The gentle Himalayas of the Kumaon region are among the most picturesque in the country. And hidden among these beauties are breathtakingly adventurous trekking routes. The modest beauty of regions such as Almora, Ranikhet and Kausani is reassuring and rejuvenating. Here giant terraces are flung down high mountains in green steps of cultivation, destroying neither the mountains nor its greenery.

Kumaon consists of the districts of Nainital, Almora and Pithoragarh. The land of Jim Corbett's legendary exploits, it lies to the east of Garhwal from which it is separated by the eastern and southern flanks of Nandadevi sanctuary leading down along the valley of the Ramganga. Kumaon is wrapped in the scenic wonders of hill stations such as Nainital, Ranikhet and Kausani.

Day 1 : Delhi - Corbett National Park (265kms/ 6hrs Drive)
Early morning, drive to Corbett. Arrive by lunch time and transfer to the hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Corbett National Park: India's first national park is cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas and spreads over an area of about 520 sq.kms. along the banks of the Ramganga River. Situated in the districts of Pauri Garhwal and Nainital, the park was first established in 1936. In 1957 it was renamed as Corbett National Park in honour of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary photographer and author. Project tiger was launched with the help of WWF on 1st April1973, making Corbett Park a haven for the tigers.

Day 2 : Corbett National Park
After breakfast, jeep safari in the national park. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 : Corbett National Park - Ranikhet (77kms/ 2hrs Drive)
After breakfast drive to Ranikhet. Arrive and check into hotel. Full day at leisure to explore Ranikhet. Evening at leisure. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Ranikhet :Ranikhet means 'Queen's Field' and is said to be named after the wife of the 12th-century raja, Sudhar Deve. Spread along a ridge at 1,830 metres (6,004 feet), Ranikhet is covered with pine and oak forests. On its northern side it offers fine snow views. Ranikhet is still a cantonment. The town is now the home of the Kumaon Regiment, one of the Indian army's best.

What to see :
Hera Khan Temple : Hera Khan Temple and Ashram, near Chilianaula village, is four kms from Sadar Bazaar. The Hindu saint, Hera Khan, died in 1984 and the modern marble-faced temple with a grarden was constructed according to his wishes. The baba had many European followers and the ashram is inhabited mainly by them.
Jhula Devi Temple : is 7 km away. It is believed that once a month, a leopard comes to the temple, but only the priest sees it. Above Jhula Devi is a temple of Lord Ram and Binsar Mahadev, 19 kms away.
Uphat : is 6 kms from Sadar Bazaar on Almora Road. It is the site of one of the highest golf courses with views of the Great Himalayas. The course was originally laid out by a British cavalry officer as a cross-country race track, and the track now forms the perimeter of the nine-hole course. The golf course is run by the army, but anyone with a set of clubs is welcome to a game for a nominal charge. The course is, however, closed during the monsoon, from July to September. There is a refreshment kiosk in the centre of the golf course. Just beyond the golf course is a small temple to Kalika and a government forest nursery. Further along the same road, 13 kms, from Sadar Bazaar, is Majkhali, recommended for its views of the snows.
Chaubatia : It is ten kms from Sadar Bazaar. It was originally a sanatorium for British troops. It now houses the Government Fruit Garden and Research Station which grows 200 varieties of fruit. After wandering through the extensive woods and orchards of the garden one can also buy the produce at knockdown prices. The peak of the apple season is August-September. A three kms walk from Chaubatia leads to the artificial lake of Bhaludam.

Day 4 : Ranikhet - Nainital(63kms/ 2hrs drive)
Morning, drive to Nainital. Reach Nainital and transfer to hotel. Full day at leisure to explore Nainital. Evening at leisure. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

Nainital : The Kumaon hills are known for their idyllic beauty - mountains silhouetted against the sky, streams rippling though the silence of forests, and placid lakes reflecting the changing panorama of nature. Here are some of the most beautiful resorts in north India, and Nainital, a 100-year-old hill station, is in a valley neat a blue-green lake. This is Nanini Lake, after which the town takes its name, or abode of the eye-goodness. Sail boats skim across its waters, and there are trekking trails, temples, forest groves and an aerial ropeway. An eye shaped green emerald lake at 1938mts, with awesome mountains silhouetted against the sky in the backdrop, surrounded by thick forest of pine and deciduous trees - welcome to Nainital! Charming locales, elegant villas and sail boats skimming across the Naini Lake's water add to the idealic beauty of this 100-year-old hill station.

Day 5 : Full Day At Nainital
After breakfast, full day at leisure in Nainital. overnight in the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner

Places Of Interest In And Around Nainital
Bhim tal : This lake resort is named after one of the Pandavas, heroes of the epic Mahabharat. It has developed into an independent tourist centre with water sports facilities.
Sat tal : A picturesque resort in the Kumaon hills with seven interconnected lakes.
Naukuchia tal : This alluring nine cornered lake is a heaven for migratory birds. Both yachts and paddle boats are available for plying on the lake waters and is a favoured spot for anglers.
Dorothy's Seat : Named in memory of an English woman, who was killed in an air crash, this pleasant spot offers a partial view of Nainital.
Land's End : Situated at 2118mtrs on the southern border of the lake, this hill affords a view of another lake, Khurpa Tal.
Hanuman Garhi : A place of religious interest, also good for viewing the setting sun.

Day 6 : Nainital - Delhi (315kms/ 7hrs Drive)
Morning drive to Delhi. Reach Delhi and transfer to hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast