Nestled in the Himalayas, the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand covers a total area of 21,035 sq km. Adjoining Himachal Pradesh in the northwest and Nepal in the southwest, and relatively easy to access, Kumaon is a wonderful introduction to the Himalayas. Hills walks can lead through forests, valleys bursting with wild flowers and glacial moonscapes of rock and ice.
Nainital’s strategic location, within striking range of the inner Himalayas, makes it a good base for exploring other gems of Kumaon – Ranikhet, Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve and Almora. While the hill towns of Ranikhet and Almora have a charm of their own with largely unspoilt villages and unlimited trekking options, Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is one of India’s most famous nature reserves famous for its population of tigers.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
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DAY 1-2-3; NAINITAL
Arrive in Nainital and check into a hotel. Go on a boat ride in Naini Lake and visit the holy Naina Devi Temple. Stroll along The Mall in the evening.
After breakfast next day, go on a sightseeing tour of Nainital. Do watch the setting sun from Hanuman Garhi. Enjoy a stroll in The Mall and shop for local handicrafts.
Leave early for Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve on the third day. Go in a jeep safari or an elephant trail and watch wild life at their natural best. Stay the night in Dhikala or in one of the Park hideouts. It’s quite an experience to hear wild sounds in the darkness of night.
On the fourth day, take a short trip to Bhimtal. Sattal and Naukuchiatal on your way back to Nainital. Boating is available here. Overnight stay in Nainital.
DAY 4-5-6: ALMORA
Relax in the morning and drive through Mukhteshwar to Almora. Spend the night at a hotel in Almora. Next morning, see places in and around Almora. Check out the market in the evening. In the third morning, drive down to Binsar and spend the whole day in the lap of nature. Come back to Almora in the evening.
DAY 7-8: RANIKHET
Drive down to Ranikhet, Proceed to Bhalu Dam, a popular picnic spot with a small picturesque lake and Upat Kalika.
Next morning take a walk of drive down to Chaubatia to enjoy the Government Fruit Research Center. In the afternoon visit the Wool factory and buy a few shawls. Walk down the mall in the evening.
How to reach:
By air: The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, 70 kms away from Nainital.
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