Kumaon Himalayan Escape (15 Days and 14 Nights)

You will catch an early morning train from New Delhi Railway Station to Kathgodam. The train journey will last 5.5 hours. Upon arrival in Kathgodam, you will be driven to Naukuchiatal, which is 26 km away and approximately a 1-hour drive, where you will check-in at a hotel. There are no planned excursions for the remaining half of the day.

During the day, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village around the serene Naukuchiatal Lake. Naukuchiatal, which literally means a lake with nine corners, is one of the seven prominent lakes located in the district of Nainital. Following your stroll, there are no planned excursions, allowing for leisure time to relax and unwind. Feel free to plan your own activities during this time.

After breakfast, drive to Nainital (28 km, 1 hour). Nainital is a charming town nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, known for its picturesque Naini Lake surrounded by lush greenery. A boat ride on the Naini Lake will be followed by a visit to the Naina Devi Temple, located on the northern shore of the lake and dedicated to Goddess Sati. The Naina Devi Temple is one of the 51 special shrines dedicated to the worship of Goddess Sati in India and Nepal. After lunch, return to the hotel in Naukuchiatal. Leisure time in the evening.

Drive to Mukteshwar (50 km, 2 hours) where you will check-in at a hotel. Post lunch exploration of the village on foot. Perched at an altitude of 2,285 meters, Mukteshwar is a beautiful Himalayan village surrounded by dense Cedar and Pine Forests. A visit to the ancient temple of Lord Shiva called the Mukteshwar Dham, which is located on the slopes of a hill. The temple is believed to be 2500 years old. Behind the temple lies Chauli Ki Jali – a sunset point which offers mesmerizing view of the nearby mountains & valley. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Enjoy a peaceful stay in Mukteshwar with free time for your own activities, allowing you to unwind and experience the serene surroundings at your own pace.

After breakfast, drive to Jageshwar (77 km, 2.5 hours) where you will check-in at a hotel. Situated at an elevation of 1900 meters, Jageshwar is a quaint little place surrounded by thick forests of Deodar. The serenity of the valley is stirred by the burble of the calmly flowing stream of the Jata Ganga. Away from the humdrum of cities, the town not only offers surreal vistas but also boasts a great legacy of cultural heritage. Later in the day, you will visit the ancient temple complex of Jageshwar Mahadev. The temple complex comprises 124 small stone temples dating back to the 9-13th century AD. The principal deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. You will then explore the Jageshwar Archaeological Museum, a small yet informative museum located outside the temple complex. Dinner and overnight stay in Jageshwar.

Enjoy a peaceful stay in Jageshwar with no planned excursions during the day. Take this opportunity to relax and rejuvenate amidst the tranquil beauty of Jageshwar's natural landscapes.

After breakfast, you will head for Kausani (85 km, 3 hours). The serene and picturesque town of Kausani offers captivating views of the lofty Himalayan peaks. The diverse landscape of Kausani includes lush green fields, tea estates, and farming lands with the backdrop of the Himalayan mountains. Hotel check-in will be followed by lunch, and then you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the relaxed streets of Kausani. Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Enjoy a peaceful morning with no scheduled excursions. Later in the day, visit the Anasakti Ashram, also known as the Gandhi Ashram because Mahatma Gandhi stayed at this place for a month in 1929. You will then explore the local market, famous for handmade shawls. Leisure time in the evening.

Check out from the hotel and embark on a road drive to Kukuchhina (55 km, 2 hours), where the Babaji Cave is situated. We recommend reading "The Autobiography of a Yogi" to learn more about Mahavatar Babaji and his cave in Kukuchhina. From the base of the mountain, the trek to the cave takes around 45 minutes. At the site where Babaji materialized a golden palace, a small temple dedicated to Babaji stands erect. This temple was constructed by the Yogoda Satsang Society of India. After visiting the cave and the Smriti Temple, return to the base of the mountain to proceed to Dunagiri. In Dunagiri, an ancient temple of Goddess Shri Vaishnavi sits atop a hill, accessible via 300 steps. From the temple premises, one can behold a panoramic view of the nearby mountains and valleys. Drive to Ranikhet (60 km, 2 hours) where you will check-in at a hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Enjoy a peaceful stay in Ranikhet with no planned excursions during the day. You are free to plan your own activities. Situated at an elevation of 1800 meters, Ranikhet is a quaint town maintained by a regiment of the Indian Army. The fresh, cool air carries the scent of pine, the silence of the mountains is intermittently stirred by the chirping of Himalayan birds, and the thick green cover of pine and oak trees, along with the majestic view of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges, rejuvenates both mind and body.

After breakfast, drive to Ramnagar (89 km, 3 hours). Ramnagar is home to the world-famous Jim Corbett National Park. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel followed by lunch. There will be no excursions during the latter part of the day. The Jim Corbett National Park is a part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, a protected area dedicated to the conservation of Indian tigers. Located at the foothills of the Kumaon mountain ranges, the park is named after Jim Corbett, a British hunter turned conservationist, in honor of his contribution to establishing the protected area. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, elephants, bears, deer, otters, over 600 species of birds, and other animals.

Enjoy a jungle safari in the morning and another in the afternoon. There will be no other sightseeing activities during the day. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Drive to New Delhi (275 km, 6 hours) and check-in at a hotel upon arrival. In the evening, visit Dilli Haat – an open-air market complex run by the state government. Dilli Haat serves as a platform for sellers from across the country to showcase and sell unique handicraft items. Visitors can also explore ethnic cuisines from various states of India. Return to the hotel after the visit.

After breakfast, you will be driven to New Delhi International Airport, from where you will continue your onward journey. The tour concludes, marking the end of a memorable journey.