5-Day Cultural and Nature Exploration in Uttarakhand, India

Day 1: Dehradun Highlights

Dehradun, India on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ellora Tea House

Start your day with a quiet breakfast featuring freshly brewed teas and Indian breakfast staples in this charming cafe.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)

Explore this natural cave formation with a stream flowing inside; a popular spot to enjoy cool water and scenic beauty. Open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR20, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Enjoy authentic Tibetan dishes like momos and thukpa at this well-known Dehradun eatery.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Forest Research Institute

Visit this iconic colonial-era institution with beautiful architecture and vast green grounds. Explore the museum between 9:00am and 5:00pm.
INR30, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Sahastradhara

Enjoy the tranquil sulfur springs and waterfall area known for its therapeutic properties, open till sunset.
INR20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Black Pepper Restaurant

Savor North Indian and continental dishes in a cozy setting with excellent ambiance for a relaxing evening meal.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 2: Mussoorie Exploration

Mussoorie, India on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Dehradun to Mussoorie

A scenic 1.5-hour drive through hills to the Queen of Hills.
INR500 (taxi), 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Coffee Day Mall Road

Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee and pastries on Mall Road with mountain views.
INR300, 1h0m

10:30am

Gun Hill

Take the cable car ride up to Gun Hill for panoramic views of the Himalayas and Doon Valley, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
INR120, 1h30m

12:30pm

Camel’s Back Road Walk

Enjoy a relaxed walk along this scenic ridge famous for its resemblance to a camel's hump.
Free, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Kalsang Namgyal

Sample Tibetan and Chinese dishes in this flagship restaurant, especially their momos and thukpa.
INR500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Company Garden

Stroll through this well-maintained garden with flowers, fountains, and a small amusement area, open until 6:00pm.
INR20, 1h0m

5:00pm

Mussoorie Lake

Relax by the artificial lake and enjoy boating (if available), a calm way to end the afternoon.
INR100, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Tavern

Enjoy a hearty dinner with Indian and continental flavors in a warm and cozy environment.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 3: Rishikesh Spirituality

Rishikesh, India on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Mussoorie to Rishikesh

2-hour drive descending to the holy city of Rishikesh by the Ganges River.
INR800 (taxi), 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Beatles Cafe

Experience relaxed riverside dining with organic coffees and fresh, healthy breakfast options.
INR350, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Triveni Ghat

A sacred bathing spot where three holy rivers meet, ideal for serene walks and observing spiritual rituals. Best visited before noon.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Laxman Jhula

Iconic iron suspension bridge over the Ganges, offering great views and access to temples and markets, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Little Buddha Cafe

Dine on a variety of vegetarian and international dishes inside a laid-back setting near the river.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Attend Yoga Session at Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Join a group yoga session or simply tour the ashram beside the Ganges, open until 6:30pm.
Donation based, 1h30m

5:00pm

Evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Witness the beautiful and uplifting evening river worship ceremony starting around 6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pure Soul Cafe

Enjoy fresh organic and vegan fare with river views to close the day in a peaceful atmosphere.
INR450, 1h0m

Day 4: Haridwar Spiritual Tour

Haridwar, India on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Rishikesh to Haridwar

About 1 hour drive, descending further toward this ancient pilgrimage city.
INR400 (taxi), 1h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant

Famous for traditional Indian vegetarian thalis and sweets, a wholesome start in Haridwar.
INR300, 1h0m

10:30am

Mansa Devi Temple Cable Car

Enjoy panoramic views from the cable car to the revered hilltop temple, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
INR120, 1h30m

12:30pm

Har Ki Pauri

Famous ghat on the Ganges, great for walking, shopping, and exploring the ghats during the day.
Free, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Relish local Indian vegetarian dishes in a traditional setting near Har Ki Pauri.
INR350, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Chandi Devi Temple

Accessible by cable car or a trek, this temple offers spiritual and scenic richness, open until 5:00pm.
INR120, 1h30m

6:30pm

Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Attend the renowned evening aarti ceremony starting around sunset, celebrated with fire offerings and music.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Nandi Restaurant

Finish your day dining on flavorful Indian and North Indian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
INR500, 1h0m

Day 5: Nainital Lake Fun

Nainital, India on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Haridwar to Nainital

Early morning 5-hour scenic drive into the Kumaon hills to the beautiful lake town.
INR1500 (taxi), 5h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop

Relish delicious baked goods and continental dishes with a view of Naini Lake.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Naini Lake

Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the scenic lake, taking in the surrounding hills and town, open 9:00am to sunset.
INR200, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Naina Devi Temple

A revered temple by the lakeside, perfect for quiet reflection and local culture.
Free, 30m

4:30pm

Walk along Mall Road

Explore local shops, cafes, and enjoy the bustling street life on this lively thoroughfare.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Imperial

Enjoy elegant dining featuring Indian and international cuisine in a heritage hotel.
INR1000, 1h30m