Safari in Corbett - The best way to explore wildlife and Nature

Everybody knows that Jim Corbett National Park is the biggest National Park in India. It spreads around 1218.56sq.km to explore its wildlife and nature. There is always a question in the visitors mind that why wildlife safari is compulsory to visit the park and can we take jungle trekking to visit the park and the answer is no. The Corbett Tiger Reserve is very strict about its rule; visitors are not allowed to take jungle trekking inside the tiger reserve area. The park is surrounded by very dense forest and full of various dangerous wild animals. To avoid any kind of tragedy they permit to visit park only with wildlife safari. 

About Wildlife Safari in Corbett

Jeep Safari in Corbett National Park

Corbett Tiger Reserve arrange three types of safaris i.e. jeep safari, elephant safari and canter safari. All safari permits are issued at CTR Ramnagar reception counter.  Every visitor has to give the identity details, number of person’s information and permit fees. After that they can hire their safari mode and go inside the jungle. 

Jeep Safari:   Jeep safari in Corbett is the most demanding safari mode. An open jeep takes you inside the forest. Maximum six persons are allowed once per jeep. One wildlife tour guide will be with you during the tour. He provides you all possible information inside the forest and helps you to know the animals call and their movement.

Elephant Safari: Elephant safari can be enjoyed over the back of elephant. At a time four visitors are allowed to ride on one elephant.  Elephant safari is more adventurous than jeep because it takes you into more deep areas of the forest where with jeep safari in not possible to go. 

Canter Safari:  Canter is an open bus; maximum eighteen visitors can sit once inside a canter.  Canter safari is allowed on sharing basis for safari. It is the best way to visit Dhikala forest zone.

Safari Zones of Corbett Park:

Jim Corbett Park is divided in main 4 zones for well management and safari. All zones are handled by separate gates. The main safari zone of Corbett and their gate are as follow:

Dhikala Zone:  Dhangari Gate

Bijrani Zone:  Aam Danda Gate

Jhirna Zone: Kalagarh Gate

Durgadevi Zone: Domunda Gate

Planning and Choosing the Best Timing:

June to November is the ideal time to enjoy full wildlife safari and explore its rich flora and fauna. Timing for safari i.e. morning and evening are scheduled by Corbett Tiger Reserve.

There are limited numbers of permits for safari, so anyone who wants to enjoy wildlife safari at Corbett has to plan their tour before reaching at there and book the safari permits in advance.

Wildlife Tour in Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is well known wildlife destination in India. It is always being the first choice of every wildlife enthusiastic person in all over the world. Corbett Park is situated at Uttarakhand state and the nearest National Park from Delhi. Jim Corbett Park is the home of diverse species of plants and animals. The main wildlife attraction of this park are Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Elephants, Barking Dears, Spotted Dear, Chital, Himalayan Bears, Wild Boar, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Turtles, Cobras, Pythons, Dense Sal, Deodar, Oak forest and more than 600 species of birds.  

Deer at Corbett National Park

Corbett Tiger Reserve has divided in four tourist zones. The most famous zones Dhikala, Bijrani and Durgadevi opens mid November to mid June but Jhirna zone opens round of the year. There are numerous wildlife activities to do in Corbett National Park like open jeep safari, elephant safari, birds watching safari, mahasheer fishing etc. People can plan there long holidays and weekend trip to visit the park. Dhikala forest lodge is the best option to stay inside the park.

To visit Corbett Park you can find various kinds of tour packages through internet. You can select any of them as per your requirement. You can visit the main Corbett area during 2 nights 3 days. But long holiday tourist can take long elephant safari to explore the virgin wild landscapes. Wildlife photographer should always ready to capture the unique movement of wild animals inside the Jungle.

There are some enchanting places near Corbett Park to visit like famous Gariya temple, Jim Corbett Museum Dhangari, Kaladhoongi and Corbett Fall. Sitabani and Marchula are the buffer zones of Corbett those lie out of the tiger reserve but well known for tiger sighting and birds watching places. The lake city of India, Nainital and charming hill station Ranikhet is just 90kms far from this place. Tourists can enjoy their holidays with wildlife and hill station tour. 

It’s not a big deal to arrive Jim Corbett National Park. It is easily connected by road and train. Ramnagar is the base city of Corbett National Park. Pantnagar is the nearest airport to reach there. It is just 50kms far from Ramngar city. Peoples those are planning for Uttarakhand visit can add Corbett wildlife tour on their itineraries to take the unforgettable memories of wildlife fun with them. 

Mussoorie Hill Station - Visit the Queen of Hills

Mussoorie is one of the most charming hill stations in Uttarakhand. The unbeatable picturesque sceneries of this hill station rewarded it as Queen of Hills. Mussoorie is situated at the Garhwal Himalayas, an altitude of 2000meters above from the sea level.  This hill resort is set up in 1823, by British Captain Yong.  Mussoorie is placed of 34kms far from Dehradun.  This popular week end gateway provides the great opportunity to get the first glimpse of snow covered Himalayan Mountains for the travellers from the plain. 

                                                                                     Scenic Attractions of Mussoorie: 

Mussoorie Mall Road

There are various places to visit at Mussoorie like Children’s Lodge it is the highest peak of Mussoorie and has a telescope to watch an awesome view of the Himalayas and Doon valley. Gun Hill is the second highest peak of this place. Ropeway ride make this trip adventurous and memorable. Camel’s back road gives the finest sun set view.  Municipal Garden and the Jheel are the best picnic spots of Mussoorie. Artificial is there to enjoy boating and other water sports activities. Mussoorie is a must visit destination while having Uttarakhand Tour. 

Charming Kempty Falls, Bhatt Falls, Jharipani Falls, Mossy Falls, Nag Devta Temple, Bhardraj Temple, Surkhanadevi Devi Temple and Jwalaji Temple makes these places an amazing holiday destination in India. 

Shopping and Entertainment at Mussoorie

Travellers get everything at Mussoorie, charming tourist spots and various recreational activities centres.  The Mall of Mussoorie is the most herded area every traveller wants to go this place. Tibbatiens market is the main charm of this place. Here you will get various woollen stalls, metal ware, trekking sticks, colourful umbrellas, lazar guns, bowls, trays, hand panted clothes and various other handicraft items. Other attractions you can find amusement parks, Cinema halls, video game parlours, Disco clubs and skating halls.  

Generally visiting Mussoorie is possible round of the year.  Every time you will find the unique weather and beautiful sceneries here. This place is well connected by road and very close from Dehradun and Delhi.

Resorts in Corbett – Enjoy Your Holidays in a Wild Property

In India if we talk about the finest location of wildlife resorts one of them is Corbett National Park.  Jim Corbett National Park is located at the foothill of the Himalaya. It spreads across Nainital, Almora and Pauri district. Corbett is the biggest wildlife sanctuary and first tiger reserve zone in India. It covers around 1218.5sq km. wild area with dense forest and various species of wild animals specially Royal Bengal Tiger.  To visit the Corbett National Park with jeep and elephant safari everybody needs to stay at the wildlife resorts.

About Resorts in Corbett:

There are large numbers of resorts in Corbett Park in various categories. Sometimes we get confuse to select the specified category and particular resort. Here we are specifying the small description with examples of luxury, deluxe and budget resorts. 

Luxury Resorts in Corbett:  

Luxurious resorts  should be placed in ultimate spacious wild location near to Corbett entry gates and must contain all luxurious amenities like specious rooms, swimming pool, good room services, bar be queue, spa and meditation centre, bonfire arrangements, recreational activities facility, wildlife movie show, doctor on call, in house parking, stocked library, conference facilities etc. 

Here are some examples of luxurious category resorts:

1. Infinity Resort
2. Corbett Hideaway Resort
3. Jim Jungle Retreat
4. Manu Maharani Resort
5. Corbett Leela Villas
6. Ramganga Resort
7. Tarangi Resort
8. Corbett River View Resort

Deluxe Resorts in Corbett: 

Deluxe category resorts should have the finest wild location with some basic deluxe amenities. These resorts budget are being very comfortable for every tourist. So deluxe resorts are always first choice for most of the visitors. Basic amenities must be in deluxe resorts are spacious air conditioner rooms or cottages, hygienic food, round of clock services, good housekeeping, recreational activities facilities, in house parking, doctor on call etc.

Here are some examples of deluxe category resorts:

1. Camp River Wild Resort
2. Escape Corbett Resort
3. Tiger Camp
4. Suman Grand Resort
5. Corbett Gateway Resort
6. Wild Crest
7. Pine Tree Resort
8. Wild Trail Resort

Budgeted Resorts in Corbett:

 

Budgeted resorts count camping sites, hotels and forest lodges. Luxury accommodation facilities do not available at such resorts but good quality hygienic food with the best possible services is served at there. Budgeted resorts never over load into visitor’s pocket and one can enjoy wildlife adventure in a little budget.

All best wildlife resorts in Corbett National Park are listed above. It is always advised to plan Corbett tour according to trip date and number of days to stay at there. Select a resort from the above list as per category, requirement or budget and book it in advance after searching the best deal in internet.

Kausani Hill Station- A Beautiful Paradise in Uttarakhand

A View of Himalaya From Kausani

The charming hill resort surrounded by several snow capped peaks is endowed with exceptional natural beauty. Mahatma Gandhi came here in 1929 and was fascinated by the magnificent beauty of Kausani. Mahatma Gandhi Ji stayed at Anashakti Ashram. This is famous tourist spot now days. People do Yoga and Mediation here. It has a good library that is open to all. Anashakti Ashram also provides facility for overnight stay.  

Kausani is located 6075 ft above from the sea level and 56 kms far from Almora. This picturesque hill station is very famous for the majestic view of snow covered Trishul, Nandadevi, Nandakot peaks of Himalaya. This is birth place of the famous poet Sumitra Nand Pant. He called this place “Switzerland of India”.

Kausani is famous for the majestic sunrise amongst the Himalaya. Beautiful tea garden is also in Kausani.  This is the only place in India for traditional tea plantation. It is located at 5 kms far from the main town. After 20 kms away from Kausani at Bageshwar road, the ancient temple of Baijnath is situated. This temple had made by Katyuri kings during 12 century. According to Hindu mythology Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the confluence of river Gomati and Garur Ganga. So this place has both historical and religious significance. Kausani if favourite place for the adventure lovers and birds watchers. Various famous Himalayan trekking routs are there. 

Kausani blesses with snowfall during the months of December and January. So summer season is also being very cool there. Best season to visit Kausani is April to November. It is advisable to keep some woollen clothes during that time also. 

Kausani is well connected by road. Nearest Railway station is Kathgodam 145 kms away from there and nearest airport is Pantnagar, at a distance of 190 kms.

Ranikhet Hill Station

During the British Raj in India, it was a common practice to escape to the hills in order to avoid the summer woes and Uttarakhand being the nearest destination from Delhi, the centre of power, was the obvious choice for a summer retreat. However, being located at the distance wasn’t the sole reason to be chosen as a summer getaway.  Serene hills and blooming valleys along with many other Himalayan wonders made Uttarakhand a perfect destination to unwind and rejuvenate. The options were many for Uttarakhand is abundant with natural delights and among all the place of interest for British who frequented this region, Ranikhet scores as a top destination.

Ranikhet as the name suggests is truly royal in its character. Ranikhet, meaning the Queen’s meadow has earned this name for its picture perfect valleys with deep forests. However, there is a history behind this name that relates to a queen who fell in love with this place on one of her excursions and decides to live here forever. But, there is no evidential structure or any particular location to hold this legend true.

Today, the area speaks of a colonial connection with a quiet British time cantonment town representing an amalgamation of both the old and the new.  Divided into two ridges, namely Ranikhet ridge and Chaubattia ridge, Ranikhet serves as an ideal town to spend a languid summer with nothing special to do but to just walk around.

Administration of India locates Ranikhet under the Almora district of the Indian state Uttarakhanand it is approximately 279 kilometers away from Delhi, the capital of India. Well connected by both road and railways, Ranikhet can be reached through Kathgodam, the closest railway station, situated about 80 Kilometers away. Buses and taxis are also available from Delhi and other towns in Uttarakhand. There is an airport at Pantnagar which is almost 114 kilometers away.

Needless to mention, Ranikhet enjoys a pleasant climate though the weather is variable in most of the days. The climate remains harsh cold is winter with heavy snowfall. Thus, the tourist session here lasts from March to October- the best time enjoy the healthy climate and de-stress. The charm of each season in Ranikhet is always appealing to different people. That is why Ranikhet enjoys a steady footfall throughout the year. When the summer comes people come here to enjoy the cool breeze and the same crowd flocks here to cherish the snowfall during winters.

Vast forests of Pine, Oak and Deodar trees make Ranikhet an ideal place for jungle walks and hiking. Wildlife spotting in the wild is also a favorite activity among the tourists. However, the best thing to do in Ranikhet is to explore the Ranikhet Golf Course, one of the highest golf courses of Asia.  Golf at the high altitude with the greenery around is actually a soul inspiring activity. Moreover, one gets to enjoy the remoteness with the local golfers who are quite friendly to the visitors.

Excursions out of the town to nearby hilly spots are the best satisfying thing to do in Ranikhet. Besides, ancient temples and colonial churches are among the other things to explore.  Ranikhet also headquarters one of the Kumaon regiment of Indian Army. Situated 10kms from Ranikhet, Chaubatia Gardens is renowned for its apple orchards. No wonder, Ranikhet is popular for its luscious apples, apricots, peaches and various alpine fruits. Taking a stroll in those orchards and sampling nature fresh fruit juice and honey can feel like a heavenly experience for city dwellers.

And speaking of temples, Haidakhan Temple near Ranikhet besides being an abode of one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva is often visited by tourists in search of inner peace. The splendid view of the gigantic Himalayan peaks behind the temple is the perfect spot to watch a sunset.  

There are many other temples of significance and so are some picnic spots famous for their scenic beauty but they are best discovered other than being read about. So, asking around and roaming here and there to discover Ranikhet is the real joy of a summer vacation Shopping is hardly an activity in Ranikhet as the idea of being in Ranikhet is only about natural rendezvous. 

About Author:

Hemant Kumar is webmaster at Uttaranchal Tourism. It’s a leading travel portal and it provides all info on Uttarakhand. To know more about Ranikhet please visit the web.

Nainital Hill Station- The Lake City

If a hill station is the perfect antidote to summer blues than Nainital Hill Station stands best among the other famous destinations. Because of its close proximity to the national capital, Nainital has emerged as a much sought after summer retreat over the years. Sneak out of the city and you will find Nainital nestled in the Himalayan wilderness to sooth your senses. Innumerable tourists and the green hills alongside the famous Naini Lake is an ideal summer time sight to behold. Besides this, the colonial charm of this small town is an equally enchanting experience. 

Boating at Nainital

Dotted with British style cottages, villas and bungalows, Nainital is a pleasant town situated at an altitude of 1,938 meters. There is small temple dedicated to the goddess Naina after whom the lake and the town got its name. Once loved by the British officers as an ideal summer destination, Nainital today attracts people from all spheres of life. From high end resorts to budget hotels-Nainital accommodates all. 

The famous Nainital Lake in the town is also referred to as the Tririshi Lake and a tranquil boat ride in the lake is Nainital’s best rejuvenation secret. Nainital Boat Club also offers best yachting arrangements and the annual Kingfisher Yachting Competition in the third week of June is a huge crowd puller at Nainital. But, Nainital is not always about the lake. For example, you can’t miss a majestic presence of the Naina Peak-snow capped and guarding over the valley. A sunset by the Hanumangarhi temple is equally beautiful. And talk about the British raj and you just can’t miss the churches and their architecture. The St. John Church is one of the most visited spots as well. Similarly, well maintained British Cemeteries are a nice way of tracing the old world charm at Nainital. There are innumerable lakes and picnic spots at a reachable distance from Nainital and each one of them are laced with nature’s best offerings.  

Although, the ideal thing to do while at Nainital is just to laze around, one might like to check out the renowned Hand loom products and Kumaon woolen items in the town shops. Candles in different shapes and aromas are a hot buy for tourists. 

Nainital at Night

The nearest airport at Pant Nagar is just 71 km away from Nainital and the Kathgodam Railway Station is only 35 km from Nainital. Nainital is also connected through all the road services from Delhi and other cities in Uttarakhand. 

The best time to visit Nainital is definitely the summer months.  But, the place retains its cool climate all through the year. The winter months are often preferred by visitors who want to witness the Kumaon Festival organized by the state tourism department. 

Beyond its healing prowess and the rejuvenation options, Nainital has a wild streak to it persona. Adventure sport junkies to nature lovers, all swear by Nainital’s countless offerings. For example paragliding and mountain hiking are some of the best explored indulgences in the valley.