Corbett National Park

Located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand at the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and was named after the legendary Jim Corbett who wrote the famous ‘Man-eaters of Kumaon’ and played a key role in its establishment. Established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the most endangered species – Bengal tiger, Corbett was the first park where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973. It is among the few tiger reserves in India that allows overnight stays in the lap of the National Park. Situated at the border of the extensive Patil Dun valley, Dhikala is the place where one can stay in the lodge. It is the most popular destination in Corbett because of its superb location and sheer abundance of wildlife present. The most famous of Corbett’s wild residents are the Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant. The present area of the Corbett national park is 1318.54 sq. km. including 520 sq. km. of core area of and 797.72 sq. km. of buffer area.

The Trip starts on Day 01 (Saturday) from Delhi and ends on day 07 (Friday) at Delhi.

Special Guidelines to Book Game drives / Safaris

As per the latest guidelines issued by India wildlife authorities some changes have been made to book any game drive in the park. To reduce the pressure from the park, forest department have reduced the number of jeeps for these game drives, therefore, these drives needs to be booked & paid well in advance. These game drives once booked & paid are non refundable. In order to book these game drives names of all the clients are required along with their latest Passport details. No name change is permitted at later stage once its booked. The park official checks each client’s passport at the park gate while getting in for safari. If you apply for a new passport after booking your game drives, please carry your old passport as well.

Due to these changes in our booking system we strongly suggest you to book these Tiger trips at least 3 – 4 months in advance. We book tickets for all passengers as soon as permits become available, usually 3 months prior to the date of actual game drive.

Day 01: Arrive in Delhi (by flight or train) and drive by surface to Corbett National Park. (5 – 6 hrs drive)

Arrive Delhi in the morning and drive by surface to Corbett National Park. This unique tiger territory has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife and splendid, magical & breathtaking landscape. The park is known for its population of the fearless master predator and offers a realistic chance to catch a glimpse of the Tiger. Aside from jeep safaris, nature watch and wildlife viewing can also be done on elephant back, which is one of the most exciting elephant safaris and are considered as the ‘genuine’ & ‘real’ elephant safaris in India. We reach Corbett late in the evening and check in hotel. (Dinner)

Day 02: Corbett National Park (Morning & afternoon game drive in Bijrani / Jhirna zone)

We wake up early in the morning and make our way for our first jungle safari (game drive)in Bijrani / Jirna zone.

We board the open topped jeep (Four wheel drive) and drive further to park gate, where we need to show them all the necessary permits. One forest guide also gets in each jeep from the park gate each time to accompany us.  Corbett comprises of hilly areas of deciduous mixed forests, grassland with ravines and vast dense forests of Sal trees. The park has over 110 tree species, 50 species of mammals, nearly 600 bird species including high altitude Lammergeirs and Steppe Eagles, and 25 reptiles including Gharial and the mugger crocodile. After the jungle safari, we return to the hotel and have breakfast, served in the restaurant. Later, we may relax and enjoy the natural beauty around or can take the plunge into the pool. Late afternoon, we proceed for our second game drive into the park (Bijrani / Jhirna zone). In the evening, we drive back to the hotel and freshen up before we have the dinner. (B/Fast & Dinner)

Day 03: Corbett, morning drive to Dhikala forest lodge through the Dhikala forest. (2 game drives in Dhikala zone)

We enter the park from Dhangarhi gate-visit the Interpretation center and then the adventure and wildlife safari to Corbett begins. This journey from Dhangadi gate to Dhikala itself is full of adventures, you have to cross dense sal forest and Ramganga River with several seasonal rivers, the animals you are most likely to spot while going to Dhikala are herds of spotted deer, Barking deer, Sambhar, Barasinga, Elephants, and Hyena, Fox, Monitor Lizard and even Tigers also.

After lunch we will have afternoon Jeep safari to the grasslands called “Chaurs”, for a chance sighting of the elusive Tiger- now the cynosure of every tourists questing eye. Dhikala Lodge is encircled by a solar fence for your safety – it is an unforgettable experience to sit out on your verandah and enjoy the wild sounds of the night. Overnight at Dhikala forest Lodge. (B/fast, Lunch & dinner)

Day 04: Corbett, morning & afternoon game drives at Dhikala zone

We will have another early morning Jeep Safari in Dhikala zone with its varied topography, diverse Flora & Fauna, the beauty of the meandering Ramganga river.The magnificent Ramganga River flows through the heart of the park bringing a continuous supply of water. This varied topography results in an abundance of flora and fauna;110 tree species, 50 mammals, 25 reptiles and nearly 600 bird species.  Rarities include high altitude Lammergeirs and Steppe Eagles, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan palm civet and the Ghoral – but they are rarely seen. Two of the most interesting reptiles are the Gharial (fish eating crocodile) and the mugger crocodile, found in the Ramganga river and reservoir,

Corbett National Park is one of India’s most beautiful wildlife areas has a tiger population of around 160, which makes this park as the last and the most important bastion of this endangered species in India.

After having lunch at the lodge we will go for afternoon game drive as well and returns back in the evening. Overnight in at Dhikala forest lodge. (B/fast, Lunch & dinner)

 Day 05: Corbett, morning game drive in Dhikala zone & in the afternoon drive out of the park. Evening free.

This morning we will have our last game drive in Dhikala zone, we can also try for an elephant ride depending on the availability. After breakfast we check out from the forest lodge and move out of jungle via Dhangari gate. On the way visit crocodile point and high bank. Afternoon is free to walk around the lodge. This last night we stay in the same hotel outside park where we stayed the first two nights. (B/fast & Dinner)

Day 06: Corbett, morning game drive & afternoon drive to Delhi.

This morning we will have our last game drive in Bijrani / Jhirna zone after which we drive back to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast we check out from hotel and drive back to Delhi. (5 – 6 hrs drive). Reach Delhi late in the afternoon. Evening free. (Breakfast)

Day 07: Departure Delhi

After breakfast departure transfer to airport to catch flight back home. (Breakfast)

INTRODUCTION ABOUT DHIKALA FOREST LODGE

Dhikala forest lodge is run and managed by forest department under Corbett national park, it is located in the core area of Corbett national park. Its location at core area of Corbett national park made it a perfect place to stay for wildlife enthusiast. Wildlife can be observed from the verandah of your room. The rooms at Dhikala have been renovated but these are still basic by your standards.

The rooms are clean, with floor tilings and attached with English style flushing toilets. Showers do exist and the mixers seldom work – bucket baths are recommended, in case of malfunction. Running hot and cold water is erratic. The lodge has electricity with supply timings and there is a backup generator and inverters. Wildlife films are shown every alternate evening in a newly constructed amphi theatre and the lodge boasts of a fine wildlife library. Delicious hygiene food is served in their restaurant as buffet.

Validity: October 01, 2016 till June 30, 2017

Hotel Category: Mid Range Good Standard Hotels / Lodges

Cost Includes:

• Accommodation in well appointed room on twin / double sharing bases for five nights.
• Meals on half board (B/fast & dinner) except B/fast on day 01.
• For Transport, air-conditioned SUV vehicle for all the transfers included in the tour program.
• 08 Game drives by exclusive jeep (booked well in advance)
• Park entrance, permit fees, forest guide.
• Service tax levied by the government @ 3.5%

Cost Excludes:

• Any personal expanse such as laundry bills, beverage / drinks bill, telephone bills, airport tax etc.
• Tips for drivers, guides & hotel staff.
• Travel Insurance
• Any domestic or international flights.
• Services of any professional Tour Escort / leader.

 Hotel Details with Meal Plan