Places of tourist interest are aplenty within close proximity of Corbett National Park. These locales are mainly renowned for the adventurous activities they offer, besides being natural hubs and forming the habitat for a large number of wildlife species. Given below is the list of attractions close to our resort in Corbett.
Bijrani
The area in and around Bijrani once formed part of a shooting block. During the British period, it was famed for the quality of game hunting that it offered to Shikaris(Hunters). In comparison to Dhikala, the terrain at Bijrani is drier and also has more diverse vegetation. It is also known as the premium zone of the park, known for its exotic flaura and fauna.
Jhirna
Jhirna was a farming village until 1994 when it was successfully relocated under Project Tiger. The abandoned farmland is gradually reverting to a wild state and is being managed to develop a grassland habitat. The nearby terrain consists of numerous narrow gorges running typically through the Shiwalik landscape. The hills to the north of Jhirna are covered with dense patches of bamboo. Apart from being a good habitat for tigers, leopards, and deer, the place is also home to other interesting mammals like sloths, bears, and wild boars. The place is also ideal to enjoy a panoramic sight of some interesting birds in India. It is located at a distance of around 16 kilometres from Ramnagar.
Durga Devi
Durga Devi is a tourism zone within the Corbett National Park. This is situated towards the north-eastern boundary of the Park. The entrance gate is about 20 Km away from The Riverview Retreat. Owing to its habitat which is home to the most exotic of bird species, it has been dubbed a "Birdwatcher's Paradise". Some of the species spotted here include the Grey Headed Fishing Eagle, the Black Chinned Yuhina, the Maroon Orile, The Laughing Thrush, or the Long-tailed Broadbill. It is also a zone which doubles up as the breeding ground for the endangered Mahsheer Fish.
Dhikala
Dhikala is the most well known tourist destination in Corbett. It is located at the edge of the broad Patli Dun valley through which the Ramganga flows, in numerous channels. Dhikala offers an awesome unhindered view of the valley, with the Kanda ridge in the backdrop. The entry gate is locate at a distance of 18 kilometres from the Ramnagar City. It is popular for its abundant natural beauty, as well as offering the best sightings of exotic fauna.
Sitavani
Sitavani is located at a distance of about 35 kilometres from The The Riverview Retreat and within the reserve forest area of Ramnagar Forest Division. It boasts of beautiful dense forests with open grasslands and riverbeds. The safari takes one to the ancient temple of Goddess Sita, after whom the zone gets its name. There is substantial historical significance attached, associated with the Ramayana epic, and it is believed to be the place where the Goddess spent her days in exile. Sitavani is a part of the Corbett buffer zone and there is a gated entrance but one does not require any special permits to venture inside. The forest offers ample bird sighting opportunities. An early morning drive is best suited for wildlife sightings inclusive of tigers, barking deer, porcupines, king cobras and more. Sitavani is well known to have visiting wild elephants and tiger all round the year as both the animals frequently visit river Kosi - their water source.
Garjia Temple
Situated at a distance of merely two kilometres from the resort, on the way to Ranikhet, is a huge rock in the midst of the river Kosi. This place has been named Garjia Devi after the deity. Several flights of stairs need to be climbed in order to reach the temple. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees from different parts of the state. A large fair is held here on Kartik Poornima, and is a must-visit for newly-weds.
Corbett Wildlife Museum
The Corbett Museum at Dhangarhi houses the personal belongings of Jim Corbett, and was once his home. It is, today, his memorial, and is a must-visit for wildlife fanatics who are interested in antiques, and other heritage memorabilia. It is a great place to pick up souvenirs.
Corbett Village Heritage Trail
Choti Haldwani and its residents are vividly described in the book written by Jim Corbett called “My India”. The trail takes you back in time, as you visit a beautiful village on the banks of the Kosi River. It also offers glimpses into the typical Kumaoni village culture and provides bird watching opportunities. It is a unique place which is surrounded by hills on three sides where time seems to stand still, allowing one to soak in the enormity of its 200-year old history. You can interact with the locals, take a dip in the Kosi, or simply lay back and enjoy the sight. The trail ends with a visit to Jim Corbett’s home. Today, this unique home is a comprehensive museum housing souvenirs, relics, and mementos related to Jim Corbett and his famous exploits.
Kotabagh
Kotabagh is renowned as one of the most picturesque venues in the Kumaon region. Surrounded by lush green jungles on all sides, it is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is about 30 kilometres away from the main city of Ramnagar.
Around Corbett National Park
Garal Kantheshwar Temple
The Garal Kanteshwar Temple is situated in Dhikuli Village which is also known as Virat Nagar. It is the place where, according to the Mahabharata, Pandavas spent a year for their ‘Agyatvaas’. During this period, they took shelter in the kingdom of King Virat under false identities. One can still find many relics of that period. The temple is of God Shiva and it is believed to have been built by the Pandavas. This place comes under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India. It is located at a distance of two kilometres from the our resort in Corbett.
Dhangari museum & Interpretation Centre
Situated at a distance of around six kilometres from our resort, this museum is located at the main entry gate to the Corbett National Park. It is an interpretation center where one can see stuffed animals which died due to natural causes and territorial fights inside as well as in the periphery of the Corbett National Park. It also serves as a convenient vantage point and a point of introduction to the park, in terms of gaining an understanding of the topography and wildlife species.
Ramgarh
Lying in the Gagar range (the chief mountain range) 15 kilometres from Bhowali, is the picturesque Ramgarh, nestled amidst snow-clad mountains. Situated at a height of 2080 metres, it is known for its luscious apple orchards. It is here at the Khabrar Orchard (at an elevation of 2,438 metres) that Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore wrote the ‘Sandhya Geet’ and completed the Gitanjali. The Aurobindo Ashram is another place worth visiting. It is at a distance of about 110 kilometres from the resort.
Leisure Hotels has a six bed rooms bungalow at this location - ‘The Bungalows Snow View, Ramgarh’
Marchula
Situated thirty kilometres away from the resort, Marchula is known as the tip of Corbett National Park and is situated on the banks of the Ramganga river. It is surrounded by mountains and dense forests and is famous for its wildlife. It is a good spot for angling and on your lucky day, you might be able to catch the mighty Mahaseer.
Nainital
The hill station of Nainital gets its name from the Goddess Naina Devi. The climate, setting, scenery, service infrastructure, and landscape of this place make it stand a class apart from any other tourist destination. It is also India's only lake city which paves the way for boating and yatching. The seven peaks that surround the lake provide excellent hiking routes with breath-taking views. Tourist attractions include the high altitude zoo, Hanuman Garhi, cave gardens, and the state observatory among others. Nainital is located at a distance of around 70 kilometres from the resort.
Leisure Hotels has a heritage property there by the name of ‘The Naini Retreat’.
Pangot
Located at a distance of around 15 kilometres from Nainital, Pangot is the dream destination for bird watchers, photographers, and naturalists. It is populated by several species of wildlife, a large chunk of which is made up of migratory birds. Almost 150 different species of birds are reported to be sighted in this region.
Bhimtal
Bhimtal, also known as the lake retreat, is a blissful tourist spot, situated at a distance of around 22 kilometres from Nainital. Its magnificent island enclosed by blue water is what brings in the crowds. The scenic located, set at an altitude of 1370m above sea level, makes for a picturesque setting. The lake is surrounded by the emerald greenery of the Himalayan mountain range.
Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal, or the "lake of nine corners" as it is also known, is a small hill station known for its picturesque lake. It is the ideal destination for a getaway from the mundane, and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. The lake is 175 feet deep, and is covered in a variety of trees and shrubs. The place is also known for the "Escape festival" which happens every year in the month of May.
Sattal
Sattal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nainital, popular for being a group of seven interconnected freshwater bodies. The vicinity of the lake is a haven for migratory birds, making it a hub for bird-watching and photography. It is a great spot for an enjoyable and peaceful outdoor vacation.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet, which means "Queen's Meadow", has earned its name from a local legend, according to which King Sudhardev won the heart of his queen Padmini, and chose the place to be her residence. This hill station receives snowfall in the months of December, January, and February, while the weather remains largely pleasant during the other months. Situated at an altitude of 1869 m above sea level, it offers beautiful views of the western peaks of the Himalayas.
Almora
This placid hill station, located in a magnificent natural setting in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is the perfect spot for a quick getaway from the bustle of urban life. Rejuvenating weather, thriving wildlife, mouthwatering local delicacies, and the wide range of handicrafts available for purchase make this a must-visit destination. It is located at a height of 1638 m above sea level, and spread across a five kilometre ridge across the Kashyap Hill.
Jageshwar
Jageshwar is a Hindu pilgrimage town in the Almora district, which was the erstwhile centre for Lakulish Shaivism. The Jageshwar Dham is a complex that is home to a cluster of 124 large and small temples, with the central deity being Lord Shiva. All these temples date back to a time between the 9th and 13th centuries. The place is known for its celebration of the Jageshwar Monsoon Festival, which takes place during the Hindu calendar month of Shravan(July-August). It is currently managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Mukteshwar
This village and tourist destination gets its name from the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, and is situated in the Nainital district, about 50 kilometres away from the city. It lies at an altitude of about 7500 ft. above sea level, and is a charming little place with tranquil environs. Much like Jageshwar, significant religious importance is also attached to this village, although it also attracts people for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan range.