Corbett anyone?

[suman]

Now, don't tell me that this illustrious forum has no itineraries for Corbett?

Come on guys, please pour out suggestions. We're planning to head there during the worst possible time - New Year's Eve. My daughter's pre-boards start early Jan so we're just taking a quick break for 3 days or so. Basically just to chill.

Any inputs about places to stay in would be welcome (though I've zeroed in on a place, suggestions always welcome). I know the chances of tiger spottings are almost non-existent (because of the fog & because more than half of Delhi will be there) but do give your opinions (those of you who have done the Jeep Safaris).

Also, anyone been up to Pangot (have I got the spelling right)? Inputs on road & the views would be welcome. Thanks in advance

[xydan]

Not corbett but going to Ranthambore on the 24th of this month.

[sandeep.barve]

Hi Suman,
Am no expert on Corbett but I've been there twice and can share some experience. I went there some years ago, therefore the roads and all might have changed some.

1. It is a comfortable 6 hour drive including stops to Ramnagar. Do keep an eye open for the U-turn after Moradabad bypass. You can easily miss it.
2. There is a famous dhaba right after you exit the bypass. I forgot the name, but there are several boards on the road. It is on the left of the road.
3. To make good time, you should target crossing the Ganga before sunrise. I think you'll cross it at Gadhmukteshwar. Even on the return trip, your target should ideally be to cross the Ganga before sunset. That way you can come home in good time.
4. There are numerous staying options on the border of the park. These are private resorts. However, I would recommend you stay at the forest bungalow at Dhikala. I think it can be booked online. Not sure. Check the Uttarakhand Tourism website http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/touristbunglows/index.aspx
5. We entered from the gate at Ramnagar. There is an option of taking your own car or a hired jeep. But you will have to hire a guide. I forgot how much we paid for the entry. If you're going by a small car it is best to hire a jeep as the terrain was bad.
6. Do take the elephant safari.
7. Do visit Jim Corbett's house at Chhoti Haldwani and the Corbett falls where he photographed 9 tigers at once place for the first time. (am a fan of Corbett, you can avoid if you don;t have time).

Regards,
Sandeep

[suman]

Sandeep, thanks for your inputs. We'll be staying at one of the private resorts because the Dhikala forest rest house is sold out during that period.

[tsk1979]

Moradabad bypass illustrated

[prem.arora]

Hey Suman,
I don't know why these school wallas are in so much of hurry, they keep pre-poning the exams every year. In my times, thehalf yearly used to be in 10-20 December time frame, then 10 days winter break and then first week of Jan , its result and now, the half yearly exams are coinciding with the Diwali season. God knows what are they upto.

Anyways, coming back to Corbett, we have been to Corbett, done the jungle safari as well, spent time leisurely there.

We went there in early March 2006 and stayed at Manu Maharani resort. I felt it was fantastic, my 2 yr old daughter was very happy, we enjoyed our time there like anything. They have good log huts as well as sparingly located rooms, each one has good lawn kind of open area and in general they have huge open areas, volleyball court etc.

They have a river flowing adjacent to their jungle side boundary, from where we used to go down and enjoy in the river, I think it must be Kosi river.

They had a fantastic swimming pool, although, new years eve won't be the ideal time for pool or river fun. Still the rest of the resort and activities and games would definitely keep you enthralled.

We also went for the jeep safari, but practically, there were no tigers to be seen, and in general , the guides there have also not seen tigers in the numerous safaris they have conducted for years. The tour conducting agencies always create some pug marks on the dirt road of jeep safari and they are shown to each and every jeep safari enthusiasts. It is ok if you want to go, but there is not going to be any animal watching as such. It would be a plain jane drive thru the forest, a couple of stop overs, one near a tree hut and another at a refreshment area. It is upon you to decide. If you are there for 2-3 days, you can definitely do it, I think it was only 2-3 hours.

Let me see, if I can get some photographs of this account.

[tsk1979]

So prem, are you saying that the private resorts do a safari outside the nature reserve?

[suman]

Prem, thanks a ton for your inputs. About the exams, since the Boards are in March, the pre-boards happen a couple of months before that.....BAD TIMING!!!!

Originally Posted by tsk1979

So prem, are you saying that the private resorts do a safari outside the nature reserve?

No, its always inside the Corbett National Park, irrespective of where you are staying

[prem.arora]

Nope, I think all the jungle safari's are alike. Another king of a long jungle safari is also possible, which can take people more deeper into the jungle, I think they have some 1 jeep load only kind of limits and too only after some permission.
But, we went for the normal 2-1/2 hour jungle safari, many other operators were also there in different vehicles and the whole safari is inside the Corbett national park only.

I found some, so here are they.




The swimming pool of the resort.



The view behind the resort, the Kosi river and jungle behind, standing near the swimming pool area.



The jungle safari



Dirt track inside the national park



Stop over location for small refreshments



Stop over to climb the tree hut and click a few snaps.





The resort area, in general, they had good lush green areas, fantastic for strolling during the day with warm Sun up there.

[anupmathur]

Hey Prem, only the last four of your pics got uploaded.
Pls do the needful fast!
If the other pics are as beautiful as the ones you've posted, we surely need to see them!