5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Nainital, Rishikesh, Haridwar

Sunday, November 5: Nainital

Begin your journey in Nainital, a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand. In the morning, take a boat ride on the serene Naini Lake and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. After lunch, visit Nainital Zoo to see a variety of wildlife species. In the evening, explore the Mall Road, lined with shops and restaurants, and indulge in local delicacies.

• Naini Lake Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 2 hours
• Nainital Zoo: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Mall Road: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Monday, November 6: Nainital

On your second day in Nainital, start your morning with a visit to Eco Cave Gardens, a network of interconnected natural caves and hanging gardens. Afterward, head to Naina Devi Temple, a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. In the evening, take a cable car ride to Snow View Point for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

• Eco Cave Gardens: Estimated cost - INR 60 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Naina Devi Temple: Estimated cost - No entry fee, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Snow View Point: Estimated cost - INR 150 per person, Time spent - 1 hour

Tuesday, November 7: Rishikesh

Leave Nainital and proceed towards the spiritual town of Rishikesh. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the holy Ganges River. In the afternoon, explore the mesmerizing Beatles Ashram, also known as Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in the late 1960s. In the evening, attend the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

• Lakshman Jhula: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Beatles Ashram: Estimated cost - INR 150 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Wednesday, November 8: Haridwar

Embark on a day trip to Haridwar, a sacred city on the banks of the Ganges River. Begin your exploration with a visit to Har Ki Pauri, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. Take a holy dip in the holy river during the morning. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant markets of Haridwar and shop for religious artifacts and souvenirs. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri.

• Har Ki Pauri: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Shopping in Haridwar: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Thursday, November 9: Nainital

Return to Nainital for another day of exploration. Start your morning with a visit to the scenic Naina Peak, the highest peak in Nainital offering stunning panoramic views. Afterward, explore the beautiful Governor's House and its well-maintained gardens. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Tibetan Market and shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs.

• Naina Peak: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Governor's House: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Tibetan Market: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Nainital, make sure to visit the beautiful Pangot village, located around 15 kilometers from the city. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, with numerous species of birds to be spotted. Another hidden gem is Sattal, a group of seven interconnected freshwater lakes, which offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for picnics and boating. These off the beaten path attractions are perfect for a family-friendly experience amidst nature.

For more information about hotel and flight prices, you can check out Kayak.