If you’re dreaming of mountains, birds, and offbeat adventures, our recent May trip to Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region is the inspiration you need! For this journey, we skipped the mainstream Garhwal circuit (Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Dehradun), saving that for a future adventure,to dive deep into Kumaon’s gems: Sattal, Corbett, and Nainital. Here’s a day-by-day honest account, packed with travel tips, unique stays, and must-watch videos from our trip.
Getting There: From Bangalore to the Foothills
Our trip started from Bangalore:
- Flight: Bangalore to Delhi.
- Train: Overnight train from Delhi to Kathgodam railway station—the gateway to Kumaon.
This route is perfect for anyone coming from South India and wanting to avoid hilly road travel after a long flight.
Kumaon Itinerary Snapshot
| Location | Check-in | Checkout | Where we Stayed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sattal | May 1 | May 3 | Wild Kumaon Resort |
| Corbett | May 3 | May 5 | Serenity Corbett |
| Nainital | May 5 | May 7 | Hotel Himalaya |
Sattal: Not Just For Birds
Our first stop—Sattal—is known among birdwatchers, but it deserves equal fame for its serene landscapes and closeness to the offbeat Bhimtal. Sattal gifts you a blend of forests, lakes, and the gentle hum of nature—ideal for birding and landscape photography alike.
- Stay: We checked in at Wild Kumaon Resort, a beautiful property right on the lap of nature. If you’re looking for a blend of comfort and wilderness, highly recommended!
- Check out our YouTube review of Wild Kumaon
- What to Do: Birdwatching, landscape photography, boating in Sattal Lake, and a quick drive to Bhimtal (don’t skip the sunset visuals!).
- Watch: Experience the landscape through our Sattal-Bhimtal video
- Birding: For all the bird geeks, our dedicated Sattal bird video covers the feathered beauty—swing by for a virtual safari
Corbett: Where Wildlife Thrills
From Sattal, we moved to Corbett National Park, India’s oldest and a paradise for both birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Here’s why it stands out:
- Stay: Serenity Corbett resort was our home—lush greenery, great food, and easy access to jungle safaris.
- Don’t miss our vlog on the resort experience
- Safari: The highlight has to be the Corbett safari itself. Epic animal encounters, thrilling rides, and a real taste of the wild.
- See our Corbett safari in action in this video
Nainital: The Lake District
Our last stop—Nainital—wrapped up the trip with a blend of old-world charm and natural beauty.
- Stay: Hotel Himalaya offered us picturesque views of Naini Lake—the heart of the town.
- Watch our honest review of Hotel Himalaya
- What to Explore: Walking along Mall Road, boating in Naini Lake, visiting Naina Devi Temple, and capturing sunrise/sunset by the lake.
- Treat your eyes to our cinematic Nainital lake video
Why Kumaon Deserves Your Attention
Uttarakhand is split into two legendary regions—Kumaon and Garhwal. Most travelers flock to Mussoorie and Rishikesh (Garhwal), but Kumaon is quieter, less crowded, and packed with hidden gems whether you love birds, landscapes, or peaceful hill stays. We’re saving Garhwal for the next trip—but Kumaon, with Sattal, Corbett, and Nainital, stole our hearts.
Planning Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May for cool weather and active birdlife.
- Route: Bangalore → Delhi (flight), Delhi → Kathgodam (train), cab from Kathgodam to Sattal/Corbett/Nainital.
- Packing: Camera gear, binoculars, light woolens, sunscreen.
- Booking Stays: Choose nature-lodges or resorts that support sustainable tourism.
Whether you’re an avid photographer, a nature lover, or simply looking to escape the city, Kumaon offers something magical. Don’t forget to check out the linked videos on our YouTube channel for visual stories from each stop!
Have you visited Kumaon or Garhwal? Share your experience—or drop your questions in the comments!
All these photos and videos are taken using my pro gears , please checkout my complete Gear list here -> My Gears
Regards
Kavikant Chavan
