Welcome to Uttarakhand! Begin your journey by arriving in Dehradun, the capital city. In the morning, visit the iconic Robber's Cave, a natural cave formation where you can walk through the cool waters. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Tapkeshwar Temple nestled in the hills. As the evening approaches, head to the vibrant Paltan Bazaar for shopping and indulge in local street food.
Robber's Cave: ₹50 (approx.), 2 hours
Tapkeshwar Temple: Free, 1 hour
Paltan Bazaar: As per your shopping preferences, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café de Piccolo, a cozy café known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Kabab Junction, a popular restaurant offering a variety of mouthwatering kebabs and biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at The Great Indian Thali, a restaurant famous for its traditional Indian thali meals with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, December 2: Mussoorie
Embark on a day trip to the charming hill station of Mussoorie. In the morning, take a cable car ride to Gun Hill, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Explore the scenic Kempty Falls in the afternoon, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cascading water. As the evening sets in, stroll along the famous Mall Road, dotted with shops, eateries, and breathtaking views.
Gun Hill: ₹75 (approx.), 2 hours
Kempty Falls: ₹100 (approx.), 3-4 hours
Mall Road: As per your preferences, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A very popular breakfast spot in Mussoorie is Cafe Ivy, known for its delicious pancakes and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
If you're looking for a mouthwatering lunch, head to Urban Turban, a multi-cuisine restaurant offering a delightful mix of Indian and international dishes. Enjoy a meal here for about ₹700 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit JW Cafe, a fine dining restaurant offering a wide range of cuisines including North Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Indulge in a sumptuous meal here for around ₹1000 per person.
Sunday, December 3: Rishikesh
Discover the spiritual town of Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital of the World. In the morning, visit the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge across the Ganges River. Attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat in the evening, where floating lamps create a magical ambiance. Explore the bustling streets of Rishikesh in the afternoon, filled with ashrams, cafes, and yoga studios.
Lakshman Jhula: Free, 1-2 hours
Triveni Ghat: Free, 1 hour
Exploring Rishikesh: As per your preferences, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Little Buddha Cafe is a popular breakfast spot in Rishikesh, offering a wide variety of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and fresh fruit smoothies. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
Ira's Kitchen is a cozy lunch spot known for its delicious Indian and international cuisine. The menu includes options like thali, wraps, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
Parmarth Niketan Restaurant is a great choice for dinner, offering a serene riverside dining experience with a beautiful view of the Ganges River. The menu features vegetarian dishes and traditional Indian cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about 700 INR per person.
Monday, December 4: Nainital
Head to the serene hill town of Nainital, famous for its beautiful lakes and breathtaking views. In the morning, take a boat ride on the enchanting Naini Lake. Explore the vibrant Tibetan Market in the afternoon, known for its handicrafts and Tibetan cuisine. As the evening approaches, visit the Naina Devi Temple to witness the scenic sunset over the hills.
Naini Lake: ₹150 (approx.), 2 hours
Tibetan Market: As per your shopping preferences, 2-3 hours
Naina Devi Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Lakeside Cafe is a charming breakfast spot located along the banks of Naini Lake. They serve delicious pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Machan Restaurant, a rooftop eatery with panoramic views of the hills. They offer a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Embassy Restaurant, known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Try their aromatic biryanis and tandoori specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Jim Corbett National Park
Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Jim Corbett National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna. In the morning, embark on an exciting safari to spot tigers, leopards, elephants, and more. Explore the park's natural beauty and enjoy bird watching in the afternoon. As the evening sets in, relax and unwind amidst the peaceful surroundings.
Jim Corbett Safari: ₹4,000 (approx.), 6 hours
Exploring the Park: As per your preferences, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Jim Corbett National Park is The River Cafe. This cozy riverside cafe offers a delicious spread of fresh fruits, pastries, and hot beverages to kickstart your day. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
For lunch, head to Safari Restaurant, located just a short distance from the national park. This restaurant specializes in local delicacies such as Kumaoni cuisine and offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 500 per person.
In the evening, dine at The Wild Retreat, a scenic restaurant nestled amidst nature. This restaurant offers a relaxing ambiance and serves a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 800 per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Auli
Visit Auli, a picturesque hill station known for its panoramic views and skiing opportunities. In the morning, take a mesmerizing cable car ride to reach the hilltop. Indulge in skiing or simply enjoy the stunning winter landscape in the afternoon. As the evening approaches, witness the magnificent sunset over the snow-capped peaks.
Cable Car Ride: ₹750 (approx.), 2 hours
Skiing (optional): ₹1,500 (approx.), 3-4 hours
Enjoying the Scenic Views: As per your preferences, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For a hearty breakfast in Auli, head to The Cliff Top Club. This cozy restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options with stunning views of the snow-covered mountains. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch while exploring Auli, dine at Narsingh Restaurant. This popular eatery serves traditional Indian cuisine and has a spacious outdoor seating area. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner experience at The Snow View Restaurant. Perched on the hilltop, this restaurant offers breathtaking views along with a diverse menu featuring Indian and Chinese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Thursday, December 7: Haridwar
Conclude your Uttarakhand adventure by visiting the holy city of Haridwar. In the morning, attend the soul-stirring Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, a ritualistic ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. Explore the ancient temples in Haridwar in the afternoon. As the sun sets, take a serene dip in the sacred Ganges River and experience the blissful ambiance.
Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: Free, 1 hour
Temples in Haridwar: As per your preferences, 2-3 hours
Dip in the Ganges River: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
The Chotiwala Restaurant is a popular breakfast spot in Haridwar, known for its delicious Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
Dakshin Restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for lunch, including South Indian delicacies. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
The Hoshiyar Puri restaurant is a must-visit for dinner, serving mouth-watering North Indian cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Uttarakhand, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites. Explore the offbeat trails of Lansdowne, a serene and less crowded hill station. Visit Harshil, a picturesque village known for its apple orchards and stunning views. Experience the tranquility of Kausani, often referred to as the Switzerland of India, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas.