Jim Corbett National Park is the first wildlife reserve of India, extending over an area of more than 500 sq km in the Himalayan foothills. It is named in the honour of the legendary hunter-turned- conservationist, best known for hunting man-eating tigers and leopards in the Kumaon and lower Garhwal in the 1920s who later became a conservationist responsible for the preservation of most of the land and its wildlife. The main animals found in the Corbett National Park include the tiger, elephant, chital, sambar, nilgai, gharial, King Cobra, muntjac, wild boar, hedgehog, common musk shrew, flying fox, Indian Pangolin, and nearly 600 species of birds.
Camp Corbett: A wonderful twinkly eyed grandmum as your host, a beautiful river, delicious organic food and lots of birds!
Stay away from the rampant construction in Corbett in this peaceful hideaway on the way to Nainital. Mrs. Suman Anand, a twinkle eyed grandmother full of energy is in charge of the camp and she welcomes you into her fold immediately. The rooms at camp are individual brick houses, with some of them having two rooms per house, making it ideal for larger groups. Inside the rooms are decorated only with natural materials - from bamboo lamp shades to the cotton bedspreads. Decorated like a typical Indian home, the rooms are comfortable and feel more like a home stay than a wildlife lodge or a hotel.especially with Mrs. Suman's friendly voice calling out to you if you're late for lunch!
Our Tip: Carry your costume and don't miss a dip in the beautiful river a kilometre away from the camp. It's deep and slow - like a natural swimming pool but also has a waterfall at one corner! This is one of the only properties in Corbett to have a wildlife corridor within its property to make sure that the wildlife is not affected by the resort. So be ready to witness their might while you're there! Prices start from INR 3200 for one person including all meals, a jungle walk and tea and coffee.
Camp Forktail Creek: Stylish, rustic and very environmentally conscious
Easily one of the best jungle lodges in Corbett. This is the place to come to really get in touch with nature. For starters, they absolutely do not use any electricity - not even for a fridge. And you would never know it. Camp Forktail Creek is also one of the most stylish lodges in Corbett. The houses have been made using only natural materials - mud and brick walls, stone flooring, a thick thatch roof and lots of windows for cross ventilation. I went in the peak of summer - and never felt the need for a fan. The walls are filled with beautiful photographs, paintings done directly on the walls and even little colourful feathers and unique seeds. The elegant library up on the macchan is the last word on jungle chic.
Our Tip: Make sure you get to spend some time with Ritesh and Meenakshi - they are great hosts with tons of information and always good for a laugh! Prices start from INR 3700 including all meals, short walks, aerated drinks and filtered drinking water.
Riverine Woods: The idyllic river side lodge - right inside the Corbett National Park
Miles from everything, in complete solitude with only the constant roar of the river to keep you company. The gardens are meticulously kept- verdant green and full of flowers. The spot is beautiful, quiet and flanked by mountains on all sides. Don't be surprised if you are the only person at the resort when you go - the owners have purposely priced the lodge at a superior bracket so as to avoid the crowds! So, in essence, you will be paying for some solitude, a little breather from the world in a place were you can just sit down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Like a morning swim in the river, or taking a nap on a large roc, or just spending your whole day fishing.
Our Tip: Be sure to walk down the river to a beautiful swimming spot where the water is clear and deep - if you are lucky you might get to see the reticent river turtles! Prices start from INR 6300 per room for one person including all meals and a guided walk.
