Kumaon: Tiger, Mountain & River

Detailed Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrive Delhi

   Delhi

   After clearing Customs and Immigration, step into the receiving area, where our representative will meet you and escort you to the hotel.

   Overnight at the hotel (no meal)
2. Day 2 Delhi

   Delhi

   On the tour of “Old Delhi,” you will head out to explore this exotic locale with its narrow dirt roads, myriads of people and inexpensive and colorful bazaars that keep alive the traditional workmanship for which Delhi has always been famous. Drive past Red Fort and visit the Jama Masjid, one of the largest Muslim mosques in India. A bicycle rickshaw will take you into the heart of Chandni Chowk (the silver square - so named because of the silver merchants).

   Drive past India Gate, a 42-metre archway built in memory of Indian soldiers killed during the First World War and Rashtrapati Bhawan, built in the early 20th century as the Imperial residence of the Viceroy. Today, it is the official residence of the President of India.

   Thereafter, visit the most prominent Sikh Gurudwara- Bangla Sahib, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. It was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, a 17th century Indian ruler. It is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The premises house a sacred pond in which devotees bathe. They believe that this would wash off their misdeeds and thus allow them to attain peace of mind. The 'Langars' or the community kitchen proves to be the ideal example of prodigious hospitality of the Sikhs. Anyone and everyone can have scrumptious meal irrespective of caste, color or class.

   Conclude the day by visiting Delhi's most striking monument, the Qutub Minar, which looms majestically across the wide plains of Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was constructed in 1192 by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Built in red sandstone and marble, it has a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft.) and contains 379 stairs. A soaring conical tower, it is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture and is the tallest minaret in India.

   Overnight at the hotel (B)

   

   Bangla Sahib

   Sikh Temple

   

   Chandni Chowk

   

   Old Delhi Cultural Rickshaw ride

   

   Qutub Minar

   

   Red Fort

3. Day 3 Delhi - Nanital

   Nainital

   Train to Kathgodam (Shatabdi Exp 0600/1140 hrs) / Nainital (1 hr. approx.)

   Early morning check–out from the hotel and transfer to the railway station for your train to Kathgodam. You will be received on arrival in Kathgodam and transferred to your hotel in Nainital.

   The evening is at leisure.

   Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

   

   Naini Lake

   

   Nainital, Mall Road by Sanjoy / CC BY

   The Mall Road

4. Day 4 Nainital - Binsar (86 Km/ 3 hrs. approx.)

   Binsar

   After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Binsar.

   Arrive at your hotel and check-in.

   The evening is at leisure.

   Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
5. Day 5 Binsar

   Binsar

   Today we will go for a jungle walk with packed lunch.

   Starting from the Retreat, we first descend down to the Veeneshwar temple. After a short walk along the tarred road we branch off at the water tank that stores water from a Sroth (natural spring). It is a gentle climb of about a kilometre, with numerous short-cuts, fallen trees and langur activities. Branch off, towards a patch of forest thick with Deodar and Cypress trees. Half a kilometre further, we join the Panchchuli Trail - a wide dirt path, level for the most part, that leads us to the Zero Point.

   To the right of the Panchchuli trail one can see the Himalayas, with unobstructed views of the Panchchuli peaks. A gorgeous sight in the evening, as the sun begins its descent and the hills change colours from orange to pink before the sun dips below the horizon and the Himalayas turn dull white. It is a leisurely and very enjoyable walk. We will have time for long conversations before reaching the Zero Point, where the sight of the majestic Himalayas brings silent contemplation.

   Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
6. Day 6 Binsar

   Binsar

   Today morning post breakfast, drive to Jageshwar (approx. 51kms/ 2 hrs.) for a picnic lunch. Jageshwar is located at an altitude of 1870 mts, in the Jataganga river valley near Deodar forest. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

   The temple city comprises of a cluster of 124 large and small stone temples, dating 9th to 13th century AD, with many preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which include Dandeshwar Temple, Chandi-ka-Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Mritunjaya Temple, Nanda Devi or Nau Durga, Nava-grah temple, a Pyramidal shrine, and Surya Temple.

   Also visit a Small Museum (Closed on Mondays) just close to the Temple complex depicting the idols and culture of the historic era of the region.

   Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
7. Day 7 Binsar – Kausani (62 kms, 3 hrs. drive)

   Kausani

   Today, check-out from the resort and drive to Kausani.

   En-route you will visit the Bagnath temple. This old temple is located at joining of two rivers Gomati & Sarya. The approach road to temple passes through narrow roads with local shops on both sides.

   After that, visit Baijnath Temple Complex - A famous temple town on the banks of the Gomti in the Garuda Valley. It is a 13th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vaidyanath, ‘the Lord of physicians’. In this temple complex the main attraction is the black stone idol of Goddess Parvati at the main entrance. The temple will enamour you with not just its architecture, but also its artful representations of Hindu mythology, such as idols, sculptures and carvings. An idol of Nandi, the loyal chariot of Lord Shiva greets you at the entrance.

   Arrive Kausani and check-in to the hotel.

   Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)

   

   Baijnath temples

8. Day 8 Kausani

   Kausani

   Today we will take you for an excursion to Dhakuri, 3 hrs. drive from Kausani and 3 hrs. trek to get a close view of the snow covered mountains forming the southern wall of Nanda Devi Sanctuary.

   Evening is free at leisure. 

   Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
9. Day 9 Kausani – Corbett (156 Km/ approx. 5 hrs. drive)

   Jim Corbett

   In the morning post breakfast, check-out and take a drive to Jim Corbett National Park.

   Arrive and check-in to the resort.

   Rest of the day is at leisure.

   In the evening you can do the various activities offered by the resort.

   Overnight at the hotel (B, L, D)
10. Day 10 Corbett

    Jim Corbett

    Today morning, we will go for the Safari. Though Corbett’s star attraction is the royal Bengal tiger, one of its greatest delights is its large herds of elephants. Visitors can also spot four types of deer- the sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, and hog deer. There are plenty of wild boars and the animals are known to give tigers a tough fight during a hunt. The park has leopards and jackals, and gharials can sometimes be spotted basking in the sun by the water. If you spot a large hole by the trail, there’s probably a monitor lizard hiding inside.

    The Ramganga River is full of otters, and there are mongooses that often get into fights with snakes like cobras, vipers, pythons, and kraits. The park has a rich avian population and one of the chief pleasures of an early morning safari is the variety of birdsong that fills the air.

    Later return to the resort.

    In the afternoon, explore the sights, sounds and smells of the surrounding forests as you trek into the jungle escorted by a trained naturalist. The naturalists introduce you to the jungle ecology.

    Overnight the hotel (B, L, D)
11. Day 11 Corbett

    Jim Corbett

    Today morning, check-out from your resort and drive to Dhikala. This is the largest and the most varied zone in Corbett, offering the best opportunities for overnight stays in century-old forest rest houses. Dhikala contains a diverse range of habitats from the moist deciduous forests to the vast open grasslands, which is widely considered to be a prime habitat for the Tiger and the Elephant. With many unique habitats, including the Ramganga River and reservoir, this zone is a haven for a wide range of species in Corbett. Dhikala’s higher altitude suits the Ghoral, a goat antelope, while the Gharial and Maggars, as well as the great Mahaseer, inhabit the rivers below. The Hog Deer, the fourth Deer species found in Corbett, is also exclusive to Dhikala. You will do your Safaris from this place.

    Special Note: Accommodation at Dhikala will be in a government lodge and it is very basic.

    Overnight at the lodge (B, L, D)
12. Day 12 Corbett – Pantnagar (approx. 94 km/ 2 hrs. drive) & Fly to Delhi

    Delhi

    Post breakfast check-out from the resort and drive to Pantnagar to board your flight to Delhi.

    On arrival at Delhi you will be received by our representative who will transfer you to the hotel near the airport.

    Overnight at the hotel (B)
13. Day 13 Departure

    Delhi

    After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Delhi International airport to connect with flight to onward destination (room reserved till 12 noon).

    (B)