Elephant Safari II

Route
The Corbett Hideaway-Durgadevi-Lohachaur-Kanda-Dhikala

DAY 01: Delhi/Corbett: 260 Kms / Five & Half Hours by Road

Arrival and Check-In at the The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat. After a welcome drink and a short briefing on your stay at different lodges. Lunch is served. Lunch is served. Afternoon is for jungle trekking. 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 stay at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat

DAY 02: Corbett National Park

Early morning we depart for the Durgadevi gate by jeeps.After driving for an hour and half meet meet the "Jumbo" your best companion of the jungle with the mahouts and enter the Tiger Reserve through the Durgadevi Gate. Commence your elephant safari through a stretch of thick Sal forest about 12 kms towards the Ramganga valley to our camp located beautifully in the middle of Jamun valley.

Post Lunch Indulge yourselves in unique experience in bathing with an elephant in River Ramganga. After giving a nice bathe to your elephant the safari further commence towards Kalapathar along the Ramganga river through riverine forest a best habitat for the elusive tiger.Overnight Stay at The Hideaway River Lodge

DAY 03: Corbett National Park

0600 Hr: Wake up call / Tea. : After breakfast we depart by Jeep 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 Stay at Lohachaur Forest House or Camp

DAY 04: Corbett National Park

0600 Hr: 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.

O/N Stay at Kanda Forest Rest House or Camp

DAY 05: Corbett National Park

0600 Hr.: Wake up call followed by Breakfast. We 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 splendor 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 05 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 Stay at The Dhikala Forest Lodge

DAY 06: Corbett National Park

0600Hr:Wakeupcall/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 we arrive at Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat - enjoy the comfort of modern toilet and shower facilities and share your experience with other guests. Bonfire and dinner.

O/N at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat

DAY 07: Corbett – Delhi

After a comfortable nights rest, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and depart for onward destination