Places Covered: Delhi – Nainital (2nights) – Almora (2nights) – Kausani(2nights) – Ranikhet(2nights) – Corbett(2nights) – Delhi(1night)
No. of Days: 11 Nights/ 12 Days
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Delhi – Nainital: Arrive in Delhi by an early morning flight. Start immediately for Nainital by road. This distance of around 325km is a drive of close to eight hours. Check into a hotel on arrival. After relaxing for some time go for a walk around Naini Lake. Have dinner at one of the restaurants. Overnight in Nainital.
Day 2: Nainital: After breakfast embark on a tour of Nainital and areas around it. Start the day with a visit to Naini Lake. Go for boating in the Naini Lake, scene of many Hindi films in the past. It is believed Lord Shiva performed his tandava. Close to Naini Lake is the temple of Naina Devi, supposed to be one of the shaktipiths. Go on to visit Nanital Zoo which is home to rare species like snow leopard, steppe eagle and Himalayan Black bear. Eco cave garden has, of late, become quite popular among children. Once can also opt to visit Governor’s House, which is open to public viewing.
Those interested in birds and nature can head off to Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. Return, have dinner and retire to your room. Overnight in Nainital.
Day 3: Nainital – Almora: After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Almora – a scenic drive of around two hours. Check into a hotel on arrival in Almora, a place famous for its beauty and unparalleled views of the Himalayas, for rich cultural heritage and also for handicrafts.
Located on a horse shoe shaped ridge, Almora is quite popular among tourists. After some relaxation visit Chitai Golu Devta Temple, dedicated to Gaur Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Go and visit Bright End Corner towards the evening. This is the perfect place in Almora to have a mesmerizing view of dawn and dusk and snowy peaks. Mall Road begins from Bright End Corner. You can visit Shri Ramkrishna Ashram, Vivekananda Memorial and if interested, Vivekananda Library.
Have dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Almora: After breakfast embark on a full day tour of Almora. Start with a visit to Martola, quite a favourite among foreigners. This is surrounded by thick woodlands and well organized gardens. A visit to the rural Almora is quite an amazing experience. Visit Kalimat, a picturesque hamlet which offers walks to the visitors.
If zoo is something which attracts you, you can visit deer park. You can see not just different deer varieties, but also leopards and Himalayan Black Bear. Take a nice walk along the Park. You head off to Binsar after this, which is located in the midst of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. It offers views of Himalayan snowy peaks almost on all sides. It served as the summer capital of yesteryear Chand rulers.
Return in the evening and visit Lal Bazar, a shopper’s delight. Have dinner at one of the places in the market. Overnight in Almora.
Day 5: Almora – Kaushani: Check out from the hotel in Almora after breakfast and head to Kaushani. This drive of around 60km takes more than two hours. Check into a hotel or resort in Kaushani.
Kaushani, situated in Bageshwar district, is supposed to be one of the best places for honeymoon seekers. Kaushani is a land of lush green hills with spellbinding views of Himalayan peaks. Soak in to these. Take leisurely walks. Have lunch and dinner at local market or your own hotel. Buy some Kaushani shawls from the local market.
Overnight in Kausani.
Day 6: Kaushani: After breakfast start full day excursion of Kaushani. You should first visit Anashakti Ashram, a quiet and revered place where Mahatma Gandhi spent a few days and also compiled his commentary on Anashkti Yog. Next you should visit Pant Museum, the birth place of the noted Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant.
After lunch you should start with a visit to the tea garden. This tea garden in hardly 5km on the Bageshwar Road. A visit to Bageshwar and looking at the marvelous Baijnath group of temples is also a good option. There are some good trekking opportunities in Almora.
Have dinner and retire to your room. Overnight in Kaushani.
Day 7: Kausani – Ranikhet: Check out from the hotel after breakfast and head for Ranikhet, some 60km from Kaushani. The drive is of a little more than two hours. Check into a hotel on arrival in Ranikhet. Ranikhet, a cantonment town in Almora district, is located at an altitude of more than 6100 feet above sea level.
Go on to visit Majkhali, more of a picnic spot 12km on the Ranikhet-Almora road. The place offers a close view of the snowy Himalayas with peaceful surroundings. Later visit Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum which has a wide collection ranging from stories of the heroics of the First World War till date. This is maintained by the Kumaon and the Naga Regiment of the Indian Army.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Ranikhet.
Day 8: Ranikhet: After breakfast embark on a sightseeing tour of Ranikhet. Start with Chaubatia gardens. This is some 10km from Ranikhet town. This place has plantation of apricots, peaches, chestnuts, and almonds and is famous for apple orchards. Afterwards, go on to Jhula Devi temple, which is situated near Chaubatia Gardens. The temple, which is dedicated to goddess durga, is known for the number of bells people tie here. The belief is that those who want a wish fulfilled would tie a bell there.
Visit Bhalu Dam, which is an artificial small lake blessed with natural bounteousness and offer panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains. Ranikhet Golf Course is also a worth visiting place. One of the highest golf courses of Asia, Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9 -hole course making it one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet. You can also visit Kalika and Hairakhan temples. There are some prominent sunset points. Do visit these and watch some awesome sunsets.
Have dinner and overnight stay in Ranikhet.
Day 9: Ranikhet – Corbett: Check out from the hotel in Ranikhet after breakfast and drive to Corbett. It is a three hour drive. Check into a resort on arrival in Corbett. Go for an afternoon safari in Corbett. Return, relax, have drinks and enjoy a nice dinner. Overnight in Corbett.
Day 10: Corbett: Get up pretty early in the morning and drive to the forest for a morning safari. If lucky you can see a wide variety of animals, including tigers, elephants and leopards. There are some good bird varieties as well. Return and have breakfast. Relax and enjoy swimming. You can visit nearby villages for a walk and interact with the locals. Return, have lunch and rest for some time. Set out for an afternoon safari afterwards.
Enjoy a relaxed in evening. Overnight in Corbett.
Day 11: Corbett – Delhi: If you wish you can go for an early morning safari to the forest. Have breakfast and check out from the resort. Drive to Delhi which is some seven hours journey. Check into a hotel in Delhi on arrival. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 12: Delhi – Onward destination: Have breakfast and check out from the hotel in Delhi. Head to the airport and catch flight to your own desired destination.