A 4-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Dehradun State
Friday, September 29: Exploring Dehradun City
Begin your trip by immersing yourself in the charm of Dehradun City. Start your morning with a visit to Robber's Cave, a fascinating natural formation with a river flowing through it, perfect for a refreshing walk. In the afternoon, head to the Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centers in India, and admire its stunning architecture. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely stroll along the Rajpur Road, lined with shops, restaurants, and street food stalls.
Robber's Cave: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Mindrolling Monastery: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 1.5 hours
Rajpur Road: Cost depends on personal expenses, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
Sidhu Restaurant: Enjoy a mouthwatering breakfast at Sidhu Restaurant, known for its delicious parathas and hot chai. Average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
Kumar Dhaba: For a hearty lunch, head to Kumar Dhaba and indulge in their famous chicken curry and butter naan. Average cost for a meal is about ₹250 per person.
Black Pepper: Treat yourself to a delectable dinner at Black Pepper, a trendy restaurant offering a wide range of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Saturday, September 30: Serene Mussoorie
Embark on a day trip to the picturesque hill station of Mussoorie. Start your morning by enjoying the scenic views from Gun Hill, accessible by a cable car ride, and indulge in a delicious breakfast at a local café. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Kempty Falls and take a refreshing dip in its cool waters. As the evening sets in, visit the Mall Road, dotted with shops selling local handicrafts and popular street food.
Gun Hill: Estimated cost for cable car ride - INR 100, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Mall Road: Cost depends on personal expenses, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Ivy, a charming café located in Mussoorie. Enjoy their delicious freshly baked pastries and hot coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, try out the famous Landour Bakehouse. This quaint bakery offers a variety of scrumptious sandwiches and mouthwatering desserts. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 400 rupees per person.
For dinner, visit Urban Turban, a popular restaurant known for its innovative Indian fusion cuisine. Indulge in their flavorful dishes like butter chicken biryani and paneer tikka masala. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 600 rupees per person.
Sunday, October 1: Nature's Retreat at Dhanaulti
Escape to the tranquil beauty of Dhanaulti, nestled amidst lush forests and stunning vistas. Begin your day by visiting the Eco Park, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and adventure activities like trekking and camping. In the afternoon, explore the enchanting Surkanda Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati. As the evening approaches, enjoy a peaceful hike through the breathtaking forests of Dhanaulti.
Hiking in Dhanaulti: Free activity, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Restaurants
The Apple Tree Cafe is a charming breakfast spot, known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Little Llama Cafe, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of international and local dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering sandwiches and refreshing smoothies. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Punjabi Tadka, a popular restaurant serving authentic Punjabi cuisine. Indulge in their rich butter chicken and flavorful biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday, October 2: Majestic Haridwar
Conclude your itinerary with a visit to the spiritual city of Haridwar. Begin your morning with a soul-stirring experience at Har Ki Pauri, where you can witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony by the holy river Ganges. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant markets and narrow lanes of Haridwar, perfect for shopping for souvenirs and trying local delicacies. As the evening sets in, take a serene boat ride on the Ganges and soak in the peaceful ambiance.
Har Ki Pauri: Free entry, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Shopping in Haridwar: Cost depends on personal expenses, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Boat ride on the Ganges: Cost depends on personal preferences, estimated time spent: 1 hour
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Club, known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 200 per person.
Spoonful of Spice: For lunch, head to Spoonful of Spice, a popular restaurant that offers a variety of Indian and international cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryani and flavorful curries. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 300 per person.
Rooftop Bistro: Enjoy a picturesque dinner at Rooftop Bistro, offering a stunning view of Haridwar. Indulge in their delectable North Indian dishes and refreshing beverages. The average cost for a meal here is about INR 400 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Robber's Cave Waterfall, a hidden gem located within the Robber's Cave complex. It offers a serene and secluded spot for relaxation and nature appreciation. Another local favorite is the Tibetan Market in Dehradun City, where you can find a wide range of Tibetan handicrafts, clothing, and accessories at bargain prices. Don't miss trying momos and thukpa, delicious Tibetan dishes available at affordable prices in the market.
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