7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Nainital & Jim Corbett

Sunday September 3: Arrival in Nainital

Start your trip by arriving in Nainital, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Kumaon foothills of the Himalayas. In the morning, explore the scenic Naini Lake by taking a peaceful boat ride. In the afternoon, visit the Naina Devi Temple, located on the northern shore of the lake, and seek blessings. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely walk along Mall Road, lined with shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the lake.

• Naini Lake: Estimated cost - Boat ride: INR 300 ($4), Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Naina Devi Temple: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Mall Road: Estimated cost - Shopping and food: Variable, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Monday September 4: Cave Garden and Tiffin Top

Start your day by visiting the Cave Garden, a unique attraction of natural caves formed in the shape of various animals. Spend the morning exploring these intriguing caves with your family. In the afternoon, head to Tiffin Top, a popular viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings. In the evening, return to your hotel for relaxation.

• Cave Garden: Estimated cost - Entry fee: INR 30 ($0.40), Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Tiffin Top: Estimated cost - Entry fee: INR 50 ($0.70), Time spent: 3-4 hours

Tuesday September 5: Wildlife Safari in Jim Corbett

Start your day early and make your way to Jim Corbett National Park, a renowned tiger reserve. Embark on an exciting wildlife safari in the morning, exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the park. After the safari, enjoy a packed breakfast amidst nature. In the afternoon, visit the Corbett Waterfall, a beautiful cascading waterfall ideal for a refreshing dip. Return to your hotel in the evening and relax.

• Jim Corbett National Park: Estimated cost - Safari fee: INR 4,000 ($54) per jeep (up to 6 people), Time spent: 4-5 hours
• Corbett Waterfall: Estimated cost - Entry fee: INR 50 ($0.70), Time spent: 1-2 hours

Wednesday September 6: Nainital Zoo and Snow View Point

Start your day by visiting the Nainital Zoo, home to a diverse range of Himalayan animal species. Explore the zoo in the morning and learn about the rich wildlife of the region. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to Snow View Point, offering panoramic views of Nainital and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the breathtaking vistas and capture memorable family photos. In the evening, return to Mall Road for shopping and dining.

• Nainital Zoo: Estimated cost - Entry fee: INR 50 ($0.70), Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Snow View Point: Cable car ride - Estimated cost: INR 300 ($4), Time spent: 2-3 hours

Thursday September 7: Boating in Bhimtal and Sattal

Start your day by visiting Bhimtal, a scenic lake town near Nainital. Enjoy boating in the beautiful Bhimtal Lake and soak in the tranquil ambiance. In the afternoon, explore Sattal, a cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes. Take a leisurely walk around the lakes and enjoy the serene surroundings. You can also indulge in birdwatching and spot various avian species. Return to Nainital in the evening and relax.

• Bhimtal Lake: Estimated cost - Boating: INR 150 ($2) per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Sattal: Free entry, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Friday September 8: Nainital Ropeway and High Altitude Zoo

Start your day by taking a thrilling ride on the Nainital Ropeway, offering breathtaking views of Nainital and its surrounding mountains. Reach the Snow View Point and enjoy the panoramic vistas. In the afternoon, visit the High Altitude Zoo, located at an elevation of 2,100 meters. Explore the zoo's collection of endangered Himalayan species. In the evening, return to Mall Road for shopping and dining.

• Nainital Ropeway: Estimated cost - Cable car ride: INR 150 ($2) per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• High Altitude Zoo: Estimated cost - Entry fee: INR 50 ($0.70), Time spent: 2-3 hours

Saturday September 9: Departure

On your last day, bid farewell to the beautiful hill stations of Nainital and Jim Corbett. After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed to the nearest airport or railway station for your journey back home.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, consider visiting the Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, located near Nainital. This hidden gem is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, with over 580 species of birds. You can spot rare birds like the Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, and the Rufous-bellied Woodpecker. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to try the local Kumaoni cuisine, known for its distinct flavors and traditional recipes passed down through generations.

For hotel and flight bookings, check out Kayak to find the best deals and prices for your trip.