2024 | Itinerary for Uttarakhand | Bharat Darshan

10 Days in Uttarakhand: A Journey through Nature, Spirituality, and Adventure

Introduction

Uttarakhand, often referred to as the "Land of the Gods", is a paradise nestled in the northern part of India. From the majestic Himalayas to sacred rivers, and from thrilling adventures to serene landscapes, Uttarakhand has it all. Whether you are a nature lover, a spiritual seeker, or an adventure enthusiast, this 10-day itinerary will help you explore the best of this beautiful state.

Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun

Morning:

• Arrival in Dehradun: Start your journey by arriving in Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. Dehradun is well-connected by air, rail, and road to major cities in India.
• Visit Robber’s Cave: After checking in at your hotel, head to Robber’s Cave, a natural cave formation known for its unique phenomenon where a stream of water suddenly disappears underground.

Afternoon:

• Explore Sahastradhara: Next, visit Sahastradhara, which means ‘Thousandfold Spring’. It’s a beautiful spot with cascading waterfalls and caves, known for its therapeutic properties due to the presence of sulfur in the water.

Evening:

• Shopping and Dining at Paltan Bazaar: End your day by exploring Paltan Bazaar, a bustling market where you can shop for local handicrafts and enjoy local cuisine.

Day 2: Dehradun to Mussoorie

Morning:

• Drive to Mussoorie: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Mussoorie, a popular hill station known as the "Queen of the Hills." The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Afternoon:

• Explore Kempty Falls: On reaching Mussoorie, visit Kempty Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in Uttarakhand. You can take a refreshing dip in the pool or enjoy a boat ride.

Evening:

• Stroll along Mall Road: In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Mall Road. This bustling promenade offers stunning views of the Doon Valley and a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Day 3: Mussoorie Sightseeing

Morning:

• Visit Gun Hill: Start your day with a visit to Gun Hill, the second-highest point in Mussoorie. You can reach the top via a cable car ride and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.

Afternoon:

• Explore Company Garden: Head to Company Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden with a variety of flowers, an artificial waterfall, and a small amusement park.

Evening:

• Sunset at Lal Tibba: End your day at Lal Tibba, the highest point in Mussoorie. This spot offers breathtaking views of the sunset and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Day 4: Mussoorie to Rishikesh

Morning:

• Drive to Rishikesh: After breakfast, leave for Rishikesh, a drive of about 2.5 hours. Rishikesh is known as the "Yoga Capital of the World" and is a major center for spirituality and adventure.

Afternoon:

• Visit Triveni Ghat: Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and then head to Triveni Ghat, a sacred bathing spot on the banks of the Ganges River. Spend some time soaking in the spiritual atmosphere.

Evening:

• Attend Ganga Aarti: In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat. The spiritual experience of chanting and the sight of oil lamps floating on the river is unforgettable.

Day 5: Rishikesh Adventure Day

Morning:

• River Rafting: Start your day with an adrenaline-pumping river rafting session on the Ganges. Rishikesh offers one of the best river rafting experiences in India, with rapids ranging from easy to challenging.

Afternoon:

• Visit Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: After rafting, explore the iconic suspension bridges, Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula. These bridges are not only engineering marvels but also significant for their mythological importance.

Evening:

• Visit The Beatles Ashram: In the evening, visit The Beatles Ashram, where the legendary band stayed in the late 1960s. The ashram is now an intriguing site with graffiti and remnants of the past, surrounded by serene nature.

Day 6: Rishikesh to Haridwar

Morning:

• Drive to Haridwar: After breakfast, take a short drive (about 1 hour) to Haridwar, one of the holiest cities in India. Haridwar is known for its temples, ghats, and the sacred Ganges River.

Afternoon:

• Explore Har Ki Pauri: Visit Har Ki Pauri, the most famous ghat in Haridwar. Take a holy dip in the Ganges and explore the nearby temples.

Evening:

• Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: In the evening, experience the grandeur of the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. The entire ghat is illuminated with the light of oil lamps, creating a spiritual ambiance.

Day 7: Haridwar to Nainital

Morning:

• Drive to Nainital: After breakfast, embark on a journey to Nainital, a picturesque hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours.

Afternoon:

• Visit Naini Lake: Once in Nainital, check in to your hotel and then visit the famous Naini Lake. You can enjoy boating on the tranquil waters surrounded by lush green hills.

Evening:

• Explore Mall Road: Take a stroll along Mall Road, lined with shops, cafes, and eateries. Don’t forget to try the local specialties like momos and thukpa.

Day 8: Nainital Sightseeing

Morning:

• Visit Snow View Point: Start your day by taking a cable car ride to Snow View Point, which offers a stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Afternoon:

• Explore Nainital Zoo: Visit the Nainital Zoo, which is home to several endangered species like the snow leopard, Himalayan bear, and Tibetan wolf.

Evening:

• Tiffin Top and St. John in the Wilderness: End your day with a visit to Tiffin Top for panoramic views of Nainital and the surrounding area, followed by a peaceful visit to St. John in the Wilderness Church, known for its serene ambiance.

Day 9: Nainital to Jim Corbett National Park

Morning:

• Drive to Jim Corbett National Park: After breakfast, drive to Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest national park, known for its rich biodiversity, especially its population of Bengal tigers. The drive takes around 2 hours.

Afternoon:

• Safari in Jim Corbett: Upon arrival, embark on a thrilling wildlife safari. Keep your eyes peeled for tigers, elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species.

Evening:

Relax at the Resort: After an exciting day of safari, relax at your resort amidst the natural beauty and tranquility of the park.

Day 10: Departure from Jim Corbett to Dehradun

Morning:

• Early Morning Safari: Start your last day with an early morning safari to explore more of the park’s wildlife and capture the early morning beauty of the jungle.

Afternoon:

• Return to Dehradun: After breakfast, drive back to Dehradun. The journey will take around 5-6 hours.

Evening:

• Departure: Depending on your flight or train schedule, you can either explore more of Dehradun or directly head to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.

Tips for Travelers:

1. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Uttarakhand is during the months of March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and adventure activities.

2. Travel Essentials: Pack light but carry essentials like comfortable shoes, warm clothing (even in summer for hill stations), sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.

3. Accommodation: Book your hotels in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure you have a comfortable stay.

4. Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local delicacies like Aloo Ke Gutke, Bhatt Ki Churkani, and Bal Mithai.

5. Respect Local Customs: Uttarakhand is rich in culture and tradition. Be respectful of local customs, especially at religious sites.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand is a land of diverse experiences, where every corner holds a new adventure or a moment of spiritual reflection. This 10-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of what this enchanting state has to offer, ensuring that you leave with memories that last a lifetime. Happy travels!