Destinations covered: Delhi and Corbett National Park
Highlights: This safari takes you to one of the oldest, most picturesque national parks the Corbett National Park. Penetrate through the deep forest where no other means have access and observe nature and wildlife from a very close counter.
Day 1 : Arrive Delhi
Arrive IGI Airport Delhi and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : Delhi to Corbett (270 Km) Early morning depart by surface for Corbett National Park. Arrive Corbett in time for lunch and check in at you jungle lodge/ camp. Afternoon take an escorted nature and bird watching walk into the surrounding forest. It is an excellent opportunity to walk in the cool of the forest, to be so close to nature and to appreciate the varied plants, insects, birds, mammals and reptiles that inhabit this part of the country. Back to lodge/ camp by sundown for campfire followed by dinner, which is leisurely and personal. Along with the excellent cuisine, your guide and hosts will amuse and amaze you with their stories of exciting experiences. Then it is time to relax once again and enjoy carefree chatter by the fireside whilst feasting on the unique sounds and smells that your exclusive location offers.
Day 3: Corbett (Start Elephant Safari to LOHACHAUR)
Morning drive a short distance to Durgadevi gate to meet with awaiting mounts “Lords of the jungle” with mahouts. After a short briefing and orientation start safari riding a stretch of about 16 km through the Ramganga valley to Lohachaur. We will pass some excellent patches of fern laden, moist sub tropical jungles and would encounter a variety of wildlife and birds. Lunch is served at Domunda – the confluence of the Ramganga and Mandal rivers. Post lunch we trudge up the Mandal valley where we visit the ‘Chunars’ - a hill tribe who carve pots out of wood. Arrive at Lohachaur by evening. Our stay tonight is an old colonial forest rest house built in the early 1900’s. Overnight in the forest rest house / safari tents.
Day 04 –At Lohachaur
Early morning continue safari along the Mandal River exploring surrounding forest to observe the eco dynamics of the valley and then back to the Forest Rest House for breakfast. Later in the morning drive to Domunda for angling on the Ramganga River. The Ramganga River is famous for the mighty Mahasheer a great sport fish to which Jim Corbett Chose to call ‘Fish of His Dream’. Other species found in these waters include the Goonch and Malee. Picnic lunch, specially prepared by our chef, by the river. Post lunch join the elephants for a dip in the river – as we get deeper in the forest and find a river pool deep enough, it is time to bathe the elephants a
must participate activity of the safari and of course an enthralling experience. Clambering about on elephant terrain we scrub away every square inch of its. One purpose of such care is hygiene, to keep the animals free of parasites and to cleanse any scrapes or wounds to ward of infections, but more than anything else to reinforce the bond with these giants. Return to Lohachaur Forest Rest House in time for late afternoon tea. The remainder of the day can be spent bantering and sharing stories with the mahouts and naturalists. Overnight in the forest rest house / safari tents.
D 05–Lohachaur to Kanda Depart early morning, upstream along the Mandal River towards Maidavan chowki. The Mandal River forms a part of the northern boundary of the Tiger Reserve. We would have packed breakfast on the way and then travel on through small hamlets and patches of thick Sal forest to arrive at Maidavan chowki. Lunch is served at Maidavan, post, from where we drive in jeeps to Kanda the highest point in the Tiger Reserve. Kanda is located atop a ridge on the Shivalik ranges and is at an altitude of about 1100m. Forest Rest house here commands a breathtaking view of the Dhikala “chaur” - grasslands and the Ramganga reservoir. Overnight in the forest rest house/safari tents.
Day 2 : Kanda Dhikala and Back Early morning depart Kanda on open jeep for full day game viewing excursion to Dhikala which is the nerve center of wildlife activities in Corbett National Park with a packed breakfast. Explore the massive savanna grassland ‘Dhikala Chaur’ and some excellent Sal forests on the drive to Dhikala. Overnight in the forest rest house/ safari tents. Day 07 - Kanda to Halduparao (PALAIN VALLEY)
Early morning breakfast and depart by jeeps to the Vatanvasa Gate, where we meet the elephants and the mahouts. Once on the elephants we carry on downstream along the Palain River. This is an elephant country – in addition to the typical wildlife in the region be ready to spot herds of wild elephants!
Arrive at the Haldupardao Forest Rest House by noon. Post lunch a game drive into the Sonanadi wildlife sanctuary a buffer sanctuary to the Corbett National Park. Overnight in the forest rest house and safari tents.
Day 08 –At Halduparao Morning continue safari along the Palain River and then return to Halduparao Forest Rest House for breakfast. Later depart by elephants/ jeeps to a ‘Gujjar Dera’ (Gujjar Settlement), these semi nomadic tribes that coexist in these forests are cattle herdsmen and provide milk to small towns nearby. They are warm people and are great hosts – we could spend the rest of the afternoon with them understanding their lifestyles and listening to their exciting jungle lore. Back to Halduparao Forest Rest House by evening.
Day 09 : Halduparao to Delhi This morning bid goodbye to the elephants, mahouts, naturalists and the rest of the team and drive a short distance to Vatanvasa exit gate board awaiting coach and depart for Delhi. Arrive Delhi and check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel. Day 10 - Delhi
Full day combined city tour of New and Old Delhi – In New Delhi visit Qutab Minar 12th century four story tower and one of the tallest of its time, Humayun Tomb considered to be one of the forerunner of Taj Mahal. Drive past India Gate, President House and other government buildings. In Old Delhi visit Red Fort
ultimate symbol of Mughal power in India. Take a cycle rickshaw ride exploring the narrow alleyways of Chandni Chowk and visit Jama Masjid one of the oldest and biggest Mosque in India. Also, visit Raj Ghat (cremation site of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi). Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Depart Delhi
In time transfer to international airport to board the flight for onward destinations.
