Tiger safari in India, Corbett National Park
| country: | India |
| departures: | This trip can be tailor made to suit your preferred dates of travel |
| price: | From £2150 (10 days) excluding flights. Price is per person based on two people sharing. |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This is a fantastic experience taking you into the heart of Corbett National Park in the foot hills of the Himalaya Mountains. You will stay in the fabulous Corbett Hideaway River lodge overlooking the Ramganga River. You will access the park on the back of elephants which means you can go deeper into the bush in search of the mighty Bengal Tiger, Asian Leopards and much, much more.
best time to go
The best time to visit India is between October and February as these are the coolest months.day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive Delhi. Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport you will be met and transfer to your hotel for a short safari briefing and to relax after your flight. Overnight: The Claridges – Deluxe room |
| Day 2: | Corbett National Park. Today you will be driven to Corbett National Park (approximately 6 hours). On arrival in Corbett, you will take a short game drive into the park, in order to reach your lodge for the evening, located in the heart of the park. Corbett is one of the finest National Parks in India. The core area of the park covers an area of 500 sq. km. and comprises the broad valley of the Ramganga River in the foothills of the Himalayas. This has resulted in great habitat diversity and given the park scenic charm and some magnificent sub-mountain and riverine views. One can see Himalayan animals along with numerous other animals and flora of peninsular India. The park was established in 1936 and later renamed after Jim Corbett, who spent many years in this area and wrote the book, The Man Eaters of Kumaon. The park has always been noted for its tigers and it was here that the prestigious ‘Project Tiger’ was launched in 1973. The wildlife of the park includes tiger, leopard, jungle cat, Asiatic elephants, a variety of deer including muntjac (barking deer), spotted deer and hog deer. The park has a spectacular avifaunal diversity. Over 500 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded in and around the park. Upon arrival you will be taken to The Corbett Hideaway hotel. After a welcome drink and a short briefing on your stay at different lodges. Lunch is served. After lunch you will be transferred by jeep to Hideaway River Lodge. In the evening we present a folk show. Orientation talk and a question & answer session on your tour, followed by a slide show on the flora & fauna of the area you will visit during your elephant safari. Overnight: Hideaway River Lodge – Tents (B/L/D) |
| Day 3: | Corbett National Park. Today you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drive throughout Corbett National Park to see what fauna and flora you can spot. Corbett is home to the endangered Bengal Tiger...A variety of activities are on offer including elephant back safaris and game drives by 4x4... Overnight: Hideaway River Lodge – Tents (B/L/D) |
| Day 4: | Corbett Tiger Reserve. Today at 0600 Hr: wake up call / tea. After breakfast we depart by jeep to Durga Devi gate of Corbett Tiger Reserve to start our elephant safari and trek. The Himalayan foothills are one of the natural wonders of the earth, with lush sub tropical forests and the bountiful flora & avifauna; this is a tribute to the nature lover and the photographer of the wild. You can change seats with the Mahout and get the feel of driving an elephant. One can also try and catch the "Mighty Mahseer" - the famous fresh water fighting fish, on the Ramganga River. Fishing is allowed only on a "catch and release" system. Equipment, tackle and expertise will be provided (on advance notice). Afternoon a hot lunch served on the banks of the Ramganga river, we continue the elephant safari. The experience of just being on an elephant - a silent bulldozer who has unmatched cross-country abilities - is unexplainable in words. We arrive at Lohachaur Forest House for a refreshing cup of tea after leisurely riding our magnificent companion. It is built in characteristic British bungalow style, in the year 1899. After a wash & rest - we discuss the next day’s program over a sumptuous dinner. Overnight: Lohachaur Forest House (B/L/D) |
| Day 5: | Mandal River. Today at 0600 hrs wake up call/tea. After breakfast we start a full day on elephant back - always learning the mysteries of this wonderful animal. The bird life in this lower altitude wilderness is rich. Every flower truly enjoys the air that it breathes. The morning sun sets the hills on fire in their rich vibrant hues. The rough rocky terrain and the land formations are unbelievable. After giving our elephant a nice scrub and bath in the Mandal River enjoy the expertise of our chef, who prepares your hot lunch. We commence our elephant safari, meandering along the Mandal River, observing the terraced farms, and being followed by curious children, women and villagers, many of whom may be seeing an elephant for the first time. Here one has the opportunity to study the culture of Kumaon and you can also interact with the villagers, who are very simple and humble. In the late afternoon we leave our elephant and continue by 4WD jeep to Kanda FRH, built in characteristic British bungalow style, for an overnight stay in the wilderness. Kanda is the highest point of the park, situated at an altitude of 1020 m, the view of the Ramganga valley and the grassland areas of Dhikala are mesmerizing. It was in this area that Jim Corbett shot the Kanda man-eater. After a wash and brief rest join the naturalist for discussion and dinner. Overnight: Kanda Forest Rest House (B/L/D) |
| Day 6: | Corbett National Park, Dhikala. Today at 0600 hour wake up call followed by breakfast. You depart by jeep for safari into Corbett National Park - with its varied topography, diverse flora & fauna, the beauty of the meandering Ramganga River, the natural splendour of its landscapes, the park is a precious heritage. The bird life in this area is different and the chances of seeing leopard and ghoral / mountain goat are high. We drive down to the Ramganga River, to look for the long snouted, fish eating Gharial and Marsh Crocodiles. With the possibility of seeing 5 species of Kingfishers, Pallas & Himalayan Greyheaded Fishing Eagles, Osprey, Crested Serpent Eagle and of course the Mammalia, the safari is truly magical. Arrive Dhikala, the natural setting is awesome and the location is picturesque. Lunch/rest/relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the grassland area and its abundant wildlife. The elephant ride from Dhikala provides the opportunity for close viewing of wildlife. Overnight: Dhikala Forest Rest House (B/L/D) |
| Day 7: | Ramganga River. Today at 0600 hour wakeup call / tea. The early morning elephant ride from Dhikala provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. From the first ray of the rising sun to the evening’s deepest glow, the landscape unravels the untaught harmony of the primitive wild. The morning elephant ride in this pollution free environment certainly builds up the appetite to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. After breakfast a guided walk to a watchtower situated overlooking the Ramganga River and a water hole gives us the opportunity to observe wildlife, in true blend with nature and their habitat. Corbett is a paradise for the avid birdwatcher and watchtowers are excellent for this purpose. After checking out we depart on a jeep safari by the lower jungle track along the Ramganga river, this provides a great opportunity for viewing game, especially tiger in their natural habitat. This exciting drive through the unforgettable, sylvan beauty of the Khinanauli range, offers wildlife viewing in plenty. We continue our Jeep safari through the stately dense Sal Forest and the unparalleled beauty of the luscious green flora. Late evening you will arrive at Hideaway River Lodge. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Hideaway River Lodge – Tents (B/L/D) |
| Day 8: | Game drives. Today you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives. Overnight: Hideaway River Lodge – Tents (B/L/D) |
| Day 9: | Day in Delhi. After a comfortable nights rest, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and depart for Delhi. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure. Overnight: The Claridges – Deluxe room (B) |
| Day 10: | Depart. Today you will be transferred to the international airport for your flight back home |
how this holiday makes a difference
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As this safari suggests, you spend a lot of your time exploring the jungles on elephant back. These animals have been trained and are owned by local mahouts who benefit directly by your visit. By using elephants you also minimize your carbon emissions. India is a rapidly growing nation and living space for humans is limited and so encroachment into the national parks in evident unless tourism in these areas benefits the local communities. For this reason we use local representatives, guides and staff throughout the safari.
The tiger is a highly endangered animal and unless we preserve its environment and also prove to the local communities that they do generate income for them, we may loose this remarkable animal. By you visiting these areas on this safari you contribute to the survival of the tiger. We aim to minimise our impact on the environment as much in the UK as we would do in any of our destination countries. We do this through recycling of any office waste including, paper, plastic, cans, glass, refuse, in partnership with the Borough of Brighton and Hove. The purpose of our safaris is to contribute to local populations, communities and projects. We give our travellers advice on how to interact with the local population, flora and fauna in order to minimise any negative impact. We advise people not to bargain just for the sake of it and because it is the “thing to do”; you should pay what you feel the object is worth to yourself and the vendor, bearing in mind local cultures, society and standard of living. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |