Route: Dehradun - Mussoorie - Rishikesh - Corbett - Delhi
Places covered: Mussoorie, Kempty Falls, Rishikesh, Triveni Ghat, Jim Corbett National Park, Ramnagar
This plan is designed for families, so it keeps drives short, uses three bases and builds in a mix of nature, culture and fun. Children get the hills, the river and a jungle safari, and parents get a rhythm that is not too tiring.
Who it suits
Families with children from about five years, and multi-generational groups. It works from mid-November to June because of the Corbett season, though the hill sections are also pleasant in autumn. We do not recommend the monsoon for families.
How the days flow
You arrive in Dehradun and drive to Mussoorie for two nights. A relaxed day follows with Landour, a ropeway and Kempty Falls. You then drive to Rishikesh, enjoy the evening aarti and spend a day by the river, with age-appropriate activities. On day five, you travel to Corbett, check in and rest. Day six is for jeep safaris, and day seven is the drive to Delhi or Pantnagar.
Family notes
- Drives. Mussoorie to Rishikesh is about three hours, and Rishikesh to Corbett about five to six. We split with stops. Bring motion-sickness remedies if needed.
- Rafting. Short stretches may suit older children, but age and weight limits apply. Younger children can enjoy the river from the bank or a gentle boat ride.
- Safari. Jeep safaris suit most children, though early starts are tiring. Rules on minimum age vary by zone.
- Food. Mild, vegetarian-friendly meals are easy to arrange.
- Water safety. Streams and waterfalls are risky, and we recommend supervised shallow areas only.
- Medical. Carry basic medicines and any prescriptions.
What children usually enjoy
The ropeway, pancakes at a hill-station cafe, floating a leaf lamp at the aarti, spotting elephants and deer on safari and splashing in a shallow stream. We plan one main activity a day, with breaks.
A note on pacing
With children, the pace matters more than the number of sights. We keep drives short and avoid late nights, and if anyone is tired or the weather turns, we change the plan. A happy family is the point of the trip.
Packing for a family trip
Pack layers, a rain jacket, comfortable shoes, motion-sickness tablets, basic medicines, snacks, a reusable water bottle and a change of clothes for each child in the day bag. Hill roads are slow, so keep the bag within reach.
Customising
Add a night in Nainital, replace Corbett with a longer Mussoorie stay or add a day for Haridwar's aarti. Share the ages of your travellers and we will adapt the plan.
