3 November 2026 · Travel · 7 min read · By Excel Hotels & Resorts
Jim Corbett (roughly 5-6 hours by road) is for the forests and riverside accommodation, Bhimtal (roughly 6-7 hours) is for a peaceful stay at the lake amidst hills and Nainital (roughly 7 hours) is for the experience of a traditional hill town. With a two-day trip Corbett is the easiest; Bhimtal and Nainital work best if taken in the morning or on a long weekend. There are hotels and resorts in all three of them and are all owned by the Excel Hotels & Resorts.
Travel times are subject to variation depending on traffic, season, and starting point in Delhi NCR.
Selecting the Best Weekend Getaway Is Important. Making the Right Choice for a Weekend Trip Is Crucial.
If you want to go on a trip to the Corbett Tiger Reserve, select the option:
The forest, the Kosi river and wildlife.
The shortest distance from Delhi (approx 5-6 hours drive)
The CR 1700 is the perfect option for a 2-day tour.
A stay for couples, families, groups or corporate teams
If you want to select a place, then Bhimtal is the best option:
A serene green lake landscape
Mornings are quiet and views of the mountains.
A slow weekend with a drive of approximately 6-7 hours – an early start is helpful!
If you prefer, you can select Nainital:
The old town of Naini Lake, boating and Mall Road.
There is lots of sightseeing and a lot of fun.
Approx 7 hours drive – a Friday night departure or long weekend is ideal.
This Is the Easiest Nature Weekend From Delhi, With Jim Corbett.
Of the three, the closest is Corbett and therefore the most convenient for a short trip. One can board the train in Delhi in the morning and reach at the river side hotel by the afternoon.
Why go:
A forest, Kosi river and wildlife.
Luxury jungle safaris (confirm time and permits before booking): Bijrani and Jhirna.Luxury jungle safaris: Bijrani and Jhirna (confirm timings and permits before booking)
Quiet: Calm, away from city noises
Family vacations, couples, and friends and office outings are among the best occasions to take advantage of this.
Where to stay:
La Perle River Resort: next to the Kosi river
A riverside resort, Mango Bloom River Resort is nestled in the midst of the beauty of Jim Corbett.
The Banyan Retreat is a nature-themed retreat for taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and arranging group stays.
The comfortable resort in the midst of nature is EXCEL Hotels & Resorts, Corbett.
Top places to visit in Jim Corbett, and Jim Corbett in winter.
Bhimtal Is a Tranquil and Scenic Lake Retreat
Bhimtal is calmer than Nainital. If you're looking for a weekend centered around walking around a lake, viewing mountains and enjoying long lazy mornings, then this is a great option.
Why go:
Rural lake scene and green hills in the background
Suitable for couples and families to rest
Easy to add to Nainital, 20 mins drive away.
Perfect for small events and corporate retreats!
Where to stay:
Bhimtal, an oasis of tranquility nestled in the picturesque setting of the Kumaon ranges, is home to Excel Hotels & Resorts. Excel Hotels & Resorts is located in Bhimtal, a tranquil mountain resort with its natural beauty.
This Weekend Is the Classic Hill Town Weekend in Nainital.
The three are all well known, the best known being Nainital. It offers the lake, the Mall Road promenade, boating and lots of sights for first time hill visitors.
Why go:
The lake Naini, boating
Mall Road shopping and food
Viewpoints and sightseeing
A great party and lots of fun to be had.
Where to stay:
Nainital is a comfortable place to stay while exploring Nainital from Excel Hotels & Resorts, Nainital, situated on Mall Road, Nainital.
Tip: Nainital reaches the peak of its tourist season during the weekend, on holidays, and during weekend of summer. For peace seekers, you may want to visit Bhimtal. To help you make this decision, we have come up with a guide to Nainital vs Bhimtal.
Sample 2 Day Weekend Plans
Corbett (Friday night / early Saturday start)
Day 1: Early starting from Delhi, early check-in by lunch, riverside walk, time at leisure at the end of the day.
Day 2: Early morning safari, breakfast, Garjia Devi Temple and Corbett falls (optional) and return.
Bhimtal (early Saturday start)
Day 1: Early morning leave, lunch at resort, evening walk on the lake.
Day 2: Breakfast is laid at ease; lakes or views nearby; return in the afternoon.
Friday night checkout at Nainital (best)
Day 1: Check in, evening on Mall Road.
Day 2: Boating on Naini Lake, sightseeing, return on Sunday evening.
Take Two Destinations for one Long Weekend!
For 3-4 days, go with these combinations:
Corbett + Nainital: forest and safari, first and foremost, then a lake town.
Bhimtal + Nainital: two lakes in one single journey, just 20 mins apart!
Corbett and Bhimtal: a nature and calm and relaxed route
Because all three have properties in Excel, you can make plans for the entire route from one resort group. On the Properties page, check out the six of these.
The Ideal Weekend Travel Time Is From 10:00 a.m. Until 5:00 p.m..
October to March—pleasant weather throughout all three, and the busiest season.
April to June: warm in Corbett, cooler places to escape are Bhimtal and Nainital
Monsoon (July to September): green but wet with possible disruption of roads in the hills
Please consult the forecast and road condition prior to travelling, particularly on hills.
How to Reach from Delhi
By road: the most flexible choice, for all three. Get to workfield early to avoid traffic.
By Rail: The nearest rail head to Corbett is Ramnagar. The principal railway station of Bhimtal and Nainital is Kathgodam.
By Air: Pantnagar is the nearest airport to reach the area but most of the visitors drive from Delhi here.
Please check train timetables and road conditions before making a booking.
Packing Tips for a 2 Day Trip
Light cottons for Corbett in summer and layers in winter.
A warm coat for Bhimtal and Nainital night time use.
Comfortable walking shoes
Power bank, ID proof (required for safari booking) and a camera
Reusable water bottle, Sunscreen
Why Choose Excel For Your Weekend Trip?
Want to find the perfect short getaway hotels in Uttarakhand? There are 6 properties in Excel that you can choose from between Corbett, Bhimtal and Nainital for your weekend. You can get comfortable accommodation in Uttarakhand with warm services, whether you desire a quiet hideout at riverside or a base at the lakeside.
Direct booking advantages: Book direct for the greatest rates, flexible booking cancellation, versatile check-in and check out (where accessible) and % off activities. Direct booking discount of up to 20% does not apply on festive dates and long weekends, check current offers before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the ideal weekend vacation from Delhi in Uttarakhand?
Jim Corbett is the most easily accessible for a 2-day tour. Bhimtal is perfect for a relaxing time by a lake, while Nainital is ideal for an active trip to a bustling hill town.
What is the distance of Jim Corbett from Delhi?
This is approximately a 5-6 hour drive, depending on traffic and starting location.
Do you think it is possible to do Nainital in a weekend from Delhi?
Yes, but it's a long drive to and from. Friday night or long weekends is better.
Is it better to go to Bhimtal or Nainital on a weekend?
For peacefulness, select Bhimtal and for a more lively ambience, select Nainital for sightseeing.
Does Jim Corbett Make Good Family Weekend?
Yes. Corbett resorts in Excel are ideal for family getaways, pair bonding and group vacations.
Is it possible for me to visit both Bhimtal and Nainital in a single visit?
Yes. They are approximately 20 minutes from each other.
In each destination, does Excel have properties?
Yes. The number of properties that have there been in Corbett is 4, Bhimtal 1 and Nainital.
Is it okay to organize a company event or celebration here?
Yes. Event spaces are provided in selected Excel properties. Contact us via the contact page.
Create a Plan for Your Weekend Getaway.
Book your travel to your destination, check availability and reserve your travel. Please check availability, contact +91 92113 01999 or email resv@excelhotelandresort.com.
