With this post, I’ll take you on a tour of the many tourist attractions of Uttarakhand.
From untouched natural beauty to exhilarating excursions, this article will provide the best Uttarakhand travel itinerary to make your trip an unforgettable one.
So, pack your bags and get ready for an extraordinary experience in Uttarakhand!
Uttrakhand is the 27th state of India.
We had planned for the Uttarakhand travel in the Month of May 2019. We had chalked down the trip via Delhi given the connectivity.
One thing we frequently do is conduct extensive research into the targeted locations, including dining establishments, tourist attractions, transportation options, and distances.
This actually aids us in avoiding dependence while travelling and saving time. We read Tripadvisor reviews before making all of our hotel reservations online.
We wanted the hotel in Nainital to be close to the mall road so that it would be easy to get to and move around without a car.
We had made our travel arrangements in advance through the hotel, and the cab was reserved for us for the entire trip—up until the drop-off at the Jim Corbett Hotel.
Although you can accomplish all of this once you get there, we like to avoid stress while travelling, especially when family and children are involved. Therefore, we constantly support advanced preparation.
My Plan for Uttarakhand Travel
Tip: You can reverse this itinerary and reach Ramnagar from Delhi and cover Corbett National Park first and then go in reverese order.
Day-Wise Activity Planner
Day 1
From Pune to Delhi, we took a Go-Air flight in the morning. Around noon, we arrived at Delhi Airport and took a taxi to the Delhi Junction [DLI], which is the location of the Old Delhi Railway Station.
Because our train was due to depart at night, we put our luggage in the clock room at the station.
We then continued on foot to Chandni Chowk, where we enjoyed a delectable meal at the renowned “Parathe Wali Gali”. The food’s flavour and variety of parathas were just outstanding.
We explored Chandni Chowk Market after a delectable lunch, and then we hired a cab to do some local sightseeing in Delhi. [Read more about Delhi… (Coming up shortly)]
Following our sightseeing, we enjoyed some light refreshments close to the railway station before boarding the Ranikhet Express (Train #: 15013) around 10 PM to travel to Kathgodam.
Make sure that you book tickets in advance (about 4 months) to have confirmed ticket availability as this train is usually full round the year.
Given that you have confirmed bookings, it is a very handy travel option that will allow you to rest soundly. The overnight trip takes about 7-8 hours.
Day 2
At 5.30 AM, we arrived at Kathgodam Railway Station. It is a tiny station that essentially serves as the gateway to Nainital.
Nainital is a quintessential part of Uttarakhand travel, providing a refreshing escape from the routine.
We had booked pickup directly at the hotel and had already given our hotel a day’s notice of our arrival.
If you haven’t scheduled your trip in advance, local taxis are also available outside the station. The approximate fare depends on how well you negotiate and starts at roughly 1500 rupees.
When we got to the station, our hotel cab was already there. Given that it wasn’t dark when we arrived, it appears that the sun rises fairly early in this region.
We set off on our journey via the narrow, winding road. On both sides of the road, there were magnificent views of mountains.
We stopped for some refreshments enroute at a small streetside eatery. It was amazing to have hot Maggi and tea in the chilly weather. I’m not sure why, but in these hilly areas, the taste of Maggi is really something to savour.
Here, we also got to taste some delicious local fruits like berries. Once we had finished eating, we departed once more in the direction of Nainital.
Around 7:30 AM, we arrived at the hotel. On the mall road, we had reserved rooms at the Krishna Hotel. This hotel is directly overlooking Naini Lake and is located right on the Mall Road.
There are many stairs to climb to get to the hotel lobby, which is the only downside.
We had requested to check in early (the usual check-in time is 11 a.m.). However, all the rooms were booked due to the high season. We refreshed ourselves in the common area before eating the breakfast that the hotel provided at an additional cost.
We got our room at 10 a.m. and then quickly got ready to explore Nainital. We had planned visits to the Eco-Cave Garden, Himalaya Darshan View Point, Naina Peak (Naini Lake View Point), Bara Pathar and Raj Bhawan for the first day.
Raj Bhawan, the Governor House of Nainital, is a symbol of British heritage in Nainital. It was a little cold and rainy throughout the day, but overall the weather was fantastic.
When we got back, we went for a walk along the mall road. First, we went to the Naina Devi Temple and gazed at the picturesque Naini Lake that surrounded the city. Then we made some necessary purchases while visiting some nearby stores.
On Mall Road, there were a few decent vegetarian restaurants, so we chose one of them for dinner. We enjoyed ice cream outside after dinner before returning to the hotel for a restful night’s sleep. [Click to read about Nainital…]
Day 3
We had a few excursions around Nainital planned for today. Around 10 a.m., after a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we set off for the day.
We headed in the direction of Bhowali, a scenic place surrounded by numerous lakes, thick forests, fruit orchards, and tea estates.
We stopped at Valley View Point, a beautiful location with a small garden midway. We took some pictures and selfies.
After that, we travelled to Bhowali and went to the Golu Devta Temple, located on the Ghorakhal hill and accompanied by the Bhimtal lake’s view.
After that, we had a visit to the local tea estate, Shyamkhet Tea Garden.
We then continued on to Mukteshwar, a tranquil heaven that is located at a height of roughly 2,285 metres above sea level. It provides a clear 180-degree view of the magnificent Himalayan range.
We visited the Mukteshwar Temple, had darshan there, and then went on a short nature walk nearby.
We had hired a guide at the taxi stand because they provide a good deal of information and can easily show you around the entire area.
Around late afternoon, we returned to the hotel and ate lunch at one of the restaurants along Mall Road. After that, we sipped hot Kulhad tea. We rested in the room for a while before returning to explore the mall road in the evening. [Click to read about Nainital…]
Day 4
You must take the lake trip in order to fully experience Nainital. Nainital is surrounded by seven lakes. The lakes of Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiyatal were on our itinerary because they are among the best to visit.
After a heavy meal, we set off on the lake trip, stopping first at Sattal. One of the most well-known lakes for birding is this one.
Following that, we traveled to Bhimtal. The epic Mahabharata hero Bhim is the inspiration for the lake’s name. Here, we also got pictures taken while wearing local attire.
After that, we travelled to Naukuchiatal, where we had a great time rowing.
Since this was only a brief tour of the lake (half-day), we went back to Mall Road in the late afternoon. We chose to go to the Nainital Zoo, also known as the Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, because we had plenty of time.
To get to the zoo, you must reserve a separate vehicle, a Jeep, from the Mall Road booking location. Your car is not permitted to enter this area.
It was worthwhile to see, but keep in mind that because of the size of the region, walking is required. We used the same vehicle to return to the main road after viewing the zoo.
We went pedal boating in Naini Lake after some light refreshments and had a great time. Late at night, we returned to the hotel and slept for a time. The usual evening stroll to the Mall Road started once more. You do have access to this privilege if you stay at the hotel on Mall Road.
The walk along the mall road and the available street cuisine were, in my opinion, the most pleasurable aspects of our entire visit to Nainital. We returned to the hotel after enjoying street side food options in maggi and vegetable momos. The taste of both was just delicious. [Click to read about Nainital…]
Day 5
It was time to say a fond farewell to Nainital and move on to our next destination. By 10 a.m., after breakfast, we had left the hotel and were enroute to Kausani.
The 120-kilometer trip to Kausani from Nainital takes about 4.30 hours. We wanted to make a pit stop and see Almora on the way.
Almora is a popular tourist site where visitors stay one night; however, we decided to visit Almora only for sightseeing because Kausani offers far more breathtaking mountain views.
The Kainchi Dham was the first halt in Almora. It is a Hanuman temple and ashram that was built in the 1960s by a prominent saint named Shri Neem Karoli Baba. It’s a holy temple that is surrounded by hills, trees, and a river that runs alongside it.
Our next stop was Camp Frog Point in Garampani, a great location for camping, bird watching, and fishing. The roadside stalls sell mouthwatering hot bhajiyas (Moong Dal Pakode). Definitely give it a try.
We made a brief halt at Ramakrishna Kutir, where there is a statue of Swami Vivekananda, just before arriving in Almora. Additionally, you can go to Almora’s Sunset Point.
The Katarmal Sun Temple was our next stop. It is a temple constructed in the ninth century by Katarmalla, a Katyuri King, and it showcases the ancient craftsmen’s architectural design.
This Hindu temple is located about 17 kilometres away from Almora and is positioned at an altitude of 2,116 metres above sea level. Be aware that it takes a while to walk from the parking lot to the temple. You might need to ask the locals for directions.
We went on toward Kausani from this point. We reached Kausani at about 5 p.m. and checked into our hotel. We had hotel rooms reserved at the Kausani Best Inn.
After check-in, we went for a quick stroll nearby and relaxed a bit as we were free to enjoy the remainder of the evening. We returned to the hotel in the late evening, ate dinner, and then slept peacefully. [Read more about Almora… (Coming up shortly)]
Day 6
We got up early on this particular day. Don’t miss the opportunity to observe the sun rising through the mountains. We got up at five in the morning and headed to the hotel’s viewing deck to take in the gorgeous sunrise.
I can promise you that it is one of those things that cannot be accurately conveyed in writing.
After a delicious breakfast, we went sightseeing in Kausani. First, we went to the Anasakti Ashram, also called the Gandhi Ashram. Gandhi Ji described this location as the Switzerland of India after falling in love with its pristine beauty.
The Baijnath Temple, which is situated on the Gomati River bank, was our next stop. The Archaeological Survey of India has designated it a Monument of National Importance.
The Giria’s Tea Estate, famous for its Uttaranchal Tea, was our next stop. Additionally, you have the opportunity to learn more about how tea is made on this sizable estate.
Before heading back to the hotel in the late afternoon, we did a little window shopping in the nearby Kausani market. We had a late lunch at the hotel, engaged in some indoor activities, and took a quick siesta.
The remainder of the evening was ours to spend however we pleased, so we made use of the numerous amenities offered by the hotel, including a little bonfire that the owner had arranged for us. [Click to read about Kausani…]
Day 7
Uttarakhand travel is incomplete without a visit to Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest national park.
We left the hotel after breakfast and drove to our next destination, Jim Corbett. Around 160 kilometres and 6.30 hours separate Kausani from the forested wildlife reserve known as Jim Corbett National Park.
We had planned on travelling through Ranikhet, another charming Himalayan town. It is around 70 miles away from Kausani.
First, we went to the Devi Kalika Temple, which is close to the golf course. It provides a sweeping vista of the many snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Then, one of Asia’s highest golf courses, the lovely and verdant Upat Golf Course, was our next stop. We also visited the Mankameshwar Temple, which was constructed by the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army.
The next visit was to the Lord Shiva temple built in the 16th century A.D., Binsar Mahadev Temple.
We stopped for a quick lunch at one of the eateries along the way, and we reached Corbett (Ramnagar) that evening about 5:00. We also visited the Corbett Museum in Kaladhungi while travelling.
The Corbett Museum is housed in the heritage bungalow of Edward James Jim Corbett, a well-known hunter, conservationist, and environmentalist.
The Corbett Machaan Resort was where we were supposed to stay. After settling in, we made ourselves comfortable, ate some snacks, and admired the resort’s surroundings.
We took advantage of the resort’s evening trail stroll by making the most of it. After returning, we had dinner at the resort and spent the evening enjoying some music (singing) that had been organised by the hotel.
We went to bed a bit earlier than normal since we knew the following day would go down as one of the most memorable one. We planned to travel via Corbett National Park in the hopes of spotting a lion or a tiger in the distance. [Read more about Ranikhet… (Coming up shortly)]
Day 8
The resort arranged the transportation to take us to the Tiger Reserve as soon as we were ready in the morning. Again, we had made our reservation for our visit online two months before to avoid any last-minute hassles or missed opportunities.
We had booked the Bijrani zone for the morning safari. Even though we narrowly missed spotting the tiger, the overall experience was just fantastic. When we got back to the resort, we had our breakfast and then rested.
We prepared for a second trip to the tiger reserve after lunch, this time to a different zone. We had planned to visit the Jhirna zone this time.
However, it appears that luck was not on our side since once again, despite the driver’s best efforts, we just missed the spotting. A tiger was resting near the small lake, but we could only see it distantly.
We arrived back at the resort in the evening, ate dinner there, and took advantage of the property’s amenities. [Click to read about Corbett National Park…]
Day 9
It was time to wrap up the journey. Our transportation to the Ramnagar Railway station had been set up by the resort. The cost of the vehicle for the drop is about 500 rupees.
By 9 AM, we had arrived at Ramnagar Railway Station. We had reserved Chair Car seats on the Ramnagar-Delhi Link Express (Train #: 25036). The train left at 10 a.m. and arrived at Old Delhi station (DLI) around 3:30 p.m. We quickly took a cab to Delhi Airport from here.
Around 9:30 PM, we had an Air Asia flight scheduled for a return trip to Pune. Our trip came to an end with joyful memories to treasure for a lifetime when we arrived in Pune after midnight, about 1:30 AM.
That is it friends with this piece of writing. I genuinely hope you had as much fun reading the blog as I did while writing it and reminiscing the amazing times. Until I come up with new stuff, keep travelling!!
Login
6 Comments