Power2Travel - WildLife

Cruising Through Corbett

The Call of the Wild

It was in his blood and in his bones….For Jim Corbett, legendary hunter and conservationist, the lure of the jungle was irresistible. A quick recce. of the run of forest, hemmed in by the Ramganga river and foothills of the Shivaliks, gives you a pretty good idea, why old Jim eventually made this area his home. The mystique of Corbett and his adventures in the Patalidun Valley are beautifully illustrated in the Corbett series…books that have pride of place in many a little boy's bookshelf. If Rudyard Kipling's Kim excited a child's imagination, Corbett's hunting skills made him a hero for many.

The jungles of Corbett National Park, Nainital district, are the perfect antidotes to the ills of life in a concrete jungle. And even a few days in the jungle are enough to refresh you. The sanctuary is India's first national park and is haven to some of the finest examples of India's endangered species of flora and fauna. Chief amongst these is of course the tiger. The big high, in venturing into Corbett is of course to sight a tiger. There are many tales, of near misses on sightings or escapes from his wrath while hunting him down, not to kill- but to shoot him on camera.

BET YOU DIDNT KNOW THIS:
This was the first designated Project Tiger Reserve.

HOW TO REACH

By Air:
Pantnagar is the nearest airport, but there are no flights operating currently.

By Rail:
Ramnagar is the nearest railhead, just 51km away. Haldwani is the nearest meter gauge railhead.

By Road:
Corbett is best reached by road. You have the added convenience of taking your own vehicle in and around the Park, after, of course, taking the necessary permits from the park authorities at the Reserve reception at Ramnagar and the Park gates. Delhi is 294km away. From Delhi go via Hapur.

Getting Around
Rent jeeps at Ramganga, for the day to the Park.(Rs.800/- approx.) Bus services are unpredictable. The reception area for the Park at Ramnagar organizes day trips by bus into Dhikala and Brijrani. Rates include entry fee.
(This is the only way you can enter Dhikala for a day trip).
You can instead opt for a local jeep safari out of Dhikala. Rate per pax.

WHERE TO STAY

If you wanna blow dough
For the best Corbett experience stay on the reserve itself- take on the basic accommodation- warts and all.
Serious Corbett visitors want to stay on the Reserve but there's only limited and basic accommodation, in terms of forest resthouses, many of which don't even, have electricity.
Inside the reserve you can stay at Khinnauli, Sarapduli, Gairal, (access from Dhangairi gate), Sultan. Malani and Brijrani with access from the Amdanand gate.

If you wanna live sensibly
Tiger Tops Corbett Lodge
Corbett Jungle Reserve (Quality Inns)
Corbett Hideaway (Claridges Hotels)

If they are full up there are a few decent hotels in Ramnagar itself. Not the same of course as staying in Corbett.

Where To Eat and Drink
There are 2 restaurants at Dhikala- jam packed on weekends and season time. Better to organize your own grub.

Things To Do

Tiger Chase: It's one of the most exciting things in the world- chasing the spoor of the tiger…Any wooded ravine, any bamboo thicket could be his is his potential hiding place. As you half leap out of the lurching jeep as it turns a tight curve you'll frighten a herd of fleet-footed. Faster and faster they run as you whizz past chasing your quarry.

Elephant walk: It's the most amazing thing. Taking a ride on an elephant, in the jungle on the tiger's trail. That huge beast walks down those steep slopes, with ne'er a sound…So sure footed is he, despite his ponderous girth…Its just unbelievable. Rate. Rs.100/-

Watch out for muggers in the water if you're planning a dip in the Ramganga.

Wake up real early-( yes! ) - to catch rare sightings.

Where to Dump the Folks
Take them with you. Mom can cook (If you're staying in the Reserve) and Dad can navigate while you take photos…If you can do it on your own leave them at home.

Where to Shop
At Ramnagar for your essentials- petrol, kerosene, food, medicines, mosquito repellant, mineral water, film, torches, batteries etc.

GENERAL INFORMATION
STD CODE
05945

UP Tourism Delhi
Corbett Park Admin. Office-Ramnagar.
UP Tourism- Lucknow

Money Matters
State Bank of India has a branch in Ramnagar.

More info:-

Guide Fee - Compulsory
Follow the Park Rules
Hunting is strictly prohibited.
No trekking or walking in the park at any time.
Since the gates are shut at sunset you are not allowed to drive around at night- very strictly enforced, for your own safety.
Whenever you are out on the Reserve you have to have a registered guide with you.
Get a clearance certificate when you leave the park
Don't chuck burning cigarettes around the forest.
Don't even think of feeding the animals- you may become the meal. Remember this is not a zoo.