Jim Corbett with Nainital Tour: A Complete Travel Guid

 

 

 

India is blessed with a stunning variety of landscapes, from dense forests teeming with wildlife to serene hill stations overlooking shimmering lakes. Two of the most enchanting destinations in northern India are Jim Corbett National Park and Nainital. Combining these two in a single itinerary offers travelers the perfect mix of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation in the lap of nature. This guide will walk you through a complete tour experience, including detailed itineraries, sightseeing tips, accommodation options, food recommendations, and travel advice.

Overview of Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is India’s oldest national park, established in 1936. Named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, the park spans over 520 square kilometers of lush forests, grasslands, and riverine belts. It is internationally recognized for its efforts in tiger conservation and is a part of Project Tiger, India’s initiative to protect the Bengal tiger.

Wildlife in Jim Corbett

The park hosts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Key species include:

• Royal Bengal Tiger (the star attraction)

• Leopard

• Elephants

• Wild boars and sambar deer

• Himalayan black bear

• Various species of birds, including kingfishers, eagles, and hornbills

The park is divided into multiple zones for safaris, such as Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Sonanadi, each offering a unique wildlife experience.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time for visiting Jim Corbett is:

• October to June: The park is open for safaris, with pleasant weather and the best chance to spot wildlife.

• July to September: The park is closed during monsoons due to heavy rains and difficult terrain.

Overview of Nainital

Nainital, also in Uttarakhand, is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. Located at an altitude of 2,084 meters, it is famous for its scenic Naini Lake, verdant hills, and colonial charm. It serves as a perfect destination to unwind after an adventurous jungle safari.

Key Attractions in Nainital

• Naini Lake: Boating and lakeside activities

• Snow View Point: Stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas via cable car

• Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat): Popular viewpoint for trekking enthusiasts

• Mall Road: Shopping and local cuisine hub

• Naina Devi Temple: Spiritual center by the lake

• Eco Cave Gardens: Small caves and hanging gardens for adventure lovers

Best Time to Visit

• March to June: Pleasant summer weather

• September to November: Clear skies and scenic views post-monsoon

• December to February: Winter months can be cold, sometimes snowy

How to Reach Jim Corbett and Nainital

By Air:

• Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport (60 km from Nainital)

• Alternative: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (260 km from Jim Corbett)

By Train:

• Ramnagar Railway Station is closest to Jim Corbett (12 km from the park)

• From Delhi, regular trains are available to Ramnagar

By Road:

• Well-connected via highways from Delhi, Nainital, and surrounding towns

• Private taxis, buses, and cab services are available

  India tour package
  

Suggested 5-Day Itinerary: Jim Corbett + Nainital

Day 1: Arrival at Jim Corbett

• Arrive at Ramnagar, the gateway to Jim Corbett National Park

• Check-in at a resort or jungle lodge

• Afternoon: Nature walk or visit Garjiya Devi Temple on the banks of the Kosi River

• Evening: Relax at the resort, enjoy bonfire or local cultural programs

Accommodation Options:

• Corbett Riverside Resort – Family-friendly with modern amenities

• Jim’s Jungle Retreat – Eco-friendly, jungle-style cottages

• The Riverview Retreat – Mid-range resort with guided tours

Day 2: Safari in Jim Corbett National Park

• Wake up early for a Jeep Safari (preferably at dawn for best tiger sighting chances)

• Zones like Dhikala or Bijrani are recommended for rich wildlife spotting

• Return to the resort for breakfast and rest

• Optional afternoon activity: visit Corbett Waterfall, Corbett Museum, or enjoy birdwatching

• Evening: Resort leisure or a short campfire session

Tips for Safari:

• Wear neutral-colored clothing

• Carry binoculars and camera

• Do not feed or disturb wildlife

• Follow all instructions from forest guides

Day 3: Transfer to Nainital

• After breakfast, depart for Nainital (approx. 65–70 km, 2–3 hours drive)

• Check-in at a hotel near Naini Lake or Mall Road

• Afternoon: Explore Naini Lake with boating options

• Evening: Stroll along Mall Road for shopping, local street food, and souvenirs

Day 4: Explore Nainital

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Morning: Take a cable car ride to Snow View Point for panoramic Himalayan views

• Midday: Trek to Tiffin Top for breathtaking viewpoints

• Visit Naina Devi Temple and Eco Cave Gardens

• Evening: Leisure boating at Naini Lake, sunset photography

• Night: Dinner at a local restaurant, try dishes like Bhatt ki Churkani or Kumaoni Thali

Day 5: Departure

• Breakfast and hotel check-out

• Optional short morning visit to Sattal or Bhimtal (nearby lakes)

• Depart for Delhi or onward destination

• Tour concludes

Food and Cuisine

Both Jim Corbett and Nainital offer local and multi-cuisine food options. Some recommendations:

In Jim Corbett:

• Enjoy rustic, North Indian cuisine at resorts

• Local Kumaoni dishes: Kafuli (spinach curry), Bhang ki Chutney, Mandua Roti

In Nainital:

• Lakeside cafes: Tea, coffee, momos, and sandwiches

• Local Kumaoni delicacies in restaurants on Mall Road

Travel Tips

1. Book Safaris Early: Corbett has limited permits; pre-book online for popular zones.

2. Clothing: Light cottons for the day, warm clothes for early morning and evenings.

3. Footwear: Comfortable shoes for trekking in Nainital.

4. Photography Gear: Bring binoculars and camera with zoom lens for wildlife.

5. Cash & ATMs: Carry cash as some remote resorts may not accept cards.

6. Local Etiquette: Respect local customs, wildlife rules, and temple protocols.

7. Health Precautions: Carry basic first-aid and stay hydrated.

8. Transport: Private cabs are preferable for comfortable transfers between Corbett and Nainital.

Why Combine Jim Corbett and Nainital?

• Diverse Experiences: Jungle safari followed by serene lake-side relaxation

• Proximity: Less than 3 hours drive between Corbett and Nainital

• Ideal for Families: Activities for adults and children alike

• Photographer’s Paradise: Wildlife in Corbett, scenic landscapes in Nainital

• Flexible Duration: Can be adjusted for a 4–6 day trip

			Safety and Guidelines Always follow safari rules and instructions from guides Do not litter inside the national park Avoid trekking alone in remote areas of Nainital Keep a copy of ID and safari permits Check weather updates, especially during monsoon or winter
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