Start your trip in the picturesque town of Nainital, known for its serene lakes and stunning mountain views. In the morning, take a boat ride on the tranquil Naini Lake and visit the Naina Devi Temple. In the afternoon, explore the Mall Road, lined with shops and restaurants. As the evening sets in, enjoy a breathtaking sunset view from Tiffin Top viewpoint.
Naini Lake: INR 100, 2 hours
Naina Devi Temple: Free, 1 hour
Mall Road: INR 200 (shopping), 2 hours
Tiffin Top: INR 150 for horse ride, 1 hour
Restaurants
Nanak Restaurant: A cozy breakfast spot serving delicious Indian and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Machan Restaurant: Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at this rooftop restaurant offering a variety of Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Embassy Restaurant: Indulge in a fine dining experience at this elegant restaurant known for its delectable Indian and European delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Thursday, November 2: Journey to Dehradun
Depart from Nainital and head to Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand state. In the morning, visit the beautiful Robber's Cave, where you can explore a natural cave formation and enjoy a picnic by the river. In the afternoon, explore the Mindrolling Monastery, known for its stunning architecture and peaceful ambiance. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the vibrant Paltan Bazaar, famous for its street food and local crafts.
Robber's Cave: INR 50, 2 hours
Mindrolling Monastery: Free, 1 hour
Paltan Bazaar: INR 200 (shopping), 2 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Cafe: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Cafe, located in the heart of Dehradun. They offer a variety of options including omelettes, pancakes, and fresh fruit bowls. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
The Garden Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to The Garden Restaurant, known for its scenic views and delectable Indian cuisine. They offer a range of dishes including biryani, butter chicken, and vegetarian thalis. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
The Spice Street: Indulge in a flavorful dinner at The Spice Street, a popular restaurant in Dehradun. They specialize in North Indian and Chinese cuisine, with a menu that includes dishes like butter naan, chicken tikka masala, and Szechuan noodles. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Friday, November 3: Exploring Dehradun
Spend the day exploring Dehradun's natural beauty. In the morning, take a trip to the beautiful Sahastradhara, known for its therapeutic sulfur springs and stunning waterfalls. In the afternoon, visit the Tapkeshwar Temple, located inside a cave and surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful walk through the lush Rajaji National Park, home to diverse wildlife.
Sahastradhara: INR 50, 2 hours
Tapkeshwar Temple: Free, 1 hour
Rajaji National Park: INR 250, 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Buffet Table, known for its extensive breakfast spread and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head over to The Town Square, a vibrant restaurant with an eclectic menu offering a variety of cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at The Terrace Grill, a rooftop restaurant known for its scenic views and mouthwatering grilled dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Saturday, November 4: Transfer to Ranikhet
Leave Dehradun and travel to the captivating hill station of Ranikhet. In the morning, visit the beautiful Chaubatia Gardens, known for its apple orchards and panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, explore the tranquil Bhalu Dam, a perfect spot for a picnic surrounded by serene nature. As the evening approaches, take a leisurely walk in the charming Mall Road and indulge in local delicacies.
Chaubatia Gardens: Free, 2 hours
Bhalu Dam: Free, 1 hour
Mall Road: INR 200 (shopping), 2 hours
Sunday, November 5: Discovering Ranikhet
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ranikhet. In the morning, visit the majestic Haidakhan Temple, known for its spiritual significance and panoramic views. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic trek to the beautiful Jhula Devi Temple, surrounded by dense forests. In the evening, soak in the serenity of the serene Majhkhali viewpoint, offering breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas.
Haidakhan Temple: Free, 2 hours
Jhula Devi Temple: Free, 2 hours
Majhkhali Viewpoint: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day at The Lazy Spoon, a charming breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes and cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Café Chhaya, a popular eatery serving a variety of dishes including sandwiches, pasta, and salads. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Oak Garden, a rooftop restaurant offering delectable Indian and Chinese cuisine with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Monday, November 6: Leisure Time in Ranikhet
Spend the day at your leisure in Ranikhet. In the morning, relax and rejuvenate amidst the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, you can indulge in outdoor activities like horse riding or golfing. Take this opportunity to explore the local markets and shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Leisure Time: Free
Optional Activities: Varies
Restaurants
A perfect spot to start your day, Sunrise Cafe offers a delightful breakfast with a wide range of options to choose from. Enjoy a hearty meal for about Rs. 200 per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Craving Bites Restaurant where you can savor a variety of local and international cuisines. A meal here would cost you approximately Rs. 400 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit The Woods Restaurant and indulge in their mouthwatering dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Treat yourself to a delightful meal for about Rs. 600 per person.
Tuesday, November 7: Return Journey
It's time to bid farewell to the enchanting hills. Depart from Ranikhet and head back to your respective destinations with beautiful memories of the trip.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a family-friendly experience off the beaten path, visit the Kempty Falls near Mussoorie, where you can enjoy picnicking and swimming amidst cascading waterfalls. Another hidden gem is the Sari Village trek near Dehradun, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and an opportunity to experience the local village life. Families can also enjoy a visit to Jim Corbett National Park, known for its rich wildlife and thrilling jeep safaris.
For the best hotel and flight prices, check out Kayak.