The Kumaon Himalayan Tour (16 Days and 15 Nights)

Early morning train to Kathgodam from New Delhi Railway Station. The train journey will be of 5.5 hours. Once in Kathgodam, you will be driven to Naukuchiatal (26 km, 1 hour), where you will check-in at a hotel. There will not be any excursion during the remaining half of the day.

Leisure stroll through the village around the serene Naukuchiatal Lake. Naukuchiatal literally means a lake with nine corners. It is one of the seven prominent lakes located in the district of Nainital. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Nainital (28 km, 1 hour). Fenced by mighty Himalayan mountains, Nainital is an alluringly beautiful town which is settled around the Naini Lake. A boat-ride on the Naini Lake will be followed by a visit to the Naina Devi Temple. The Naina Devi Temple is located on the northern shore of the lake. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati. The temple of Naina Devi is one of the 64 special shrines dedicated to the worship of Goddesses Sati in India and Nepal. After lunch, you will return to the hotel in Naukuchiatal.

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.

Peaceful stay in Mukteshwar. There will not be any excursion during the day. You may plan your own activities.

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 quaint little place surrounded by thick forests of Deodar. The serenity of the valley is stirred by the burble of calmly flowing stream of the Jata Ganga. Away from the humdrum of cities, the town not only has surreal vistas, but also has 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, which dates back to the period of 9-13^th century AD. The principal deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. You will then explore the Jageshwar Archaeological Museum which is a small yet informative museum located outside the temple complex. Dinner and overnight stay in Jageshwar.

Peaceful stay in Jageshwar. No excursions during the day. You may plan your own activities.

After breakfast, you will head for Kausani (85 km, 3 hours). The serene and picturesque town of Kausani offers captivating view of the lofty Himalyan 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. A stroll through the relaxed streets of Kausani. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

A peaceful morning with no excursions. Later in the day, visit to the Anasakti Ashram. The Ashram is also known as the Gandhi Ashram because Mahatma Gandhi had stayed at this place for a month in 1929. You will then explore the local market which is famous for handmade shawls.

Road journey to Ranikhet (58 km, 2 hours), where you will check-in at a hotel for stay. There will not be any excursions during the day. Based at an elevation of 1800 meters, Ranikhet is a quaint town maintained by a regiment of the Indian Army. Fresh, cool air carrying scent of Pine raisins, silence of the mountains intermittently stirred by the chirping of the Himalayan birds, thick green cover of Pine and Oak trees and the majestic view of the snowclad Himalayan ranges – these offerings of Ranikhet rejuvenates mind and body.

Lahiri Mahasaya, who used to serve as an accountant in the Military Engineering Department, was transferred to Ranikhet in 1861. His office in Ranikhet was a temporary shelter as the British Army was in the process of setting up a post here. It was from Ranikhet, he walked all the way up to Kukuchhina through the mountain trails. In Kukucchina, he met his immortal Guru Shri Babaji Maharaj, and was initiated by him into the ancient path of Hatha Yoga. The initiation took place inside a cave which is now famously known as the Babaji Cave.

Peaceful stay in Ranikhet. No excursions during the day. You may plan your own activities.

Drive to Kukuchhina (55 km, 2 hours) where the Babaji Cave is situated. From the base of the mountain, the trek to the cave would take around 45 minutes. The site where Babaji had materialized a golden palace, a small temple of Babaji stands erected. The temple was constructed by the Yogoda Satsang Society of India. After visit to the cave and the Smriti Temple, return to the base of the mountain to proceed to Dunagiri. In Dunagiri, there is an ancient temple of Goddess Shri Vaishnavi atop a hill. There are 300 steps to the top of the hill, where the temple is located. From the temple premises, one can behold the panoramic view of the nearby mountains and valleys. Drive back to hotel in Ranikhet.

After breakfast, drive to Ramnagar (89 km, 3 hours). Ramnagar is home to the world-famous Jim Corbett National Park. Hotel check-in followed by lunch. 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 for conservation of the Indian tigers. The national park is located at the foothills of the Kumaon mountain ranges. It is named after a British hunter turned conservationist, Jim Corbett, to honour his contribution towards establishment of the protected area. The Jim Corbett National Park houses a large number of Bengal tigers, elephants, bears, deer, otters, over 600 species of birds, and other animals.

Jungle safari in the morning and in the afternoon. There will not be any other sightseeing activity during the day. Overnight stay at the hotel.

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

Post breakfast, you will be driven to New Delhi International Airport from where you would head onward journey. The tour concludes.