Summary of Animals

Over 5o mammalian species, 585 aves, more than 33 distinct reptlian species, the great mahaseer among many other river fish and thousands of insects

The

CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

C

orbett National Park, Asia’s first . protected forest, was named in . memory of Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter and naturalist regarded as a pioneer in India’s early conservation efforts. Nestled between the Himalayan foothills in the north and the ancient Shivaliks in the south, Corbett Tiger Reserve’s 1300 sq kms extend over habitat that is ever changing and fascinating. Dense woodlands and open grasslands, riverine vegetation and dry riverbeds; forest-grassland edges, reservoirs and

CORBET T NATIONAL PARK

UT TAR AKHAND

I

N

D

I

A

mountainous terrain provide an extensive lesson in geographic diversity. This varied habitat hosts a spectacular diversity of mammal, bird and reptilian life – unmatched anywhere in India. The park is home to one of the largest Royal Bengal Tiger populations; several hundred resident bird species, with as many more crossing on their migratory routes, around 50 of mammals and over 30 of reptiles, including the rare, bulbous-snouted Gharial crocodile.

Corbett’s varied habitat hosts a spectacular diversity of mammal, bird and reptilian life–unmatched anywhere in India. Seek the Tiger, Find the Jungle The tiger is a good indicator of a jungle’s health. The jungle consists of species that depend on one another for survival. As tigers monitor herbivore populations, they prevent an overconsumption of flora. Plants in turn hold the soil, preventing erosion of precious topsoil that nurtures the forest. As such, every animal plays a unique role, visible or invisible, in the ecosystem we call the jungle.

LOUNGE Built in local Gujjar style, with mud and thatch, it houses an extensive library of books on India’s flora and fauna. Slide shows and topical wildlife films are screened in the evening, often leading to animated discussions on wildlife conservation. SWIMMING A waterhole-shaped swimming pool with lounging recliners can provide for hours of rest and relaxation. Snacks and beverages are served by the pool throughout the day. DINING Our dining area, inspired architecturally by a Gujjar thatch and mud hall, is open to the forested surroundings and offers a unique mix of cuisine from the days of the Raj and local Kumaoni delicacies. An Indian barbeque by a born fire, end of safari chai by the forest and snacks served by the pool or on your verandah are part of your gastronomical experience.

BOUTIQUE

T

he retreat brings the wilderness of Corbett to you. The 15-acre property borders the southern forests of Corbett National Park and a seasonal river that comes to life during the monsoon.

JUNGLE

RETREAT

We hope to encourage consumers to make nature-friendly choices. Quality products have been sourced from rural fair-price cooperatives that provide healthy labour environments. Choose from clever Haathi Chaap products made from elephant poo to scrap cloth toys made by the handicapped.

an Introduction

PHOTOGRAPHY & RESEARCH

the sprawling estate offers three accommodation styles – 6 lodges, 12 cottages & 4 safari tents. subtle detailing, fine linen and modern facilities are woven together to create a comfortable environment.

We encourage photography workshops. Our researcher rooms provide accommodation to young people interested in doing research in the field of natural sciences, wildlife or conservation. Their experiences are shared with guests who are encouraged to participate.

Century-old lithographs and plates frame the walls. The furniture is designed with extensive use of local craftsmanship and materials. Our staff is from the local community and therein has an intrinsic knowledge of the region. `Water bodies and open spaces lead to clumps of native shrubs and trees at the camp, planted presciently to encourage nesting by the region’s abundant birdlife. The riverbed and the forests nearby are host to grazing deer, root-digging wild boar, jackal and the occasional tiger or leopard. During their seasonal migration, elephant herds trumpet their arrival and are sighted often on walks.

A R A N YA M A wellness centre After a long safari, a jungle walk or just a lazy afternoon, have your muscles worked out by our therapists trained in traditional deep tissue and Ayurvedic relaxation techniques. You will also learn about various organic and kitchen produce-inspired recipes for skincare and general wellness.

The

JINTO U NTHEGJUNGLE LE EXPERIENCE

E

ncounters in the jungle are mysterious and triumphantly compelling—of which no two are alike. An elephant . mother protecting her newborn calf; a dominant tiger trekking his turf; the sudden, noisy elevation of jungle . fowl mid-air with outstretched talons. Created and led by a team of qualified naturalists our safaris are planned in consultation with our guests to provide for a more wholesome jungle experience.

Corbett has the distinction of providing not only half-day safaris, but daylong safaris as well. It also is the only reserve where night stays are allowed in Raj-era built forest lodges. We arrange itineraries that can include an overnight inside the forest reserve, an early morning at the Tumaria wetlands to watch hundreds of migratory water fowl, jungle walks and cross-country mountain-bike excursions.

The Tourist Zones JHIRNA

BIJRANI

DHIKALA

P H AT O

This zone, closest to the retreat, is open throughout the year. A densely wooded and grassland habitat, it makes for excellent bird viewing. The Great Hornbill is found in abundance here. Jhirna is home to a population of sloth bear and wild elephants and a growing tiger population. A large grove of ‘Flame of the forest’ adds drama to Jhirna.

These forests range from those of pure Sal on the upper reaches, to deciduous mixed forests in the valley, along with three major grasslands. It sustains a variety of herbivores, and has a wide network of jungle roads, making Bijrani excellent tiger sighting territory. The zone is about a 40 minute drive from the retreat.

This is the largest and most varied zone in Corbett, offering the best opportunities for overnight stays. Dhikala contains a diverse range of habitats: its higher reaches suit Ghoral, a goat antelope, while the Gharial and Maggars, as well as the great Mahaseer, inhabit the rivers below. The hog deer is also exclusive to Dhikala.

This zone provides buffer forest to southern Corbett, comprising mostly of plantation forests. The region is south of the retreat and home to some of the area’s largest Sambhar deer populations. Being the tiger’s favourite, where the Sambhar goes, so follows the tiger!

Excursions

N I G H T S TAY We highly recommend an overnight stay in a forest that is as alive in the night as it is in the day.

corbett is the only tiger reserve in the country that offers an opportunity to live within the forest. spending a night or two in one of the park lodges provides the most immersive jungle experience. As the jungle’s nocturnal sounds lull you to a restorative sleep, you awaken fresh at dawn to a fever of wildlife activity. A naturalist shall accompany you to help interpret the ways of the jungle. Whereas lodging within the park is spartan, we add elements of luxury with a few modern comforts to make your stay enjoyable. An intimation of 6 weeks for weekend bookings and 2-3 weeks for weekday bookings would be necessary to facilitate a stay in the park.

J E E P S A FA R I S Half Day 3–4 hrs. • Full Day 8–12 hrs.

E L E P H A N T S A FA R I S 2–3 hrs.

BICYCLE TRIPS 5–15kms. • 2–5 hrs.

This is the quietest mode of exploring the forest. Not bound by roads, this is an opportunity to reach parts of the jungle that a jeep is unable to. The Mahouts, or elephant riders, and elephants themselves, act as the best guides to the forest.

Bicycle through plantation forests of the buffer zone to nearby villages as a local guide informs you about the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous Gujjar people. Enjoy a locally cooked meal with the village folk. Bicycle trips down to the Tumaria wetlands are excellent for sighting migratory birds.

ANGLING The fishing experience

H E R I TA G E WA L K Learning about Jim Corbett

WA L K I N G T R A I L 3–10 kms. • 1.5–3 hrs.

Stay at The Angler’s Shack, a tented accommodation high on the bank of the river Ramganga, located a little over an hour’s drive from Jim’s Jungle Retreat. Or just enjoy a day of fishing and picnic. Fishing permits are available – once caught, the fish you bring ashore has to be returned to its habitat. Sometimes, otter families can be sighted along the river’s length, while the evenings bring deer and other wildlife to the river’s bank.

Chotti Haldwani is the name given to the land bought by Jim Corbett near his home in Kaladhungi. Together with his sister Maggie, he developed a model Bhabhar village and settled about 40 families on it. The ‘Jim Corbett Heritage Trail’ managed by the villagers provides a unique firsthand experience of the work done in developing this model Kumaoni village. The trail ends at their home, now converted to a museum.

Explore the sights, sounds and smells of the surrounding forests as you trek into the jungle escorted by a trained naturalist. The naturalist introduces you to the jungle’s ecology, ethno botany, animal’s behavioral evidences, and the art of tracking a tiger.

A jeep safari offers you the only opportunity to traverse deep into Corbett National Park; Through its hills, streams and dense jungle. The maneuverability of the Jeep enables one to cover large areas of the park, increasing the chance of animal encounters.

Social Resposibility LOCAL COMMUNITY

employment and involvement of local community so as to reduce dependence on forest produce. Nearly 90% of our staff are resident of villages around Corbett. formation of jim's jungle fund. Proceeds used to finance teaching staff and teaching aids for village schools. Part proceeds from our Nature Boutique used for development work.

THE E N V I RON M E N T

solar energy geysers provide heated water to the kitchen, lodges and wellness center. use of low voltage cfl light bulbs to minimize electricity usage at the camp. waste water undergoes root zone treatment for reuse in watering the grounds.

locally sourced supplies. A majority of our supplies are from Ramnagar, providing direct & indirect benefit to several locals.

solid waste management through segregation of metals, plastics, paper and kitchen waste – is composted for use in our organic vegetable garden.

working with the forest department on anti-poaching and aforestation initiatives.

providing milk, warm clothes and shoes to ‘operation monsoon’, a forest department initiative that trains villagers to patrol forests during the rainy months and provide protection to wild elephant populations.

actively spreading conservation messages to villagers , illustrating the importance of the tiger and its habitat that provide a livelihood for several thousand families near Corbett alone. regular village cleaning and sanitation exercises ; active participation in World Environment Day festivities along with Forest Dept., including pamphlet distribution, encouraging use of jute etc.

Our

S TAY PA C K A G E OPTIONS

C

orbett is a vast jungle with much to explore and experience. The same area may be completely transformed based on . time of day and season. Your chances of animal encounter increase with the time you spend in the jungle. Depending on . your time constraints and interests, we can help you create an itinerary that ensures you get the most out of your stay. See a few of our recommended packages to understand better how you could plan your trip. They would all include Biking and Walking Safaris depending on your itinerary.

Our forest activities coordinator would be happy to custom create an iterinary for you based on your stay time and interests. S H O R T S TAY

Recommendations

T H E E C O - T R AV E L E R Two nights & Three days: For the wildlife enthusiast, this package includes a jungle safari each night of stay, either by a 4WD jeep or an elephant. Visit two or more tourist zones. J I M ’ S W I L D J U N G L E S A FA R I Four nights & Five days: This package includes two nights at the retreat and two inside the reserve at one of the forest bungalows. G R E E N T R AV E L E R We are constantly trying to reduce our carbon footprint. Here we offer you a chance to reduce yours. A green traveler package encourages you to either travel by bus or via the train. Please inquire about special offers.

L O N G S TAY

ON THE RAPTOR’S TRAIL Seven nights & Eighth days: A bird watcher’s itinerary of extensive time in the National Park and the adjoining hills. Track hundreds of local bird inhabitants and migratory species covering varied habitat types from 1150 to 8800 ft. C O R B E T T S A FA R I Nine nights & Ten days: An intensive expedition in and around Corbett National Park. The itinerary of Jeep Safaris, bird watching, angling and cultural excursions along with an introduction to the Himalayas gives you our most comprehensive Corbett experience.

Getting Here M O T O RWAY

R A I LWAY

The drive from Delhi can take between five and six hours, depending on traffic. Take the NH 24 from Delhi to Moradabad via Hapur and Simbhaoli. Get onto the Moradabad Bypass and take a left turn onto NH 74 to Ramnagar via Thakurdwara and Kashipur. As you enter Ramnagar town there is a sharp turn left, nearly a U-turn, and then another 13km to village Dhela and Jim’s Jungle Retreat. Taxi Should you require a taxi service from New Delhi, we will be happy to arrange it for you with a reputable and trusted taxi service company.

N

The nearest railhead is Ramnagar, 13km away from Jim’s Jungle Retreat. O LD D ELHI  R AMNAGAR

U T TA R A K H A N D Dehra Dun Rishikesh Haridwar

Kausani

Landsdowne

Ranikhet Almora

Corbett National Park

Nanital Bhimtal Ramnagar

D I S TA N C E S F R O M R A M N A G A R

Uttar Sampark Kranti Departure 1600 hrs from Delhi Arrival 2035 hrs Ramnagar The Ranikhet Express Departure 2155 hrs Arrival 0455 hrs R AMNAGAR  D ELHI

Ramnagar Delhi Link Express Departure time 0950 hrs Arrival 1520 hrs The Corbett Park Link Departure 2140 hrs Arrival 0430 hrs

In Kilometers Delhi 290 Almora 130 Kausani 158 Nainital 61 Bhim Tal 80

Ranikhet 87 Haridwar 200 Landsdowne 155 Dehradun 250 Rshikesh 130

R E S E RVAT I O N S PHONE +91(0)11 6563 7980, 4654 7041 MOBILE +91(0) 98 9998 9508, +91(0) 98 1838 7508 +91(0) 98 1115 9710

ABSOLUTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES 404–A Skylark Building 60 Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110019. India

ENQUIRIES [email protected] BOOKINGS [email protected] www.jimsjungleretreat.com