Combining Nainital, Jim Corbett National Park, and Mussoorie into one trip gives you the best of Uttarakhand — lakes, wildlife, and hill station charm — all within five days. It is one of the most requested itineraries we run, and the route works beautifully by road in a tempo traveller. Here is a day-by-day breakdown with real costs and practical tips.
Day 1: Delhi to Jim Corbett (260 km, 6 hours)
Depart Delhi by 5:30 AM to make the most of the day. The route takes you via Moradabad and Ramnagar on NH9 — a smooth highway for most of the journey. Reach Jim Corbett by noon. Check into your resort near Ramnagar and enjoy an afternoon jungle safari in the Bijrani or Jhirna zone. The tempo traveller drops your group at the safari gate and waits while you explore in the park's open-top jeeps. Evening at leisure — most resorts have bonfires and nature walks.
Jim Corbett safari tips
- Book safari permits online at least 30 days in advance on the Uttarakhand Forest Department website
- Morning safaris (6 AM–9:30 AM) have better wildlife sighting rates than afternoon slots
- Dhikala zone offers the best tiger sighting probability but requires an overnight stay inside the park
- Carry binoculars and a zoom camera — distances in the forest can be deceptive
Day 2: Jim Corbett to Nainital (65 km, 2.5 hours)
Morning safari if you booked two slots. After breakfast, drive to Nainital — a short, scenic route through the Kumaon hills. Arrive by lunch. Spend the afternoon boating on Naini Lake, walking the Mall Road, and visiting the Naina Devi Temple at the lake's northern end. Evening sunset from Tiffin Top or Snow View Point — the Himalayan panorama on a clear day is spectacular.
Day 3: Nainital sightseeing
Full day in Nainital. The tempo traveller takes your group to the surrounding attractions:
- Bhimtal & Sattal: Quieter, more pristine lakes just 25 km from Nainital. Perfect for kayaking and lakeside walks.
- Naukuchiatal: The nine-cornered lake surrounded by dense forest. Paragliding available for the adventurous.
- Cave Garden & Eco Cave Park: Fun for families and younger groups.
- Tibetan Market: Evening shopping for woolens, souvenirs, and candles at bargain prices.
Day 4: Nainital to Mussoorie (310 km, 8 hours)
The longest driving day, but the route through the Kumaon and Garhwal regions is beautiful. Pass through Haldwani, take NH9 to Haridwar, and then climb up to Mussoorie. Arrive by evening. Stroll the famous Mall Road, enjoy momos and maggi at the street stalls, and take in the twinkling lights of Dehradun in the valley below.
Day 5: Mussoorie & Return to Delhi (290 km, 7 hours)
Morning visit to Kempty Falls (15 km from Mussoorie) — a powerful waterfall in a forested gorge. Then head to Company Garden and Camel's Back Road for valley views. After a leisurely lunch, begin the descent to Dehradun and take the highway back to Delhi. Arrive by 8–9 PM.
Detailed cost breakdown
- 12 seater tempo traveller (5 days): ₹22,000–₹28,000
- 17 seater (5 days): ₹28,000–₹35,000
- Toll charges: ₹1,500–₹2,500
- Driver allowance: ₹1,500 (₹300 × 5 days)
- Jim Corbett safari (per jeep, 6 people): ₹5,500–₹7,500 per safari
- Naini Lake boating: ₹200–₹400 per person
- Per person transport (12 people): ₹2,200–₹2,800
Add hotels (₹1,500–₹3,000/room/night), food, and activities for a complete budget. Even with everything included, this 5-day tour costs a fraction of what an equivalent trip by flight and cab would.
Why this route works so well by tempo traveller
The three destinations form a natural circuit through Uttarakhand's Kumaon and Garhwal divisions. A tempo traveller lets your group move at its own pace — linger at Jim Corbett if the wildlife is good, spend an extra hour at Naini Lake at sunset, or stop at a roadside chai stall when the mountain views demand it. The vehicle carries all your luggage, so you check in and check out without the hassle of multiple taxis. And our experienced hill drivers know every shortcut and scenic detour on this route.
Ready to explore Nainital, Jim Corbett, and Mussoorie? Call us at +91-9599639342 for a customised itinerary and quote.
