5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Uttarakhand

Day 1: Explore Dehradun

Dehradun, India

8:00AM

Robber's Cave

Start your day with a visit to Robber's Cave, a natural cave formation surrounded by hills and a stream.
Robber's Cave is a 20-minute drive from the city center.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Mindrolling Monastery

Explore the beautiful Mindrolling Monastery known for its Tibetan architecture and serene atmosphere.
Mindrolling Monastery is a 30-minute drive from Robber's Cave.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ellora's Bakery

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at Ellora's Bakery offering delicious local delicacies.
Ellora's Bakery is located near Mindrolling Monastery.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Forest Research Institute

Visit the Forest Research Institute to admire its colonial architecture and lush green surroundings.
The institute is a 15-minute drive from the monastery.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Local Market Exploration

Spend the evening exploring the vibrant local markets for souvenirs and street food.
Head back to the city center for a walk around the markets.
$, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature Retreat in Dehradun

Dehradun, India

8:00AM

Sahastradhara

Start your day with a trip to Sahastradhara, known for its medicinal sulphur water springs and scenic beauty.
Sahastradhara is a 1-hour drive from the city center.
$, 3 hours

12:00PM

Picnic at Malsi Deer Park

Have a picnic lunch at Malsi Deer Park surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife.
Malsi Deer Park is a 30-minute drive from Sahastradhara.
$, 2 hours

3:00PM

Tapkeshwar Temple

Visit the ancient Tapkeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in a natural cave.
The temple is a short drive from Malsi Deer Park.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Local Cuisine Experience

End your day with a taste of local cuisine at a budget-friendly restaurant in Dehradun.
Head back to the city center for dinner.
$, 2 hours
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Day 3: Spiritual Exploration in Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

8:00AM

Laxman Jhula

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Laxman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges offering stunning views.
Laxman Jhula is a 45-minute drive from Dehradun.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Triveni Ghat

Explore the sacred Triveni Ghat, where devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges River.
Triveni Ghat is a short walk from Laxman Jhula.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Chotiwala

Enjoy a traditional Indian meal at the famous Chotiwala restaurant known for its delicious vegetarian dishes.
Chotiwala is located near Triveni Ghat.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Yoga Session

Participate in a yoga session by the Ganges to experience the spiritual essence of Rishikesh.
Join a yoga class near the Ganges banks.
$, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan

Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan ashram as the sun sets over the river.
Head to Parmarth Niketan for the evening aarti.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Haridwar

Haridwar, India

8:00AM

Har Ki Pauri

Start your day with a visit to Har Ki Pauri, a sacred ghat on the Ganges where devotees offer prayers.
Har Ki Pauri is a 1-hour drive from Rishikesh.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Mansa Devi Temple

Visit the Mansa Devi Temple perched on a hill offering panoramic views of the city and the river.
Take a cable car ride to reach the temple premises.
$, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Local Street Food

Indulge in the flavors of local street food for lunch at the bustling markets of Haridwar.
Explore the street food stalls near Mansa Devi Temple.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Chandi Devi Temple

Visit the Chandi Devi Temple located atop Neel Parvat hill for breathtaking views of Haridwar.
Take a cable car or trek to reach the temple.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri as the river comes alive with lamps and chants.
Return to Har Ki Pauri for the evening aarti.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Scenic Beauty in Nainital

Nainital, India

8:00AM

Naina Devi Temple

Begin your day with a visit to the Naina Devi Temple perched on the edge of the Naini Lake offering panoramic views.
Naina Devi Temple is a 5-hour drive from Haridwar.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Boat Ride on Naini Lake

Enjoy a serene boat ride on the picturesque Naini Lake surrounded by lush hills.
Head to the lakefront for boat rentals.
$, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch with Lake View

Relish a meal with a view at a local restaurant near Naini Lake offering scenic beauty.
Choose a restaurant along the lakefront for lunch.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Mall Road

Spend your afternoon strolling along the vibrant Mall Road lined with shops, cafes, and scenic views.
Head to Mall Road for a leisurely walk.
$, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset Point

End your day by witnessing a mesmerizing sunset at one of the viewpoints overlooking Nainital.
Take a short hike or drive to the nearest sunset viewpoint.
Free, 1 hour
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