Blog · India
Nainital and Jim Corbett: a hills-and-safari trip from Delhi
Nainital's lake and Corbett's forest are both within a day's drive of Delhi, which makes them a natural pair for a short break.
Jim Corbett
Corbett is roughly 290 km and about 8 hours from Delhi by road in our itineraries. The park is famous for tigers, but also has elephants, deer, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species. Sightings are never guaranteed; the forest itself is the experience.
Jeep safaris run in the early morning and afternoon, in different zones. Permits are booked through the park's official system and sell out in peak season, so book early. Some zones close during the monsoon.
Nainital
Nainital is built around its lake. Boating, the Mall Road, Naina Devi temple, Snow View by cable car and the viewpoints fill a day. Nearby lakes (Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal) make a pleasant half-day trip.
Adding more hills
- Ranikhet: a quiet cantonment town with golf links and pine forests.
- Kausani: wide Himalayan views, often called the "Switzerland of India".
- Almora: a heritage town with Kumaoni culture.
How many days
3 nights covers Corbett and Nainital; 5–7 nights adds Ranikhet, Kausani or Almora; and our 7-night plan finishes in Haridwar.
