9-Day Family Road Trip Itinerary: Explore Nainital, Rishikesh, and Mussoorie

Day 1: Arrival in Nainital

Nainital, India

10:00AM

Check into Hotel

Arrive at Nainital and check into a family-friendly hotel with a beautiful view of the lake.
Hotel located near Naini Lake, easily accessible.
INR3000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Boat Ride on Naini Lake

Enjoy a serene boat ride on Naini Lake, surrounded by stunning mountains, perfect for capturing family pictures.
Boating initiate from the Boating Club, nearby the Lake.
INR800, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Corner House

Have a delicious lunch at The Corner House, known for its North Indian cuisine and desserts.
Short walk from Naini Lake, a 10-minute stroll.
INR1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Naina Devi Temple

Explore the historic Naina Devi Temple situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake, offering peaceful vibes and a scenic view.
Just 10 minutes by car from The Corner House.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll Mall Road

Take a leisurely walk along Mall Road, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the local ambiance.
Mall Road is located adjacent to Naini Lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Nepali Kitchen

Savor a delightful dinner at Nepali Kitchen, famous for its momos and traditional Nepali dishes.
A short drive from Mall Road.
INR1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Nainital

Nainital, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Lakeside

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Lakeside, which offers a lovely view of the lake.
Located right by the lake; 5-minute walk.
INR800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Snow View Point

Take a cable car ride to Snow View Point for a panoramic view of the Himalayas, making it a fun family adventure.
Cable car station near Mallital, about 10 minutes by car.
INR400 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Eco Cave Gardens

Visit Eco Cave Gardens, a fun interactive caves and hanging gardens experience that children will particularly love.
Approximately 15 minutes from Snow View Point by car.
INR400 for family entry, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Boat House Club

Enjoy lunch at the Boat House Club, famous for its prepped meals and lakeside seating.
15-minute drive from Eco Cave Gardens.
INR1600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Tiffin Top

Take a short hike to Tiffin Top, a beautiful spot for stunning views and great family photos.
Drive to the starting point is about 20 minutes from Boat House Club.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Dining Room

Dine at The Dining Room for some international cuisine options and a cozy family atmosphere.
Located in the main town area, easy access.
INR2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nainital to Rishikesh

Rishikesh, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before checking out and setting off to Rishikesh.
At the hotel, casual dining.
INR600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check Out and Drive to Rishikesh

Leave Nainital and drive to Rishikesh, enjoying scenic views along the way.
Take NH109, about a 6-hour drive.
Cost of fuel: INR1500, 6 hours

3:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive and check into the hotel in Rishikesh, ready for relaxation after the scenic drive.
Hotel located near the Ganges River.
INR3500, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Laxman Jhula

Walk across Laxman Jhula, the iconic suspension bridge and enjoy the surrounding views.
5-minute drive from hotel.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Attend Ganga Aarti

Experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony held by the riverbanks — a spiritual feast for the family.
Easily accessible on foot from Laxman Jhula.
Free, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Sitting Elephant

Have a cozy dinner at The Sitting Elephant, serving delicious Indian cuisine and great views over the Ganges.
Located near the banks of the river.
INR1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Rishikesh Adventure

Rishikesh, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a refreshing breakfast at the hotel, energizing for a day full of adventure.
At the hotel, casual dining.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30AM

White Water Rafting

Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Ganges, a perfect family activity that everyone will enjoy.
Booking can be done through local adventure companies; vicinity from hotel.
INR4000 for family, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Beatles Café

Enjoy lunch at The Beatles Café, known for its bohemian vibe and great food.
Short drive from rafting location.
INR1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Rajaji National Park

Go for a jungle safari at Rajaji National Park for a wild experience and potential wildlife sighting.
About a 30-minute drive from café.
INR2000 for jeep safari, 3 hours

6:30PM

Relax by the Beach

Spend some leisurely time at the banks of the Ganges river amidst nature, perfect for unwinding.
Short drive from the national park.
Free, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Chat House

Wrap up the day with a diverse menu at Chat House, known for its street food and snacks.
10-minute drive from the beach.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Yoga and Spiritual Experience

Rishikesh, India

7:00AM

Yoga Session

Start your day with a family yoga session on the banks of the river, promoting wellness and mindfulness.
Yoga centers offer sessions before sunrise.
INR2000 for family, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café del Mar

Enjoy a healthy breakfast at Café del Mar, known for its vibrant atmosphere and healthy options.
Short drive from yoga centers.
INR900, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Explore the iconic Parmarth Niketan Ashram and learn about spirituality and yoga.
5 minutes drive from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Rice Bowl

Head for lunch at The Rice Bowl, popular for its Asian delicacies, perfect for family dining.
A short drive from the ashram.
INR1300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Rafting or Kayaking

Choose either rafting or kayaking for more adventure on the Ganges, making it a fun-filled afternoon.
Local agencies arrange trips; nearby area.
INR3500 for family, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple

Drive to Neelkanth Mahadev Temple situated amidst lush forests — a beautiful spot for both kids and adults.
20-minute drive from the rafting location.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Café Karma

Dine at Café Karma, known for its health-conscious menu and relaxed ambiance.
15-minute drive from the temple.
INR1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Rishikesh to Mussoorie

Mussoorie, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Mussoorie.
At the hotel, casual dining.
INR600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check Out and Drive to Mussoorie

Drive up the hilly routes to Mussoorie after checking out from your hotel.
Follow NH58, approximately a 2-hour drive.
Cost of fuel: INR500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check into Hotel

Arrive in Mussoorie and check into a comfortable hotel with mountain views.
Hotel located centrally in the town.
INR3500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Have lunch at Kalsang, popular for Tibetan food amidst beautiful surroundings.
Near the Mall Road area.
INR1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Kempty Falls

Head out for a fun family time at Kempty Falls, where everyone can splash around and enjoy the cool waters.
About 15 km from Mussoorie, 30 minutes by car.
INR150, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Grand Dining Room

Have a lovely family dinner at The Grand Dining Room with multi-cuisine options and a lovely ambiance.
Located centrally in Mussoorie.
INR2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Exploring Mussoorie

Mussoorie, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out for exploration.
At the hotel.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Gun Hill

Take a cable car ride to Gun Hill for panoramic views and fun activities for the kids.
Cable car station is near Mall Road.
INR400 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Visit Camel's Back Road

Enjoy a family walk along Camel's Back Road, famous for its scenic beauty and a relaxed atmosphere.
Accessible from the city center, short drive.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Lovely Omelette

Stop for a casual lunch at Lovely Omelette, known for various egg dishes served in charming interiors.
Located not far from Camel's Back Road.
INR800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Mussoorie Lake Boating

Enjoy peaceful boating at Mussoorie Lake, a great way for families to relax together.
10 minutes by car from Lovely Omelette.
INR700, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Mall Road

Spend the evening shopping and enjoying snacks along Mall Road, a vibrant center of Mussoorie.
Adjacent to Mussoorie Lake.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Chutney SIP

End your day with delightful Indian dishes at The Chutney SIP, enjoying the unique flavor profiles.
Located in the town area.
INR1600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Mussoorie to Lansdowne

Lansdowne, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out for Lansdowne.
At the hotel.
INR600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check Out and Drive to Lansdowne

Depart from Mussoorie for Lansdowne via beautiful, winding roads.
Drive is approximately 2 hours.
Cost of fuel: INR500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check into Hotel

Arrive in Lansdowne and check into your hotel; enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Hotel is centrally located in Lansdowne.
INR3000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Blossom Café

Have lunch at The Blossom Café known for its charming ambiance and tasty dishes.
Short walk from hotel.
INR900, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Bhulla Tal Lake

Spend the afternoon at Bhulla Tal Lake, where children can enjoy pedal boating while parents relax.
A 5-minute drive from the café.
INR300 for family entry, 2 hours

5:30PM

Explore Lansdowne's Nature Trails

Stroll through the tranquil nature trails of Lansdowne with the family, appreciating its pristine landscapes.
Trails start near Bhulla Tal Lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Patiala Café

Wrap up your day with a nice dinner at The Patiala Café with a mix of local and Indian cuisines.
Walk back from the nature trails.
INR1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Departure from Lansdowne

Lansdowne, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Lansdowne before checking out.
At the hotel.
INR600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Check Out and Departure

Check out from the hotel and begin your journey back home, cherishing the memories made during this trip.
Drive back to the original departure point.
Cost of fuel: INR500, Varies
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