Corner, a Tibetan restaurant known for its flavorful momos, thukpa, and noodles. The average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
For dinner, dine at Urban Turban, a trendy restaurant serving fusion Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy their delectable curries, biryanis, and unique desserts. The average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.
Monday December 18: Last Day in Mussoorie
On your last day, explore the beautiful Happy Valley and take a guided tour of the famous Tibetan Buddhist Temple. In the afternoon, visit the Company Garden, a well-maintained garden with an array of colorful flowers and a small amusement park. End your day with a cable car ride to the enchanting Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Happy Valley and Tibetan Buddhist Temple: Estimated cost - Free entry, Time spent - 2 hours
Company Garden: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Lal Tibba Cable Car Ride: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 1.5 hours
Restaurants
Piccadilly Restaurant: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Piccadilly, known for its wide range of breakfast options including pancakes, omelets, and fresh juices. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Urban Turban: For lunch, head to Urban Turban, a popular restaurant offering a variety of Indian and international dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryanis and kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Ivy Restaurant: For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Ivy Restaurant, known for its elegant ambiance and delectable Indian and Chinese cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, visit Landour, a small cantonment town near Mussoorie, known for its scenic beauty and colonial charm. Explore the beautiful walking trails, visit the iconic Char Dukan area for delicious pancakes and enjoy breathtaking views from the famous Landour Clock Tower. Landour is a hidden gem loved by locals and offers a peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds.
For checking hotel and flight prices, you can visit this link.