Uttarakhand in 7 Days: A Practical Itinerary

Seven days in Uttarakhand works best as one of two routes: three nights at Jim Corbett for safaris followed by four in the Kumaon hills around Nainital or Binsar, or three nights in Rishikesh followed by three in Mussoorie and Landour. Both start and end in Delhi with drives of five to six hours. Book Corbett safaris as soon as booking opens, and keep each day's drive manageable.

Uttarakhand's two regions, Kumaon in the east and Garhwal in the west, are a long drive apart, so choosing one makes for a far more relaxed week. This guide sets out both routes with drive times, explains what to cut and offers variations for families, couples and travellers with parents.

Route one: Corbett and the Kumaon hills

Days 1–3: Jim Corbett

Drive from Delhi to the Corbett area (five to six hours) and settle into a riverside resort along the Kosi. Over the next two days, take morning and afternoon jeep safaris in zones such as Bijrani, Jhirna or Dhela, depending on the season and availability. Tiger sightings are never guaranteed, but elephants, deer, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species make every drive rewarding. Visit the Corbett Museum, the former home of Jim Corbett, in Kaladhungi. Book permits through the official Corbett booking site or through your planner.

Days 4–7: Nainital and the Kumaon hills

Drive to Nainital (two and a half to three hours) and take a boat ride on Naini Lake. On day five, ride the cable car to Snow View for Himalayan views, visit the quieter lakes of Bhimtal and Sattal, and enjoy a Kumaoni food trail with bhatt ki churkani and bal mithai. On day six, drive into the hills to Mukteshwar or Binsar for sweeping views of Nanda Devi and the high Himalaya on clear days. On day seven, catch the sunrise, then drive to Kathgodam station or back to Delhi.

Route two: Rishikesh and Mussoorie

For Garhwal, drive from Delhi to Rishikesh (about six hours) for three nights of yoga, the evening Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan or Triveni Ghat, the Beatles Ashram and, in season, gentle rafting on the Ganga. Then drive about two hours to Mussoorie and Landour for three nights of colonial hill-station walks, bakeries and views from Lal Tibba. Haridwar's evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri makes a moving stop on the way back.

Where to stay

For food lovers

Our A Journey of Taste and Tradition of Nainital builds the Kumaon days around local kitchens, and pairs naturally with our Enchanting Wilderness Getaway near Corbett.

Why route one works

Corbett sits closest to Delhi, so the first drive is the shortest of the trip's long ones, and safaris come early, when energy is highest. From there, the road climbs gradually into the Kumaon hills, with each base a little higher and quieter than the last. Ending at Binsar or Mukteshwar gives you sweeping Himalayan views before you return to the plains. Route two, through Rishikesh and Mussoorie, suits travellers who prefer yoga, river culture and colonial hill-station walks to wildlife.

Whichever route you choose, keep at least one unscheduled afternoon for a riverside walk, a long lunch or simply watching the light change over the mountains. Uttarakhand rewards slow travel, and an unhurried day also gives you a buffer if a road is slow or a safari timing changes.

Start each driving day early to avoid traffic leaving Delhi.

What to cut if you are short on time

• Five days: Corbett (2) and Nainital (2).
• Do not combine: Corbett, Nainital, Rishikesh and Mussoorie in one week.

Variations for families and parents

For families with older parents, limit safaris to one a day, choose lodges close to the gate and plan afternoon rests. Children usually love the jeep safaris and lake boating. Pack blankets for cold winter safaris.

For couples

Couples can choose a luxury riverside resort near Corbett and a cottage with Himalayan views in Binsar for a quiet, romantic week.

Timing these routes

October to June suits Corbett; October and November bring the clearest views. See our month-by-month Uttarakhand guide.

Getting there and around

Both routes begin in Delhi. For route one, drive to Corbett or take a train to Ramnagar, and return from Kathgodam station, the railhead for Nainital. Pantnagar airport serves Kumaon with limited flights. For route two, fly to Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport or take a fast train to Haridwar or Dehradun. A private car with an experienced hill driver is the most comfortable way to travel between bases.

Food along the route

Kumaoni food is simple and vegetarian-friendly: bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke, madua rotis and bal mithai from Almora. Corbett resorts serve North Indian buffets, and Rishikesh is a vegetarian, alcohol-free town with many cafés. Mussoorie and Landour are known for their bakeries.

Budget levers

• Choose shared safari vehicles rather than private jeeps if budget matters.
• Travel in October, November or March rather than school holidays.
• Use trains for the Delhi legs.

Packing for this route

• Neutral-coloured clothing for safaris.
• Warm layers and a cap for cold morning drives in winter.
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
• Comfortable shoes for lake and hill walks.
• Motion-sickness remedies for the hill roads.
• The ID used for your safari booking.

Practical tips

• Book Corbett safaris as soon as the booking window opens.
• Carry the ID used for safari bookings.
• Respect Rishikesh's customs: it is a vegetarian, alcohol-free town.

For the full planning overview, see our Uttarakhand trip planning guide. With one named planner and WhatsApp support throughout, your safaris, driver and stays are arranged so the week stays relaxed.

Your questions, answered

Is 7 days enough for Uttarakhand?

Seven days is enough for one region: Corbett and the Kumaon hills, or Rishikesh and Mussoorie in Garhwal. Combining both means long drives across the state.

How far is Jim Corbett from Delhi?

Jim Corbett is roughly five to six hours by road from Delhi. Trains run to Ramnagar, the gateway town.

How long is the drive from Corbett to Nainital?

Corbett to Nainital takes about two and a half to three hours by road. Binsar and Mukteshwar are a further two to three hours.

Is this itinerary good for families?

Yes. Corbett safaris, Nainital's lake and boat rides, and Rishikesh's evening aarti all suit families. Book safaris early, especially in school holidays.