Kumaoni Konnect : Finding Peace and Adventure in Uttarakhand

Hello everyone! After a month of procrastination, I am thrilled to finally share my incredible experience of a 4-night/5-day trip to the five Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand.

Packing Tips:

1. Thermals (top and bottom, not compulsory but recommended).
2. Gloves (essential for roaming around places after 6 PM).
3. Trekking/Boots/Normal Waterproof shoes (important for walking in slippery or tough terrains).
4. Woolen socks and beanies are compulsory.
5. Winter jacket (one that can withstand temperatures below 10°C).
6. Scarf and mufflers are optional based on your resistance to cold.
7. Small shoulder bag for carrying essentials during sightseeing.
8. Handkerchiefs, tissues, and Zandu Balm/Axe Oil will be helpful if you catch a cold.
9. Carry tablets for fever and cold.

Since it was my first time visiting cold regions like this, I bought everything new from Decathlon (Perungudi) and Travellers Empire (Thoraipakkam).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XR7FgXaYPjWKM57G8 - Decathlon
https://maps.app.goo.gl/s15qJ4oWtyCJ3Ku49 - Travellers Empire

How to reach ?

We booked an Indigo flight from Chennai at 2 AM, landing in Delhi by 5:00 AM, which is a preferable option compared to a train journey that takes two solid days to reach Delhi. If you prefer trains, options include Tamil Nadu Express (12621), Grand Trunk Exp (12615), NZM S KRNTI EXP (12651).

Day 1:

The day begins upon landing at Delhi Airport. We booked a Zoom car for the 6-day trip, costing around 7500 excluding petrol. After refreshing at the airport's restroom, which is clean and well-maintained, we started the 6-hour drive to Mussoorie, approximately 283 kms from Delhi. We had breakfast at a dhaba on the Meerut to MuzafirNagar highway. By 12 PM, we reached Dehradun, the capital and largest city in Uttarakhand, where we had our second set of refreshments and lunch at KFC near the welcome entrance of Dehradun.

A noteworthy point is the availability of numerous supermarkets for liquor with a variety of options, and they are more affordable than in Pondicherry. I bought INDRI whiskey to last the entire trip. We then headed towards Mussoorie, 67 kms from Dehradun, with the last 22 kms involving a drive through the hills.

Plan to stay overnight in Mussoorie, ensuring your chosen stay has car parking facilities, as parking is a significant challenge. Hire an auto for visiting various places. We stayed at Hotel Bliss and Co Manor - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YBRreuo28si3YAtMA

Things to do in Mussorie:

1. Dalai Lama Hills
2. Christ Church
3. Gun Hill (Cable Car)
4. Sir George Everest House

Visit these places in the provided order for a sequential and organized experience. Don't forget to visit Cafe Anahata. Try the cable car to Gun Hill, costing around 250 per person, offering a breathtaking view of the snow-covered Himalayas. Observing the beauty of the Himalayas from the window of your room, under the moon and stars, while sipping on whiskey and indulging in Tibetan food at 8°C, is a mind-blowing experience. 

   Dalai Lama Hills

Cafe Anahata

Day 2:

Begin your day early at 6 AM, arriving in Dehradun by 8 AM. Take a stroll around and witness the activities at Sainik School, including the captivating military parade, morning exercises, and practices. It's a remarkable experience. Next, proceed to Robber's Cave in Dehradun, where you'll navigate through water flowing amidst large rocks forming a natural cave. Grab breakfast from the shops around Robber's Cave and then make your way to Rishikesh, just 50 kms away and reachable in another 90 minutes. The journey from Dehradun to Rishikesh offers scenic views along tree-shaded roads.

Things to do in Rishikesh:

1. White Water Rafting
2. Ram Jhula
3. Ganga Arthi
4. Visits temples near Ram Jhula.

One memory that stands out from the entire trip is the white water rafting experience in the Ganges. Rishikesh is renowned for its rafting, offering both 16 kms and 9 kms routes. The water is refreshingly cold, and the guide accompanying us allowed a surreal swim in the pure and crystal-clear waters. The feeling was indescribable. For rafting, wear dry clothes and hand over your phone, gadgets, and wallets to the guide. They capture GoPro videos/photos, which they share with you later for a fee.

After the exhilarating experience, take a walk across the mighty Ram Jhula bridge, reaching the other side to witness the Ganga Aarti starting at 6 PM, a renowned event in Rishikesh. Stroll through the riverside streets, explore numerous temples, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture. Indulge in street food, offering a unique taste, from their chai to panner/mushroom tikka, various pooris, and bun makkan.

For accommodation, head to Haridwar, just 28 kms from Rishikesh. We stayed at Hotel Tirath View. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/FUgmDTE5nW6oMPqK9).

River Rafting and other adventure activities in Rishikesh - https://www.adventurush.com/experiences/river-rafting/ . Please visit this page, complete the registration process, and expect a call from their customer support within the next 10 minutes. They will guide you through the next steps. The selected package we opted for costs 700 per person for a 9-kilometer experience.

Banks of Ganges - Rishikesh

White Water Rafting - Rishikesh

Day 3: 

Visited Har Ki Pauri, one of the prominent pilgrimage spots in Haridwar, and then proceeded towards Nainital, which is approximately 240 kms away. If you enjoy driving, this distance won't be challenging as you'll encounter diverse landscapes—a six-path national highway, a drive through villages with morning activities, a forest enveloped by pine trees shrouded in fog, and hills with turns every 100 meters.

Things to do in Nanital:

1. Boating in Nainital Lake
2. Naina Devi Temple
3. Mall Road Shopping, exploring cafes on Mall Road
4. Raj Bhawan
5. Eco Cave Garden
6. Tiffin Top
7. Naina Peak

Nainital Lake, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in India, offers a naturalistic bliss during boating (charged at around 100 per person). Visit the white-marbled Naina Devi Temple surrounded by snow-covered trees for a divine experience. Explore the famous Mall Road, where you can find handcrafts, clothes, artifacts, cafes, bars, restaurants, and street food. In the night, walking through the Christmas tree-adorned street with LED lights and snow creates a foreign ambiance.

Nanital Lake - Boating

Street Foods - Nanital

Naina Devi Temple

Day 4:

The next morning, explore the Eco Cave, a different adventure involving moving through six different caves with challenging paths. Witness the Himalayas from Tiffin Top and Naina Peak, offering views of two different regions from one point. Cafe Lakeside on Mall Road is a must-visit spot.

Head towards Mukteshwar, 48 kms from Nainital. The thrilling hill road towards Mukteshwar involves climbing at a 70-degree rotation, reaching one of the highest altitude regions from sea level.

Things to do in Muktheshwar:

1. Muktheshwar Dham
2. Chauli Ki Jali
3. Chirping Tales - Zipline
4. Starscapes Observatory

Indulge in onion pakoras with mint chutney, and savor orange and lemon juice from the local shops near Mukteshwar Dham temple. Enjoy the sunset at Chauli Ki Jali viewpoint, one of the famous sunset points in Uttarakhand, offering a view from above 21,000 ft. Ziplining during sunset provides a cinematic experience and an adrenaline rush for me at this higher altitude.

Muktheshwar Dham 

Chirping Tales cafe is a must-visit place, where we also had our dinner. Staying in Mukteshwar, beneath the stars, and enjoying a drink in the chilly 5°C weather is truly amazing. After watching the sunrise, we started our journey towards Delhi, a 7-hour travel from Mukteshwar. With our flight scheduled for night at 2 PM, we utilized the time to visit Chandni Chowk in Delhi, explored Jama Masjid, had dinner at the world-famous Karim Hotel, and then returned to the airport.

Chirping Tales cafe

Hotel Karim - Delhi

Jama Masjid - Delhi

Chandni Chowk - Delhi

Note: 

• Regarding petrol, the total cost amounts to around 12,000 rupees, and toll expenses sum up to approximately 2,200 rupees.
• The overall expense per person is around 35,000 rupees.
• While driving on National Highways, especially near or on the outskirts of Delhi, adhere to the speed limits. Authorities generate online bills for exceeding speed limits.
• It is advisable to carry cash, as some local places may require entry fees or service charges, and parking fees where Google Pay or other online modes might not be available.
• Keep all bills, entry tickets, or any slips received during the trip safe, as they may be required at various points.
• Pay attention to toll payments. If you pay at one toll booth, you can show the bill to skip the next nearest toll. However, this may not be explicitly instructed, so be sure to read the instructions placed nearby before entering a toll booth.
• They petrol rates are comparatively less. 103/per L and in some places 99/per L.