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Jim Corbett Park is in the foothills of Uttarakhand, northern India. A region fondly described in epic novels for it’s prolific habitat and awe-inspiring Himalayan vistas. Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region is also part of the rich habitat and Terrai foothills that border western Nepal. Some of the finest habitat of Asia that is home of some of the world’s most iconic species like the Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephants, and a high-density of leopards. A host of rare birds and also reptiles boast just some of the region’s rich habitat.
This 9-day all-inclusive journey starts with you arriving in New Delhi, India’s capital. Being met by your guest-ambassador at the airport wether you are arriving individually or as a group. Before a short-flight to the foothills of the Himalayas, the following day.
These specie-rich forests have also inspired some of India’s finest wildlife epics such as the man-eaters of Kumaon. Jim Corbett park was India’s first national park. But also India’s commitment to tiger conservations. Sowing the seeds of conservation initiatives that evolved to sustainably include communities that surrounding this prolific eco-system. Worth the visit in itself!
The first leg of this adventure pushes your comfort-zone beyond the ordinary. Hiking through critical tiger-habitat to access a one-of-a-kind lodge that sits in harmony with this surrounds keeping wildlife experiences at your doorstep. Van Ghat features mud-walls, thatches roofs and just the right amount of elegant-basics that are needed on an adventure.
Jim’s Jungle Retreat caters to the final 3-night leg of this journey. An in-house team of naturalists, efficient service staff and attention to every last detail has you flying back home feeling pampered and relaxed after paying homage to yourself though the lens of India’s finest natural habitat.
October 15 through April. Subject to availability.
8-nights as per the itinerary.
Day 1: You are met by a representative at the airport (New Delhi, IGI). Chauffeured to your 5-star hotel; a few minutes drive from the International terminal for a good night’s rest.
Day 2: After breakfast you are chauffeured back to the domestic terminal to board a short flight (airfare included in the price) to Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (PGH). You are met by your taxi-driver and chauffeured to Van Ghat. A forest lodge that lies on the quiet eastern edge of the park on the banks of the Western Ramganga River just before it enters the national park.
It’s an adventure getting to this lodge. While the lodge in-house guide guides you a short hike that is required to get to this beautiful location. A late lunch is served upon arrival and dinner lovingly served in the thatch dining overlooking the national park.
Days 3-4: Spend two-days exploring the forests around Van Ghat. Rich with some of the world’s rarest mammals, birds and reptiles. Owner and expert naturalist Sumantha Ghosh is a passionate conservationist who keeps Van Ghat away from familiar amenities. Hence intentionally making room for fresh perspectives as you literally step into India’s wild. Considered critical tiger habitat, mornings at Van Ghat start early as passionate naturalist and keen birders lead walks that may or may involve river-crossings. Hiking the forested foothills for possible sightings. Elephants also commonly frequent this valley.
While anglers can take a day or two to fish for the endangered Golden Mahseer. Van Ghat’s Mahseer Conservancy community based Golden Mahseer, catch and released angling initiative was also one of the pioneering conservation invitees for bringing attention to this prolific forest corridor that is accessible only by foot.
Day 5: Follow your generous hosts on a hike back to the road-head. Journey to the different part of this tiger reserve. The Jim’s Jungle Retreat, home for the next 3-nights brings awareness to this unique ecosystem in a way that also features some of the most high-end but also thoughtfully designed accommodation.
A team of in house naturists also bring attention to the natural elements that this lodge intensionally blends into. Just like Van Ghat, all meals while at Jim’s Jungle Retreat are also included in the price of the journey.
In addition, expert in-house chef’s pride themselves with home-grown organic produce that caters both to local and familiar pallets.
Day 6-7: A morning or an evening safari (subject to availability) will be scheduled on each day. While in-house guides get you access to some of the best forest zones. Corbett National Park’s seasoned initiatives have preserved some of India’s finest habitat manifesting conservation grounds even outside the national park. Indian national park policy also keeps lodging outside National Parks. Park timing also limited the number of jeeps that enter one of India’s most significant Tiger Reserve.
Though Jim Corbett is not your average safari experience. As even though Corbett shares quite a high-density of tigers. Due to the mountainous nature of the park that is in the foothills of the Himalayas. Sightings can also easily fade themselves into the rich forested back-drop.
Day’s end with the deluxe emanates of the Jim’s Jungle Retreat. Identifying forest calls. While brining to your awareness some of the world’s finest habitat and wildlife.
Day 8: Journey back to the airport after a delicious breakfast. A 3-hour drive leaving the forested foothills follows a short flight back to New Delhi. You are met upon arrival at the Domestic terminal and chauffeured back to your hotel for a good night’s rest before your journey back home.
Day 9: Enjoy a leisurely start to the day after a delicious breakfast at the 5-star Pullman that is 3-miles from New Delhi International airport (IGI).
Domestic carriers allow about 15 kgs (33 lbs) for check-in baggage. Additional baggage allowance can usually be purchased.
Meals are served on the buffet
Drinking water in the lodges is sourced from electronic filters. Alternatively mineral water will be served while traveling. We request our travelers to carry their own drinking water bottles to avoid using single use plastic.
