Himalayan Lake Views & A Tiger Safari, All in One Weekend
A perfectly engineered short break for travellers with limited time — combining Nainital's colonial lake-district charm with a genuine wildlife safari in Corbett National Park, India's oldest national park, in just four days from Delhi.
Nainital (2,084m), built around the crescent-shaped Naini Lake, has been a beloved hill retreat since the British era. Mall Road, the Naina Devi Temple, and the panoramic viewpoints of Naina Peak and Snow View make for a relaxed day and a half before the drive to Corbett.
Corbett National Park — established in 1936 as India's first national park and the birthplace of Project Tiger — offers jeep safaris into the Dhikala or Bijrani zones, with genuine chances of spotting Bengal tigers, elephants, and over 600 bird species along the Ramganga River. One overnight safari stop fits perfectly into a long weekend.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Depart Delhi early morning by private vehicle for Nainital (290 km, ~7 hrs) through the plains of Uttar Pradesh and into the Kumaon foothills. Arrive by evening and check in to your lakeside hotel. Evening stroll along Mall Road and the lake promenade as the town's lights reflect on Naini Lake.
A full day in Nainital. Morning boat ride on Naini Lake — paddle boats and traditional rowboats on the crescent-shaped lake that gives the town its name. Naina Devi Temple on the lake's northern shore — one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hinduism, rebuilt after a 1880 landslide. Snow View Point — reached by cable car or a short trek, with views of Nanda Devi (7,816m) and the Himalayan range on clear days.
Afternoon: Naina Peak (Cheena Peak, 2,611m, the highest point above Nainital) for a more strenuous but rewarding panorama, or a more relaxed walk along Mall Road for Kumaoni handicrafts and the famous Nainital candles.
Drive from Nainital to Corbett National Park (75 km, ~2.5 hrs) through the Kumaon foothills. Check in to your jungle resort. Afternoon jeep safari into one of Corbett's accessible zones (Bijrani, Jhirna, or Dhela depending on season and availability) — sal forest, grassland, and the chance of spotting Bengal tigers, elephants, sambar deer, and over 600 bird species along the Ramganga River system.
Early morning jeep safari — the best time for wildlife activity as the forest wakes. Return for breakfast, then visit the Corbett Museum at Kaladhungi — the former home of Jim Corbett, documenting the life of the hunter-turned-conservationist who lent his name to the park and to the tiger conservation movement. Drive back to Delhi (300 km, ~7 hrs). Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 3 nights accommodation in handpicked hotels & jungle resort
- ✓ Daily breakfast throughout; dinner on Day 3
- ✓ Private vehicle for all transfers
- ✓ 2 jeep safaris in Corbett National Park (afternoon + dawn)
- ✓ Corbett Museum entry
- ✓ Naini Lake boating
- ✓ All applicable park fees & taxes
Not Included ✗
- ✗ Flights / trains to / from Delhi (not required — included drive)
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Lunches throughout
- ✗ Cable car at Snow View Point (optional, payable locally)
- ✗ Personal expenses & gratuities
- ✗ Camera fees inside Corbett (nominal)
Your questions, answered
Corbett's core zones (Dhikala) are closed mid-June to mid-November during the monsoon. However, several buffer zones (Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durga Devi) remain open through most of the year, with Jhirna and Dhela typically open even during the monsoon months. We select the best available zone based on your travel dates. The peak wildlife-viewing season is November to April, with the best big-cat sightings typically March–April when water sources concentrate near rivers.
March–June: pleasant temperatures, rhododendrons in bloom, clear mountain views. September–November: post-monsoon clarity, the best Himalayan visibility of the year, crisp air. December–February: cold, occasional snow in Nainital/Mussoorie, atmospheric but some activities limited. Avoid July–August (monsoon) — heavy rain, landslide risk on hill roads, and reduced visibility.
Absolutely — every tour is fully private and tailored to you. We can adjust duration, add Ranikhet, Almora, or Kausani, or combine with a Char Dham pilgrimage. Enquire at no obligation.
Most of our tours include private vehicle transfers throughout from Delhi. Alternatively, Kathgodam (for Nainital/Corbett) and Haridwar/Dehradun (for Mussoorie/Rishikesh) have direct train connections from Delhi — a comfortable overnight or day train followed by a short drive is a popular option.
60+ days: full refund minus admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50%. Under 15 days: no refund. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
