Known as India’s oldest wildlife sanctuary, Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand is the perfect getaway for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. With rich flora and fauna and a thriving population of Royal Bengal Tigers, it is the birthplace of Project Tiger, a conservation effort. If you love the thrill of wildlife safaris, this season you should plan a trip to Jim Corbett. We bring you a 3-day Jim Corbett itinerary which includes short day trips around Uttarakhand.
3 Day Itinerary Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett spans over 1300 sq km. comprised of different landscapes such as deep forests, riverine forests, grasslands and wooded grasslands. Divided into 8 zones, you can spend a couple of days touring the different regions and covering other nearby destinations.
Day 1: Jim Corbett Day and Night Safaris
How you spend the first day, also depends on when you arrive. If you drive from Delhi, it is roughly a 5-hour journey, post which you might need to relax for a while. If you reach early in the morning, you can rest up and be ready for an afternoon safari. You can book a jeep safari or canter safari here.
Usually, there are two safaris – morning (6:30 – 9:30 AM) and evening (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM). Some zones also offer an afternoon safari. When you plan your trip, enquire safari timings and get your permits before arrival.
Night safaris in Jim Corbett are not permitted. However, some tour operators offer guided tours along the road bordering the forest. These small excursions are thrilling as you might spot a pair of eyes in the dense thickets and listen to the nocturnal creatures making their presence known.
Day 2: Short Trips Near Jim Corbett
On the second day, you can take a break from the safari and take short day trips around Jim Corbett. Some of the places to see near Jim Corbett:
- Haldwani: Although not a major touristy destination, Haldwani does have serene beauty and lakes. It is called the ‘Gateway to Kumaon’ and has picturesque landscapes. You can stop over for a quick lunch here, interact with locals, learn bits about the Kumaoni lifestyle before you venture further into the hilly areas.
- Ranikhet: Literally translating to ‘Queen’s Meadow’ this is a cantonment area in Uttarakhand. A hill station, it offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. You can visit the apple and peach orchards in Chaubatia Gardens. It also has many varieties of flowering shrubs, perfect to visit during the spring season.
- Landsdowne: Soak in the Himalayan mountain views some more at Landsdowne, a quick trip near Jim Corbett. It retains a few structures from the British era. The artificial Bhulla Lake, Tip N Top View Point, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Charakh Shikhar are some points of interest in Landsdowne. You can cover all of these in a day-long trip.
- Nainital: If you have never been here, you can visit Nainital, a popular tourist destination near Jim Corbett. The Naini lake reflects the emerald forest cover and a soothing boat ride in the chilly waters is a favourite tourist activity. You can sit by the lakeside cafes at leisure. The Nanda Devi temple, Nainital Zoo, Eco Cave Gardens are some other interesting places to cover on your short trip.
Day 3: Local Explorations in Jim Corbett Forest
There are other interesting things to do around Jim Corbett beyond the tiger safaris. If you want, you can play a morning safari ride on Day 3 and later go on local exploration. You must visit the Jim Corbett Museum, the former home of the conservationist. It has personal showcases of Jim Corbett’s belongings and depicts his story. It tells about his impactful work for tiger conservation.
Spend some time along the Kosi River and watch as a variety of birds dive to catch small fish from the waters. You can also have an afternoon picnic along Corbett Falls, a peaceful spot within a thick teakwood forest. Soak in the calmness, enjoy the twittering of birds and have a beautiful time surrounded by nature.
After a restful evening, you can opt for a bonfire and stargazing activity near your cottages at night. If you stay within the tall jungle, the chances of getting to watch star activity are bleak.
Where to Stay in Jim Corbett?
While several tourists opt to book jungle resorts in Jim Corbett, we have a better option – The Homestead. This expansive private resort in Jim Corbett spreads over 170 acres and offers so many activities! Explore the wild with safaris, stargaze at an observatory, or rev up ATVs on the dirt track. You can also enjoy golf, birdwatching, paragliding, and cycling through nature.
It has 12 cottages that can be reserved individually and make the most of the vast expanse to yourself. It is the best stay in Jim Corbett for families as the bedrooms are also senior-citizen friendly. Indulge in farm-to-table meals and let your creativity flow with some special workshops. If you book The Homestead, even 3 days would feel less for Jim Corbett.
