Perfect Uttarakhand combo of scenic lake town and premier wildlife sanctuary! Nainital (Lake District at 1938m) offers pear-shaped Naini Lake with boating, Snow View Point cable car for Himalayan panoramas, Naina Devi Temple, Mall Road shopping, and colonial charm. Enjoy pony rides to Tiffin Top, Lands End cliff edge views, and Seven Lakes tour. Jim Corbett National Park (India's oldest established 1936, named after legendary hunter-conservationist) features Project Tiger success, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants in Sal forests, Ramganga River, and 600+ bird species. Safaris at dawn/dusk in open jeeps, Dhikala zone praised for best sightings, luxury resorts, and peaceful forest atmosphere make perfect nature-heritage combination.
Day 1:
Arrive Delhi to Nainital (320km, 7-8 hours) - Morning departure from Delhi by road (or overnight journey previous night), scenic drive through Haldwani, ascend to Nainital (1938m), check-in lakeside hotel, afternoon walk on Mall Road (traffic-free shopping street along lake, restaurants, showrooms), boat ride on Naini Lake (1.5km long pear-shaped lake formed in Kumaon Valley, hire paddle boat or rowing boat - Ôé╣150/half hour), visit Naina Devi Temple (at north end of lake, 51 Shakti Peetha, Sati's eyes fell here), evening enjoy lake views, overnight Nainital|
Day 2:
Nainital Sightseeing - Early morning ropeway ride to Snow View Point (2270m, panoramic Himalayan views including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Kot peaks - cable car Ôé╣300 return), visit Nainital Zoo (Pt. GB Pant High Altitude Zoo with snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, bharal, Siberian tiger - Ôé╣100), afternoon optional excursions: Tiffin Top/Dorothy Seat (2292m, hilltop viewpoint, 2.5km horse ride or trek from Ayarpata), Lands End (cliff edge with Khurpatal Lake view below), Cave Garden (natural interconnected caves), evening Mall Road shopping (woolen shawls, candles, souvenirs), overnight Nainital|
Day 3:
Nainital to Jim Corbett (65km, 2.5 hours) - Morning optional Sattal Lake visit (23km, cluster of seven interconnected lakes, quiet less commercialized), or Eco Cave Gardens, checkout drive to Jim Corbett (via Kaladhungi, Jim Corbett's winter home now museum), check-in jungle resort near Dhangari/Jhirna/Dhikala zone, afternoon nature walk around resort, documentary on Jim Corbett and tiger conservation, overnight Corbett|Day 4-5: Corbett Tiger Reserve Safaris - Two full days with morning (6am) and afternoon (3pm) jeep safaris in permitted zones (Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela - advance online booking required www.corbettonline.uk.gov.in), Jim Corbett famous for: Bengal tigers (150+ population), Asian elephants (large herds), leopards, sloth bears, gharials and mugger crocodiles in Ramganga, 600+ bird species (Great Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle), chitals, sambars, wild boars, Sal and mixed forests, Ramganga reservoir, best sightings Nov-June, park closed mid-June to mid-Nov (monsoon), Dhikala zone overnight stay option in forest rest house (advance booking), evening bonfire and wildlife discussions, overnight Corbett|
Day 6:
Corbett to Delhi - Morning final safari or Garjiya Devi Temple visit (on rock in Kosi River, beautiful location), afternoon drive back to Delhi (260km, 6-7 hours), drop at airport/hotel, tour ends with lake-forest memories