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Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park lies at the base of the Himalayan foothills, and was named after the legendary hunter and naturalist, Jim Corbett. His books about the hunting of man-eating Tigers and Leopards in these Kumaon hills, still provide an accurate picture of the wildlife and peoples of this region, if much of the impenetrable tract of forest that once covered all the foothills of the Great Himalaya has now gone. The park extends for 270 square kilometres, and protects an undulating land of dry foothills clothed in Sal forest and dense riverine jungle. Large areas of riverside grassland provide a third rich habitat. Corbett's rich variety of habitats, and position in the foothills, are the reason for its good population of mammals. Rhesus Macaque, Common Langur, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, Chital, Sambar, Muntjac and Hog Deer are all common and regularly seen, whilst a good population of Indian Elephant is discreet. The park remains famous for its Tigers however which are frequently seen. The birdlife here is exceptional too with more than 620 species recorded. Wildlife viewing is by open-topped jeep and on Elephantback. Overnight Elephant safaris are offered but the accommodation is very basic. On all occasions you will be accompanied by both a driver/mahout and guide. Corbett is reached via a long drive from Delhi of about six hours, and there is also an overnight train option. Claridges Corbett Hideaway is concealed in the thick of a mangrove. It is a largish property with 40 well appointed rooms. Dhikala Forest Lodge is located inside the forest overlooking the Ramganga reservoir. No comfort or luxury should be expected. It is basic. Its position maximizing the chances of seeing good wildlife give us reason to offer it as an option. Rathuadab Forest House is a very basic government camp deep within the park. It is usually only used by those wishing to enjoy elephant-back safaris through the park. Accommodation here is in very simple rooms with Indian-style washing and toilet facilities.
Ranthambhore National Park
Ranthambhore in Rajasthan is famous for its Tigers and stunning scenery. It evokes all the princely splendour of this famous Rajput State and comprises rolling hills, dry dhok forest and tranquil lakes, decorated with the crumbling ruins of numerous temples and a hilltop fort. The park offers good opportunities for seeing Tigers during the day, as well as many other mammals, including Leopard, Sloth Bear, Rhesus Macaque, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild Boar, Sambar and Chital. The birdlife here is also excellent, particularly around the lakes where you will also have the opportunity to view Marsh Mugger Crocodiles. Upwards of 300 species of bird include parakeets, storks, egrets, flycatchers, eagles and partridges. Whilst being one of Indias most famous Tiger reserves Ranthambhore is not what it used to be. The current number of tigers is disputed and is generally thought to be under 20 down from a high of 40 or so a few years back. The game-viewing here can be frustrating as the drivers are forced to keep to certain routes which are only allocated on the morning fo the drive. Also, it is difficult to secure private jeep hire in Ranthambhore with most game drives conducted in large government gameviewing trucks (canters). On the positive side the Tigers are well acclimatised to the vehicles and their excited passengers, and do not seem at all phased by them. Ranthambhore is accessed by rail. Sawai Madhopur station is 20 minutes drive from the park entrance, and there is at least one express train daily to and from Delhi via Bharatpur. It is half a days road transfer from Jaipur. Tiger Moon Resort has twenty cottages and one suite are set amongst the trees on a private estate overlooking the Aravali Hills. Khem Villas is situated on Ranthambores northern periphery. The camp consists mainly of luxurious tents in a style originally designed for the Maharaja of Jodhpur. There are also six beautiful cottages.
Unique in India, the luxury VanyaVilas jungle resort is located right next to Ranthambhore National Park. Accommodation here is in sumptuous tents discreetly positioned around this 10 hectare private jungle estate. You can view wildlife from a watchtower, listen to a lecture on the regional flora and fauna or, in the evenings, take your seat in the amphitheatre for an evening of Rajasthani music and dance.
Panna National Park
Panna National Park is one of Indias least explored parks, and is located in central India in the state of Madyha Pradesh, 28 kilometres from Khajuraho. The park is home to Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Rusty-Spotted Cat, Desert Cat, Civet, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Four-Horned Antelope, and both Marsh Mugger and Gharial Crocodiles. For bird lovers over 300 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Panna is prime Tiger country with an estimated 35 tigers, and the big cats have made a big comeback in the last seven years due to the efforts of Project Tiger. Game-viewing is by jeep, Elephant back safari and boat. Panna is easily visited en-route between nearby Khajuraho and Bandhavgarh National Park (five or six hours drive to the south). Ken River Lodge consists of eight deluxe safari tents amongst 15 hectares of private jungle.
Other ideas
Kanha & the Sundarbans
Day 1. Day 2. Day 6. Day 7. Day 11. Day 12. Depart UK for Nagpur via Delhi Kanha Tiger Reserve, 4-nights [B, L, D] Kolkata [B] Sundarbans, 4-nights [B, L, D] Kolkata [B] Depart for home arriving same day
Sloth Bear
Vanya Vilas, Ranthambhore
92
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