The drive back to Delhi takes about seven hours—if you leave the Corbett National Park area before 2 AM. Depart after that and the rush-hour traffic outside Delhi will add an hour or four to this final leg of your trip. An alternative is to leave Corbett at a reasonable hour and, after a four-hour drive, spend the next night at the lovely Mud Fort in Kuchesar, 80 km (50 mi) west of Delhi. If you leave Kuchesar by 7 the next morning, you'll be back in central Delhi in 90 minutes.
The appeal of the Kumaon loop shifts during the year, but March and December are probably the best times to do it. Corbett National Park is closed from June 15 until November 15 for the monsoon; Nainital and Raniket get snow in January; and Indians throng to the hills during their school holidays, which begin April 15.
Corbett National Park
Ramnagar is 250 km (155 mi) northeast of Delhi
India's oldest wildlife sanctuary (founded 1936), Corbett National Park is named after Jim Corbett, the fearless hunter and author of Man-Eaters of Kumaon who later became a conservationist and photographer. Corbett grew up in these hills, and the local people—a number of whom he saved from tigers at the risk of his own life—revered him. Corbett hunted tigers, but later came to regret the sport as he saw the turn-of-the-20th-century population of up to 40,000 tigers drastically reduced. Upon his death in 1956, India honored Corbett by renaming Hailey National Park after this well-liked man.
The park, with elephant grass, forests, and the Ramganga River slicing through its entire length, covers 1,318 square km (527 square mi). You can explore the park on the back of an elephant as it says quietly through the jungle brush; you can sit in an open jeep as it rolls along miles of tracks; or you can just peer into the vast vista from the top of a stationary watchtower and listen to the sounds of the park's inhabitants. This is a great park, worthy of Corbett's memory: Here you'll see many species of deer, monkeys, and birds and, if you're very lucky, wild elephants, tigers, leopards, black bears, wild boars, snakes (including pythons), and crocodiles.
Only 100 day-trippers are allowed into the park each day, and the park is closed from June 15 to November 15. If you won't be staying overnight, you must get an entry permit from the tourist office at Ramnagar Reception to enter by the Amdanda Gate, which allows you to enter the Bijrani area for morning and evening safaris. If you stay at a private lodge, the staff there will make your daily excursion arrangements. A guide, available at the park, must accompany each vehicle. Before leaving Corbett, you may want to stop in at the small museum at Dhangarhi Gate, which houses some stuffed wildcats. Out-side the museum, animals such as black buck wander about looking for handouts. Corbett is extremely popular with tourists wanting to explore wildlife tour packages in India.
Nainital
63 km (39 mi) east of Corbett National Park, 277 km (172 mi) north-east of Delhi
The drive from Corbett to Nainital is less than two hours long, but is memorable for both its solitude and its scenery. East of Ramnagar the road leads you on a tour of unspoiled agrarian India. Mud dwellings with grass roots stand guard next to fields of sugarcane, wheat, and lentils; interspersed with the fields are small stands of teak and sal (tall trees that resemble black oak), with an occasional banana plantation thrown in. In the distance are glimpses of the Himalayan foothills that await you. Just before you turn up into the hills at Kaladungi, you'll pass Jim Corbett's old winter home, a small colonial bungalow whose museum offers a short break from the journey. The road uphill begins in a sal forest, which occasionally gives way to terraced fields. As the trees thin out, the road gets steep and starts to wind. Toward the top you might be held up by troops of langurs sunning themselves on the road or children on their way home from school in the city. Suddenly the road turns downhill, and the congestion of Nainital begins.
Nainital is one of India's most popular hill stations. This one, "discovered" by the British in the 1840s, was later made the official summer capital of Uttar Pradesh (then known as the United Provinces). Nainital clutches the steep slopes that surround a lake of the same name. It's easy to see why the British fell in love with this idyllic spot, yet seemingly uncontrolled development is beginning to take its toll in the form of congestion, pollution, and noise. Indian tourists, especially honeymooners, come to Nainital in all seasons to enjoy the cool air and mountain views. The school holidays, April 15—June 15, bring the real crowds and should be avoided if possible.
As a former colonial capital, Nainital packs quite a bit of history. Those interested in colonial architecture are in for a particular treat. There's another British building, generally with a high-gable tin roof, around every corner; check out the Clock Tower, the Boat Club, the Masonic Hall, the library, and the Church of St. John of the Wilderness. Most of these buildings are, however, slowly tumbling down. The north end of town is built up around the Flats, a large open field created by a landslide in the late 19th century. Facing the Municipal Office, this area is permeated by an air of perpetual carnival; magicians and acrobats perform as tourists munch away on snacks purchased from the many vendors. Sit and watch a cricket game, or take in a Hindi movie at the old Capital Cinema Hall on the Flats.
Elusive to the eye but unavoidable to the ear is the busy Sri Ma Naini Temple on the Flats. Open sunrise to sunset, this lakeside shrine is dedicated to many gods, including Shiva, but Naina Devi (an incarnation of Parvati) is its focus. Take off your shoes and wander around, watching the devout make offerings to the large black Shiva linga by the lake. If you're interested in the various Indian religions, take the time to also visit the gurdwara (Sikh temple) and mosque that face the Flats.
Two fabulous places to take in Nainital's famous Himalayan views are Cheena Peak and the outlook called Snow View. The former is the highest point near Nainital, at 8,566 ft, and was officially renamed Naini Peak after India's 1962 war with China. You can reach the peak on foot or on the back of one of the many horses for rent in town. Snow View can also be reached on foot or horseback, and there's a Tibetan monastery on the way. Tourists commonly take a gondola to Snow View from town (the "Ropeway"; round trip), which runs roughly, not reliably, 9:30-1 and 2—S daily.
Ranikhet
55 kms (34 miles) northwest of Nainital, As with Nainital, the drive to Ranikhet takes less than two hours but is an event in itself. After leaving the crowded confines of Nainital on a road that hugs the mountainside, you'll quickly enter the town of Bhowali—this grubby little place, with small shops and tea stalls, is the center of the local fruit industry. In season the roadside is crowded with men selling crates of apples, peaches, and plums to travelers and commercial dealers, and for the next hour of your drive the bottom of the river valley is filled with small orchards. After crossing another small river, you'll head back up to Ranikhet, at which point the forests give way to some spectacular sections of terraced farmland.
Ranikhet itself is ensconced in evergreen confines on a Himalayan hill-top. Of all the British hill stations in India, only Ranikhet retains some of its original sylvan tranquility. This may be because it's an army town, home of the Kumaon Regiment ever since the Raj, so development has been controlled. The spacious army cantonment of Ranikhet stretches along the Mall, which winds along the top of hill, and many of the regiment's stone buildings, built well before Independence, are still smartly maintained specimens of colonial architecture. Walk on the Upper Mall Road of Ranikhet to see the Parade Ground or Regimental Headquarters.
Ranikhet has at least six old colonial churches that can be explored. While each is unique, all are made of stone and have the high tin roofs typical of this area. Two of these churches, facing each other across a small athletic field in the center of the Ranikhet cantonment, have been deconsecrated and converted into the Ranikhet Tweed and Shawl Factory, a hand-loom production center of woolens. This operation is run by the Kumaon Regiment for soldiers injured in the line of duty and for army widows. Let the clattering draw you inside for a look at how hand looms work, or visit the little store down by the field, housed in the regiment's old bank. The factory and store are open Monday through Saturday from 9 to 5.
Heading uphill (south) from the West view Hotel, take the Lower Mall Road, almost completely abandoned now, for a peaceful stroll through a mixed forest of pine and oak. About 2 km (1 mi) up the road, it merges once again with Upper Mall Road and you come upon the small, relatively new Jhula Devi Temple, open sunrise to sunset. This Ranikhet temple is bursting with brass bells small and large; Hindu temple bells are traditionally rung to alert the god to the devotee's need (which is why some temples are so clamorous). If you keep walking, a few more miles bring you to the Chaubatia Orchards, a huge (260-acre) fruit orchard run by the Uttar Pradesh state government. Feel free to stroll among the trees.
For more information on Nainital Ranikhet Corbett Tour Package from Delhi , contact Swan Tours , one of the leading Travel Agents in India, promoting tourism in the Kumaon region since 1995.
Best time to book a Nainital Jim Corbett package
Uttarakhand has pleasant and comfortable weather all year round. Summer is cool and pleasant while winters are chilly. Each season has something special to offer to tourists. People prefer to visit Nainital during the summer season to escape the scorching heat of the plain. Jim Corbett will delight you with wonderful experiences no matter what time of the year you plan to visit. If you love snowfall you may plan your Nainital and Jim Corbett trip during winters. Therefore, any time of the year is good to visit both the destinations. It depends on your interest and purpose of visit. So go ahead and pick the best Nainital Jim Corbett packages from our website.
Tourist attractions to visit with Nainital Jim Corbett tour packages
There are many beautiful places to see in and around Nainital. With our Nainital Jim Corbett packages, you can be assured to cover all the important tourist attractions. Nainital has various opportunities for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. There are beautiful trails all around the scenic town. Situated at a height of 2615m, Naina peak is the highest hilltop and the most loved hiking trail amongst the tourists. A popular picnic spot, Tiffin Top is yet another famous trail. Travelers who book our Nainital Jim Corbett tour packages to relax and chill always opt for a quick boat ride in Naini Lake followed by a stroll on Mall Road.
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is the oldest national park in India. Tourists visit the park in large numbers throughout the year to see the majestic tigers. Besides, it is home to many animals including Asiatic elephants, birds, reptiles and other wild animals. Bijrani safari zone, Dhikala Safari Zone and Dhela Safari Zone are the best zones to visit for tiger spotting and safari tour. Jeep safari is one of the most exciting experiences as it allows you to penetrate deep in the jungles. Located in Ramnagar in Nainital district, the Corbett National Park covers an area of 521 sq.km. The main features of the park include:
- Subtropical climate
- 488 different species of plants
- Rich fauna and sub Himalayan belts
- Best eco-tourism destination
Why book our Nainital Jim Corbett tour packages
- To experience the best of both the destinations - Nainital and Jim Corbett, make sure to book Nainital Jim Corbett tour packages
- Our packages cover all the important attractions and experiences. You can sample the local Kumaoni food in small restaurants on the Mall road in Nainital
- If you are an adventure freak, you can opt for a ropeway ride and enjoy the top view of the majestic Himalayas
- Nainital is dotted with many temples and churches that you can visit during your Nainital Jim Corbett holiday packages
- In Jim Corbett, enjoy finger-licking food amidst the jungles. Opt for a safari tour and get a chance to view the majestic tigers
- There are several other advantages of booking our Nainital Jim Corbett tour packages. Scroll through our website to avail the best deals on our customizable packages. There are a variety of packages available well suited for all kinds of travelers along with the details. You can pick any that suits your requirements
Besides, there are many activities that you can enjoy through our Nainital Jim Corbett tour packages. The best way to begin your trip in Nainital is to head out on the hiking trail leading to Naini peak. If you are planning your next trip to Nainital Jim Corbett, do check out our website and explore the different packages available at affordable prices! Swan tour, the leading tour operator in India is known to create individual customized tourism packages in India.
