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JIM
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
One of the finest habitats of the tiger in India, the
Corbett National Park
nestles in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttaranchal, in the
area known as South Patlidun. With it's varied topography,
diverse flora and fauna and the natural splendor of its
landscapes, the Park is a precious heritage.
Established in 1936, this reserve was known as the Hailey
National Park. It was later renamed after Jim Corbett the famous
hunter, author and pioneer conservationist who helped set up
this wildlife sanctuary. At present, this national park
encompasses an area of about 520 sq. Kms whish includes, the
vast reservoir formed by the Kalagarh dam across the river
Ramganga. It is one of the best managed protected areas in the
country and attracts thousand of visitors each year. This area
is also a tiger reserve under the Project
Tiger.
The
Park is a large valley with forested ridges running through it.
The magnificent Ramganga River winds through its entire length
in a south - south westerly direction and numerous forest
streams and rivulets that flow into it carve up the area into
little ridges and ravines. Dense stands of sal and mixed
deciduous forests are found throughout the Park while the 'chaurs'
or the grasslands in the valleys - about one -tenth of the core
area, offer visitors a better view of wildlife.
With elevations in the Park ranging from 400m to 1210 m
there is a rich diversity in habitat.
Animals of
the Himalayas and those of peninsular India can both be seen
here and over 50 mammal and 25 reptile species have been
recorded at Corbett. Among the predators are the tiger, leopard,
diverse species of lesser cats and the dhole - the wild
dog. There are antelopes (nilgai and ghoral)
varieties of deer (hog deer, sambhar, chital or spotted
deer and barking deer), the primates (rhesus and
langur) and other animals like jackals, foxes, civets, wild
boar, sloth bear, black bear and a range of reptiles including
the cobra, python and two species of crocodile.
The
rare fish eating, long snouted gharial and the more
robust mugger can be seen basking along the sand banks and pools
of the Ramganga. The river which is also noted for its sporting
fish, the mighty mahaseer and the malee is popular
with anglers.
Corbett is the home of 580 species of birds including water
fowl, 17 types of woodpecker, raptors like the Pallas fishing
eagle, harriers and kites, peafowl, kalij pheasant, the rare
chir pheasant, red jungle fowl, minivets, shrikes, cuckoos,
drongos and barbets. A fine reservoir on the river formed with
the building of a dam at Kalagarh now attracts diverse species
of water birds - both local and migratory. With its avian
variety Corbett is a marvellous location for bird watchers
also.
With
the Project Tiger launched in 1973, for the total environmental
protection of this
endangered species, Corbett has seen an increase in the tiger
population. This nocturnal predator is not often spotted during
the day though its pugmarks are commonly seen along the road
sides and forest trails. With a bit of luck, visitors do
occasionally catch a glimpse of this majestic animal as they
drive through the park to the Dhikala complex.
Dhikala
at the heart of the core area is picturesquely located at the
edge of a grassy plateau perched high above the Ramganga
reservoir and set into a bend in the river. The grasslands of
the Dhikala Chaur disappear into the dense sal forests of the
foothills.
This
is a favorite viewing area. The chaur and surrounding forests
support the highest density of tigers in the country - about one
every 5 sq. Km. Splendid herds of Chital, hog deer and elephants
are also to be seen here. There are viewing towers as well as
elephant rides for visitors - morning and evening. This is
perhaps the best way to see wildlife for it is possible to go
deep into the park on elephants, to get close to the animals in
an unobtrusive manner and to get a clear view of them.
Being the centre of tourist activity, a range of accommodation
is available at Dhikala, including 3 room cabins ( with coolers
or air conditioners on request, and attached baths ), forest
rest houses, three bedded huts, Swiss cottage tents and log hut
dormitories. Restaurants, a library, a field post office, first
aid centre, an open air theatre and a provision store are some
of the other facilities available for visitors.
Corbett
also offers a number of forest rest houses located in
picturesque spots
around the park, isolated, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts,
photographers, anglers, bird watchers - who wish to enjoy and
feel the jungle. Just 9 km. from
Ramnagar
- where the Park headquarters is located is the fine 6 room rest
house at
Bijrani.
A big chaur close by, where the deer collect at night, is ideal
for watching the animals and elephant rides are available for
visitors.
Along the route to Dhikala and soon after the entrance gate at
Dhangarhi is another charming two room rest house at
Sultan.
Suggested
Itinerary :
Day 01 : Depart by surface from Delhi to
Corbett
National Park
( 300 km - 07 hrs 30 minutes driving time approx.). Upon
arrival, check-in to your hotel for five nights. Enjoy your
afternoon jeep-safari in the
Corbett
National Park.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02-05 : Enjoy your morning and afternoon jeep-safaris/
one morning elephant ride in the Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 : Enjoy your morning jeep-safari/ elephant ride in
the Park. Late morning, depart by surface to Delhi. Upon arrival
you will be transferred to a nearby hotel airport for lobby use
& facilities (meal & accommodation not included). Later in the
evening, transfer to the International airport to connect your
flight for onward destination
Wildlife
Safari of Corbett
Best
time to visit
- October to April
Duration :
15 Nights / 16 Days
Destinations Covered :
Delhi- Corbett - Binsar - Nainital
- Mangoli Valley New Delhi
Day 1 Delhi-
Kumerian, Corbett
Morning arrive by flight to New Delhi. Met on arrival and
transferred to the hotel for wash & change.
Later leave for Corbett National Park (296 kms, 6 hrs).
Enroute enjoy a stop at Garh Mukteshwar on the banks of the Holy
River Ganges, which can be very rewarding.
Arrive at Kumerian via Ramnagar, a small town situated at a
distance of 250 km from Delhi, on the western bank of River Kosi
is the gateway to the Corbett National Park..
On arrival check in to your resort for two nights Overnight at
the resort
Day 2 Kumerian
A birding tour to Corbett is incomplete without a two nights'
halt at Kumerian. Morning proceed for full day birding in
Kumerian. Birding in the Kosi riverbed. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at the resort
Day 3 Dhikala, Corbett
Morning transfer by surface to Dhikala (34 kms,4 hrs). On
arrival check in to the Dhikala Forest Rest house for two
nights; situated in the heart of the National Park.
Later in the day jeep safari to the National Park. Overnight at
Forest Rest House
Day 4 Corbett Tiger Reserve/National Park
Morning and afternoon go for safari drives to the core area of
the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Day 5 Corbett- Binsar
Morning enjoy a safari at Dhikala. Later move out of the park on
a birding pace to Kumerian for Lunch. From Kumerian it is 4-5
hours(135 kms) drive to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
On arrival check into the Tourist rest House for one night.
Overnight at the resort
Day 6
Binsar
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 25 km.
from the hill town of Almora. The elevation ranges from
1500-2450 meters. On arrival at Binsar you will check in to the
rest house. Later go for birding on foot. Overnight at the
resort
Day 7 Binsar-Sat-tal/Nainital
Morning you will be transferred by surface to Nainital(17 kms,1
hr form Sat-tal) via Almora and Bhowali for 3 hours to birding
valleys of Mehragaon and Sat-tal(77 kms,2hrs 30 mins from Binsar).
In the evening the group drives for 1 Hr. to the lovely lake
city of Nainital.
On arrival check in to the resort for two nights Overnight at
the resort
Day 8 Nainital & Mangoli Valley
Another day's birding at Nainital and Mangoli Valley(12 kms,1 hr
form Nainital) can be very rewarding Morning; trek for two hours
around the hotel in Nainital Overnight at the resort
Day-9
Nainital-New-Delhi
Morning you will transfer by surface to New Delhi (300 kms, 7
hrs 30 mins). On the way we can stop for an hour at River Ganges
once again to check the species we may have missed on our first
halt here.
We reach New Delhi in the evening and check in to a hotel for
wash & change. After dinner, we depart for the airport to catch
our flight back to home.
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RANTHAMBORE
NATIONAL PARK
The Ranthambore National Park was the hunting ground of Maharaja
of Jaipur. In 1955, it was declared a game sanctuary; in 1980,
it became a national park. But with the commissioning of Project
Tiger in 1972, it was included in the project. With the addition
of neighboring Keladevi and Mansingh sanctuaries, the total
area of the park stands at 1,334 sq km. But the entire park -
the core area is just 392 sq kms - is not open to the public.
The Ranthambore Park is set between the Aravalli and Vindhya
ranges. Its deciduous forests were once a part
of the
magnificent jungles of Central India. The terrain is rugged and
there are rocky ridges, hills and open valleys with lakes and
pools.
Ranthambore is a heritage site because of the picturesque ruins
that dot the park. There are lake palaces, 'chhatris', old
fortifications and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort, overlooking
the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal is located at the foot of the
fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao, painted
white with water lilies. The park is famous for tigers and due
to conservation efforts, the tiger population has stabilized if
not increased here. The tigers can be spotted quite often even
during the day, at their normal pursuits-- hunting and taking
care of their young ones. Ranthambore is one of the best places
to see these majestic predators.
Population :
Ranthambore National Park
The tigers are the prized attractions of the park. Other inmates
of the park are the Antelopes, Nilgai, Sambhar and Chital, which
are easy to spot. Those who are lucky enough get to see the
Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Porcupines and Jackals,
Leopard, Jungle Cat and Marsh Crocodile.
The lakes and water holes in the park are the best places to
sight the animals. These water bodies are full of lotus and
water lilies. Ranthambore also has a sizeable bird population,
both resident and migratory. There are about 264 species of
birds found within the park. Indian Hare, Mongoose and Monitor
Lizards can also spotted.
How To Get
There
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Ranthambore National Park
The nearest city to the park is Sawai Madhopur. This place also
provides the nearest railhead for the national park. It is 11 km
from Ranthambore. Make sure about the trains if you are planning
to reach the place by rail. The nearest airport is that of
Jaipur, which is about 145 km away. There are regular flights of
various airlines to this place. From Jaipur one has to take the
road to access the national park.
Places To
Stay
-
Ranthambore National Park
The are excellent accommodation facilities in and around
Ranthambore National Park.There are heritage hotels, hotels &
rest houses of the RTDC and the Taj group also has one hotel
here. The Maharaja Lodge by the Taj Group provides world class
accommodation. The forest rest house, Jogi Mahal inside the park
and Hotel Kamadhenu are few of the hotels maintained by the RTDC.
Jhoomer Baori forests lodge is also managed by the RTDC. These
hotels and rest houses are designed to suit every budget. There
are few local and private accommodation available too.
Climate
-
Ranthambore National Park
Located in Rajasthan, the Ranthambore Reserve is influenced by
the desert type of climate. The vegetation, which is mostly dry
anddeciduous, provides good cover for the animals. The climate
is generally dry but annual rainfall is enough to sustain the
park population. In fact, Ranthambore is one of the green
patches in the otherwise barren landscape of the state.
General
Information
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Ranthambore National Park
Location :
Ranthambore,
Rajasthan.
Area :
1,334SqKms.
Evolution/ Origin :
1980
Main
Attraction
-
Ranthambore National Park & Tiger Reserve
The most fascinating and most popular excursion taken from the
national park is to the Ranthambore Fort. This fort was built by
the Chauhans in the 10th century. The fort is located at a very
strategic position between north and central India and hence it
was always coveted by many rulers. This fort is famous for the 'Johar'
(suicide by immolation to escape humilitaion) by Rajput women in
1301AD during the siege by Ala-ud-din Khilji. The temples and
tanks add to the beauty of the fort. The seven gates and massive
curtain walls, crowning a fall-topped hill presents a majestic
view.
Best Time
The park is open for visitors from October to June. But the best
season to visit Ranthambore is from November to April. This is
the time when animals can be easily spotted.
Useful Information
Park Trips :
Project Tiger Reserve
The park is toured by a jeep . The reservation of these can be
done at the Project Tiger Office at Sawai Madhopur. The tour is
accompanied by a guide. In the park, one must stick to the
allocated route. Entry is relatively expensive, with fees for
entrance, vehicle hired, guide and camera being charged
separately.
Suggested Itinerary :
Day 01 : Depart from Delhi
to Sawai Madhopur (travel in air conditioned first/ second class
sleeper). Arrive Sawai Madhopur railway station. You will be met
& transferred to Ranthambore (12 km - 25 minutes driving time
approx.). Check-in at your hotel for five nights. Overnight at
the hotel.
Day 02-05 : Enjoy your
morning and afternoon jeep-safaris in the Ranthambore National
Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06 :
Early
morning enjoy jeep-safari in the Park . Assisted departure
transfer to the Sawai Madhopur . Arrive Delhi. Upon arrival you
will be transferred to a nearby hotel closer to the airport.
Later in the evening, transfer to the International airport to
connect your flight for onward destination.
Tiger Tour
Day 1:: Arrive Delhi
Arrival in New Delhi before or after midnight. Overnight at the
hotel.
Day 2:: Delhi
Morning free. Afternoon guided tour of New Delhi. Visit India
Gate, drive past President House, Qutab Minar & Humayun's tomb.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3:: Delhi
Morning guided tour of old Delhi covering Red Fort, Jama Masjid,
Raj Ghat etc. After lunch go for shopping or additional
sight-seeing. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4:: Delhi-Jaipur
Morning departure to Jaipur (260 km / 6 hr.). Afternoon guided
tour of Jaipur City covering City Palace, Palace of winds &
Jantar Mantar (Observatory). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5:: Jaipur-Ranthambore
National Park
Morning visit to Amber Fort along with an elephant ride. Post
lunch, drive to Ranthambore National Park (200 km / 5 hr.)
Arrive in the evening. Overnight stay.
Day 6:: Ranthambore National
Park
Morning and evening visits to the park for nature watch and
tiger tracking in open-top trucks and jeeps. Overnight stay.
Day 7:: Ranthambore National Park-Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary
Morning visit to the park for nature watch and tiger tracking in
open-top trucks and jeeps. Post lunch, drive to Keoladeo Ghana
National Park (i.e Bharatpur; 225 km / 6 hr.) Arrive in the
evening. Overnight stay.
Day 8:: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Day inside the bird sanctuary with two persons in their own
cycle rickshaw. Picnic lunch in the reserve. Overnight stay.
Day 9:: Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary-Agra
Breakfast at Hotel. Depart for Agra. Enroute visit Fatehpur
Sikri. After lunch, guided tour of Taj
Mahal. Overnight stay.
Day 10:: Agra-Khajuraho-Panna
National Park
Early morning visit to Agra Red Fort (optional). Fly to
Khajuraho at noon. Arrive by 1300 hr. Post lunch, guided city
tour of the erotic temples. Overnight stay.
Day 11:: Panna National Park
Early morning birding boat cruise on river Ken. Lunch at
tree-top restaurant. Afternoon visit to the national park for
wildlife viewing. Overnight stay.
Day 12:: Panna National Park-Bandhavgarh
National Park
Drive to Bandhavgarh National Park (210 km / 4 hr.). Arrive
Bandhavgarh by noon. Afternoon jungle visit in jeeps for tiger
tracking. Overnight stay.
Day 13:: Bandhavgarh National
Park
Morning and evening jungle visits. Overnight stay.
Day 14:: Bandhavgarh National
Park-Kanha National Park
Morning jungle visit. Drive to Kanha National Park (275 km / 7
hr.). Arrive Kanha in the evening. Overnight stay.
Day 15 & 16:: Kanha National
Park
Morning and evening jungle visits for tiger tracking, nature
watch or birding. Overnight stay.
Day 17:: Kanha National Park-Nagpur-Delhi
Morning jungle visit. Drive to Nagpur (250 km / 6 hr.) and
connect a flight to Delhi in the evening. Arrive Delhi and
transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 18:: Delhi-Onward
Destination
Delhi-Onward Destination Day free. Transfer to the airport to
connect flight to the onward destination.
Wildlife
Safari of Ranthambore
Best time to visit
-
October to April
Duration : 15 Nights /
16 Days
Destinations Covered :
Delhi - Ranthambore - Delhi
Day 01:: Arr. Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Met upon arrival and transferred to a hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 2 :: Delhi-SwaiMadhopur -Ranthambore
Depart from Delhi to Sawai Madhopur by train. . Arrive Sawai
Madhopur railway station. You will be met & transferred to
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Upon arrival, you will check-in to
your hotel for five nights. Overnight will be at the hotel
Day 3 :: Ranthambore
Enjoy the morning and afternoon the safaris to the core area of
Ranthambore National Park. Overnight in the hotel
Day 4 :: Ranthambore
Enjoy the morning and afternoon the safaris to the core area of
Ranthambore National Park. Overnight in the hotel
Day 5:: Ranthambore
Enjoy the morning and afternoon the safaris to the core area of
Ranthambore National Park. Overnight
in the hotel
Day 6:: Ranthambore
Enjoy the morning and afternoon the safaris to the core area of
Ranthambore National
Park. Overnight in the hotel
Day 7::
Ranthambore-Swaimadhopur-Delhi (Train)
Early morning enjoy jeep-safari to the core area of the Park.
Afternoon you will have assisted departure transfer to the Sawai
Madhopur to Delhi. Arrive Delhi. Upon arrival you will be
transferred to a hotel closer to the airport. Later you will be
transferred to the International airport to connect your flight
for onward destination.
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