Nomadic Lives Local, Experiential India Travel Blog
3. Dehradun to Nainital
The distance from Uttarakhand’s capital to Nainital – one of the country’s prettiest hill stations, is close to 275 KMs and a 5-7 hour drive by road. The state of Uttarakhand lies on the southern slope of the Himalayan Range, and is blessed with plenty of mountainous forest cover.
The route from Dehradun to Nainital is through National Highway 72 which connects Ambala to the holy city of Haridwar & National Highway 74, which connects Haridwar to Bareily in Uttar Pradesh.
There’s plenty of nature’s bounty to be devoured along the way – passing through the fabled Kumaon hillside. You will also pass countless ancient shrines including the famous Haridwar & Rishikesh temples, so if you have a religious inclination, this road-trip could well serve multiple purposes. Finally settle into Nainital – a beautiful lake city. Be sure to stay there for a couple of days at least before making your way back or trudge along further to Mussoorie – another pretty little hamlet nestled within the hills.
Another attraction along the way is the beautiful Jim Corbett National Park, which is a slight detour away from the route.
Great post! India isn’t a country I would think of doing a road trip in but these routes sound great! Awesome photos as well- love the windy paths!
Hannah,
you’re right in a way – driving in India can be a challenge in
itself; especially the urban areas! I know so many westerners who marvel
at the way locals drive in this country, but some of these routes are
really breath-taking, you must try some day 🙂
Beautiful! I have only been to Northern India to date, but this post makes me want to explore a lot more of it!
Interesting! I wouldn’t think to be road tripping through India. We will be visiting India for 2-3 months in February, so nice to see what our options are for getting around.
great idea for a post! India is not the country one thinks in relation to road trips, but there are some amazing ones to do!
Awesome! I have only been to South part India – Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vizag. This post makes me want to explore more in India!