Corbett Wildlife Tour

Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter of man-eating tigers, was the greatest hero of the simple hill folk of kumaon region. He went about his task of helping the hill folk with their day to day problems in a time when metalled roads and modern transport were non-existent. During these years Corbett attained incredible knowledge of the jungle and the knack of being a part of it. He could read the jungle signs with ease and could even imitate the sounds made by various animals. As time passed, he gave up the Gun and took to the Camera.

Perhaps, this is the first instance of an ardent hunter turning a conservationist. He said: "A country's fauna is a sacred trust and I appeal to you not to betray this trust... If we do not bestir ourselves now it will be to our discredit that the fauna of our province was exterminated in our generation, and under our very own eyes, while we looked on and never raised a finger to prevent it."

In 1936 the Government named the park 'The Hailey National Park', after the then Governor of the United Provinces, Sir Malcolm Hailey. After Independence it was renamed 'Ramganga National Park' and after the death of Jim Corbett it was again, renamed 'Corbett National Park'.

Geography
Besides being India's first National Park 'Corbett' is known for the scenic beauty of its magnificent sub-mountain and riverine landscapes. It lies in the Patlidan valley of the kumaon range or mountains. The vegetation is the mixed deciduous, dominated by stately old sal forests. The undergrowth is heavy and comprises largely of lantana weeks, which, though it provides excellent cover for animals,is fast reaching alarming proportions.

The park is teeming with rich wildlife.Most common being Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Hog Deer, barking Deer, Wild Bear, Goral, Elephants, Langur, Fox, Jackal and the elusive Tiger, Leopard and Sloth Bear. The Ramganga houses a large variety of fish, Mahseer being the most popular among anglers. Crocodiles and Gharials can also be seen in plenty. In addition to all this 'Corbett' boasts of an innumerable variety of birds: Pelicans, Herons, Storks, Falcons, Eagles, Kaleej pheasants along with many others, Vultures, Osprey and other eagles, Jacanas, Plovers, Owls, Barbets, Hornbills, Larks ans Orioles.

The Corbett Tiger Reserve extends over 521 km, of which 312.86 km lies in the Pauri Garhwal district and 208.14 km in Nanital district. The covered area is 329.98 km, the rest being buffer zone.

Some common plants found here are: Banyan, Mango, Bael, Gular, Pakar, silk cotton, Dhoby nut, neem and Sal.

Day 1 : Delhi - Corbett
Depart Delhi early morning. Arrive at the Corbett Camp by lunch. Evening walk into the surrounding forest to observe the flora and fauna of the area. Back to camp by sundown for campfire and barbecue. Dinner and overnight at Camp.

Day 2 : Corbett National Park- Full Day Bijrani Safari
Early morning game drive to the Bijrani range to observe the wildlife of the area. Breakfast at the Bijrani FRH. Post breakfast a hike along the Bijrani nature trail. Back to the Bijrani FRH by lunch. Evening game drive in the Bijrani range. Back to Camp by evening. Campfire and dinner.Overnight at the Camp.

Day 3 : Corbett National Park - Camp to Dhikala FRH
Early breakfast and depart for the Dhikala Forest rest house. Enter through the Dhangari gate and enroute visit the Gharial pool, Champion road and High Bank (These are great observation points on the Ramganga river). Arrive at Dhikala by lunch. Post lunch game drive to the Dhikala Chaur (Grasslands) to observe the varied bird and mammal species found in the area. Back for an evening wildlife movie. Dinner and overnight at Dhikala.

Day 4 : Corbett National Park - Dhikala FRH to Camp
A Full day of wildlife viewing, birding and elephant safari at Dhikala. Early morning elephant back safari in the neighboring forest. Back for Breakfast at Dhikala. Post breakfast nature hike to a close by observation tower. After lunch at Dhikala evening game drive to across the Ramganga River.Arrive at Camp by evening. Campfire and dinner. Overnight at the camp.

Best time to visit : Between Mid - October to April
Bird and Animal sightings depend greatly on season, timing, and patience.
Sightings mentioned in the itinerary are only a guide and cannot be guaranteed.

Day 5 : Corbett National Park - Full Day Jhirna Safari
Early morning game drive to the Jhirna range to observe the wildlife of the area. Breakfast at the Jhirna FRH. Post breakfast a hike along the Jhirna nature trail. Back to the Jhirna FRH by lunch. Evening game drive in the Jhirna range. Back to Camp by evening. Campfire and dinner. Overnight at the Camp.

Day 6 : Depart for Delhi
Wake up at leisure. Breakfast at Camp. Bid goodbye to your Naturalist and the rest of the team and depart for Delhi after breakfast.

Best time to visit : Between Mid - October to April
Bird and Animal sightings depend greatly on season, timing, and patience.
Sightings mentioned in the itinerary are only a guide and cannot be
guaranteed.




Tour Ends