5-Day Budget Itinerary Covering Mussoorie, Nainital, and Jim Corbett in May

Day 1: Explore Mussoorie

Mussoorie, India on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kalsang Friends Corner

Enjoy Tibetan and local breakfast dishes at this popular budget-friendly eatery, ideal to start your day with warm momos and thukpa.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kempty Falls

A famous waterfall about 15 km from Mussoorie, great for scenic views and refreshing atmosphere. Open 9am to 6pm.
INR40, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lovely Omelette Centre

Famous for delicious budget omelets and simple north-Indian dishes right on Mall Road.
INR150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk Mall Road and Gun Hill

Explore the lively Mall Road shops and cafes, then take the ropeway to Gun Hill viewpoint for panoramic views of the town and Himalayan range. Ropeway open 9am-6pm.
INR100, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Mussoorie Lake

A quiet spot for boating and relaxing surrounded by forest. Best to visit before sunset, open all day.
INR150 (boating), 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kalsang Restaurant

Sample delicious and affordable Tibetan and Continental dishes to end your day.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 2: Travel & Explore Nainital

Nainital, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a filling hotel breakfast for energy before travel.
INR150, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Nainital

Approximately 6-7 hour scenic drive (160 km) from Mussoorie to Nainital, enjoy mountain roads and scenery.
INR2500 (shared taxi), 7h0m

3:30pm

Check-in and rest

Settle into your budget hotel near Mall Road and relax before evening activities.
INR800, 1h0m

5:00pm

Boating on Naini Lake

Enjoy serene boat rides as the sun sets on the beautiful lake. Open daily 7am-7pm.
INR150, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop

Popular for affordable Indian and continental meals as well as cakes and pastries near Mall Road.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 3: Nainital Sightseeing

Nainital, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sher-e-Punjab

Try hearty and budget-friendly North Indian breakfast dishes near the lake.
INR150, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Snow View Point & Cable Car

Take a cable car from Mallital to Snow View for stunning Himalayan mountains views. Open 8am to 6pm.
INR150, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore The Mall & Tibetan Market

Stroll along Mall Road and visit Tibetan market for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pahalwan Dhaba

Affordable and delicious traditional Indian dhaba food loved by locals and tourists.
INR150, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Nainital Zoo

Explore the zoo famous for the Himalayan species like snow leopard. Open 10am to 5pm.
INR30, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Governor’s House Garden (High Court)

Wander through this colonial-era building and pretty gardens. Open during daylight hours.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Machan Restaurant

Enjoy affordable Indian and Chinese cuisine in a comfortable setting near Mall Road.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 4: Jim Corbett Arrival & Safari

Jim Corbett National Park, India on May 4, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Fuel up with a quick breakfast before departure from Nainital.
INR150, 0h45m

7:00am

Travel to Jim Corbett National Park

Drive approx. 3.5 hours (75 km) south-east from Nainital to Jim Corbett, check into a budget lodge.
INR1500 (shared taxi), INR1000 accommodation, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at lodge

Enjoy an affordable Indian meal at your accommodation or nearby eateries.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon Jungle Safari

Experience a jeep safari through Jim Corbett to spot tigers, elephants, and diverse wildlife. Safari permits required, usually open 2pm-6pm.
INR1000 (permit + jeep share), 4h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge

Relax with home-cooked style Indian dinner at your lodge after safari excitement.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 5: Final Corbett & Departure

Jim Corbett National Park, India on May 5, 2025

6:00am

Morning Bird Watching Walk

Take an early guided nature walk for bird watching and peaceful forest views. Guides available locally, walk lasts 2-3 hours.
INR300, 3h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Fill up with a healthy breakfast at your lodge before departure.
INR150, 0h45m

10:30am

Check-out and Travel Back

Begin the journey back towards Delhi or your next destination. Approximate time 6 hours by road.
INR2000 (shared taxi), 6h0m
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