How to Plan the Ultimate Jim Corbett and Bhimtal 5-Day Itinerary
From open-top jungle safaris to pine-scented lakeside evenings, a day-by-day guide to the perfect Uttarakhand escape.
Are you looking to plan a trip to Jim Corbett? Combining the raw wilderness of the Terai region with the tranquil, pine-scented hills of Kumaon creates an unforgettable Uttarakhand escape. Those who have been to the region say pairing a wild jungle safari with a serene lakeside retreat offers the ultimate mix of adventure and relaxation.
This guide breaks down a seamless Jim Corbett and Nainital Bhimtal tour package-style route, covering driving distances, daily activities, and key stops along the way.
At a Glance: Key Travel Metrics
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Ideal Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
| Total Distance Covered | Around 200 km (Delhi/Kathgodam to Corbett to Bhimtal circuit) |
| Corbett to Bhimtal Drive Time | 2.5 to 3 Hours (Approx. 120 km) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to June |
| Route Profile | Plain to Dense Forest → Forest Ghat Road → Hill Station Valleys |
Route Overview: Jim Corbett to Bhimtal
Understanding the distance between Jim Corbett and Bhimtal should help you plan your Jim Corbett to Bhimtal itinerary and trip that is completely stress-free.
The Route: Head east from Ramnagar via the Ramnagar–Haldwani Highway, pass through Kaladhungi, ascend toward Kathgodam, and take the well-paved Bhowali-Bhimtal road.
Road Conditions: Smooth asphalt across the plains, transitioning into scenic, manageable mountain curves as you climb into the Kumaon hills.
Day-by-Day 5-Day Itinerary
1Day 1 - Arrive in Jim Corbett & Settle into the Wild
Arrive at the Jim Corbett early afternoon. Your entry point to Jim Corbett National Park is Ramnagar. Check into your jungle resort and freshen up. Spend the first evening exploring the natural surroundings.
- Afternoon: Visit the Corbett Museum in Kaladhungi. It is the heritage bungalow of legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett.
- Evening: Take a gentle walk along the banks of the Kosi River. Watch the sunset over the pebble banks before heading back for dinner.
2Day 2: Corbett Safari & Scenic Drive to Bhimtal
Move on your adventure at the Jim Corbett early morning.
- 05:30 AM: Open-Top Jeep Safari (Bijrani / Garjiya / Jhirna Zone)
- 10:30 AM: Breakfast & Check-out from Corbett Resort
- 11:30 AM: Drive from Corbett to Bhimtal (Around 120 km via Kaladhungi)
- 02:30 PM: Arrive in Bhimtal & Check-in at Chirping Hills Resort
You can divide the entire day across different activities –
Morning: Board a Corbett safari and Bhimtal trip open-top 4x4 jeep to explore popular zones like Bijrani, Garjiya, or Jhirna. Keep an eye out for Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, spotted deer, and diverse bird species.
Midday: Post-safari, grab a hearty breakfast, pack up, and begin your drive toward the hills.
Afternoon: Arrive in Bhimtal. Check into Chirping Hills Resort, a tranquil sanctuary nestled amidst pine forests along the Bhowali-Bhimtal road. Take in the panoramic valley views from your private balcony, unwind in the garden, or enjoy a warm meal at the resort's restaurant.
Where to Stay in Bhimtal: The Chirping Hills Property Network
Choosing the right accommodation in Bhimtal sets the tone for the second half of your journey. Whether you want a full-service resort immersed in nature, a modern hotel close to major transit points, or a cozy bed and breakfast, the Chirping Hills hospitality group covers every preference.
Chirping Hills Resort
Located along the Bhowali-Bhimtal road, Chirping Hills Resort is surrounded by pine forests and fruit orchards. Featuring private balcony rooms like the Nature Nest, Two In A Den, and family duplexes, it offers an outdoor sports arena, pet-friendly amenities, an in-house restaurant, and evening bonfires under the open sky. You can even bring your pets to this pet-friendly resort.
Hotel Maya Regency
Situated at Mehragaon, Hotel Maya Regency provides well-appointed executive rooms, modern amenities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and an on-site multi-cuisine restaurant. It serves as an accessible base for corporate groups, families, and travelers focused on sight-seeing convenience.
Celeste Vista B&B
Nestled in Pandeygaon, Celeste Vista offers an intimate B&B experience with bright rooms, hill vistas, fresh homemade breakfasts, and quiet outdoor corners. It is ideal for couples, solo travelers, and digital nomads seeking a home-away-from-home setting.
3Day 3: Explore Bhimtal's Lakes, Water Sports & Nature Trails
Dedicate the entire day to exploring Bhimtal. You will find it quieter, less crowded than the neighbouring lakes.
- Morning: Head down to Bhimtal Lake, which is larger and much calmer than Nainital's Naini Lake. Enjoy kayaking, paddle boating, or water zorbing. Take a boat ride to the unique island in the middle of the lake, home to a well-maintained aquarium.
- Afternoon: Drive 15 minutes to Sattal (a cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes). Walk through dense oak and pine woods, ideal for mild hiking and spotting resident mountain birds.
- Evening: Return to Chirping Hills Resort. Relax in the resort's outdoor sports arena with a game of table tennis or badminton, or simply gather around an evening bonfire under the clear hill skies.
4Day 4: Day Trip to Nainital & High-Altitude Viewpoints
Bhimtal serves as a peaceful base that keeps you close to the region's top sights without the congestion of busier town centers.
- Morning: Drive 18 km to Nainital. Walk around the Governor's House (Raj Bhawan), ride the aerial ropeway to Snow View Point, or pay respects at the sacred Naina Devi Temple.
- Afternoon: Escape the crowd by heading toward Karkotaka Temple or Ghorakhal Temple near Bhimtal for wide, sweeping views of the Kumaon valley.
- Evening: Head back to your resort for a calm night. Thanks to low light pollution around the Bhowali-Bhimtal ridge, the resort's open terraces provide an incredible vantage point for evening stargazing.
5Day 5: Local Culture, Souvenirs & Departure
This would be your concluding day in the Kumaon region.
- Morning: Wake up to the natural bird calls that give the resort its name. Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast on the terrace.
- Sightseeing Stop: Visit the Lok Sanskriti Museum in Bhimtal to see regional Kumaoni artifacts, traditional wooden crafts, and historical photos.
- Departure: Drive down to Kathgodam Railway Station (around 28 km) or continue your road trip back toward Delhi NCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Bhimtal from Jim Corbett, and how long does the drive take?
The driving distance from Jim Corbett to Bhimtal is approximately 120 km. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours via Kaladhungi and Kathgodam, featuring pleasant plain highways and gentle hill climbs.
Can I cover Jim Corbett, Nainital, and Bhimtal in a 5-day trip?
Yes, 5 days is the ideal timeframe for this circuit. Spending 1–2 days in Jim Corbett for wildlife safaris and 3 days based in Bhimtal allows you to explore Bhimtal, Sattal, and take an easy day trip to Nainital without feeling rushed.
What is the best time of year to undertake a combined Corbett and Bhimtal trip?
The optimal window is between October and June. Winter months (November to February) bring crisp mountain air and high tiger visibility in Corbett, while spring and early summer offer pleasant weather in the hills and lush greenery around the lakes.
Plan Your Corbett & Bhimtal Getaway with Chirping Hills Resort
Let our team help you turn this itinerary into a seamless mountain escape.