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ELEPHANT SAFARI
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A journey on elephant back through the Tiger Country of the Himalayan
Foothills
Day 01: Arrive in Delhi
Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Morning free to
recharge. Afternoon guided sightseeing visit to the Red-Fort and
Birla Temple. Overnight and breakfast in hotel.
Day 02: Delhi- Corbett (5hrs).
We depart from Delhi early in the morning and arrive at our jungle
camp by lunchtime. Late in the afternoon, escorted by Resident Naturalist/s,
we take a walk into the surrounding forest to observe the flora
and fauna of the area. Before sunset we must return to base for
campfire and barbecue. After a sumptuous dinner it's time for bed.
Day 03: Corbett National Park.
As a crisp jungle morning heralds a new day, we awaken to the twitter
of forest birds and a hot "cuppa" tea. Today, we explore
the tropical timberlands of the Himalayan foothills that surround
the Camp. For the noonday meal we return to Camp, and after a short
siesta plunge into the sylvan depths of the forest once again to
try our luck at unravelling some more jungle mysteries, turning
back to our shelter when the shadows begin to lengthen. During the
day, visit a nearby hamlet to learn about the native lifestyles.
After dinner, served and eaten alfresco, we turn in for the night.
Day 04: Camp Forktail to Lohachaur.
As day breaks over the Himalayan ranges further north, we set out
for Durga Devi where we clamber onto our imposing mounts and enter
the kingdom of Sher Khan. Our destination for the day is the Forest
Rest House at Lohachaur, built in the early years of the 19th century.
The 16km trek is through some excellent patches of fern laden moist
sub tropical forest where we hope for some unexpected wild encounters
with the "junglefolk" of Corbett. Midday meal will be
served at Domunda, which literally translated means "double
mouthed" and lies at the confluence of Ramganga and Mandal
rivers. After lunch we cross the river and continue our march up
the Mandal valley. On the way we visit the Chunars - a hill tribe
who carve pots out of wood - arriving at the Lohachaur FRH by evening.
Overnight in the Forest Rest House/tents.
Day 05: Lohachaur to Corbett Hideaway/Infinity Resorts.
Another day to rise early and set off on our jumbo mounts. Today
we travel downstream along river Mandal, breakfasting at Domunda
after which we tramp upstream along the Ramganga. If Lady Luck smiles
on us today, we may come across a Gujjar hamlet by the river (Gujjars
are a nomadic people living in the Himalayas and are shepherds or
cowherds by vocation). Picnic lunch will be served in mid forest
and we shall arrive at our luxury resort in the evening. Dinner
and overnight at the Resort.
Day 06: Return to Delhi.
Wake up early once again on this last day in Corbett Country to
catch the denizens of the forest on a safari through the Bijrani
range in open 4x4s. Unlike the northern territories of the Park
we trekked across, this part in the southern extremities of the
Reserve is dominated by dry deciduous vegetation and presents another
interesting facet of the Himalayan wildernesses. We return to base
for breakfast.
Now its time to bid goodbye to this spectacular world and drive
back to Delhi, where we have room available to us at Orchid Hotel
until Departure.
Day 07: Departure transfer: Very early morning departure transfers
to the airport for return flight to London.
HOTELS USED OR SIMILAR:-
PLACE HOTEL
DELHI THE PARK - 4*
CORBETT CAMP FORKTAIL
LOHACHAUR FOREST REST HOUSE - BASIC
CORBETT INFINITY RESORT
DELHI UPPAL'S ORCHID - 5* ECOTEL
Cost includes: 07 nights accommodation in hotels on bed and breakfast
basis except at Camp/rest house in Corbett which will be on full
board basis, all overland journeys including arrival/departure transfers
and sightseeing using air conditioned car, entrance fees to monuments/temples/parks,
local English speaking guide at Delhi on sightseeing day as per
the programme, all arrangements like back jeep, cooks during elephant
safari at Corbett, naturalist during elephant safari, safaris at
Park as mentioned in the programme, assistance on arrival/departure
transfers.
Cost excludes: International airfare from UK to India and back,
airport departure tax, main meals (lunch + dinner) at hotels except
wherever specified, any extra sightseeing not included in the programme,
personal expenses like bar bills, telephone calls, tips, beverages,
medical/travel insurance, still/video camera fees or any other cost
not included above.
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The best season to visit India is from October to April when
it is sunny and warm although temperatures can be low at night
during the winter. In the high mountains there is snow and
ice all year but a tropical climate prevails in the foothills.
Monsoon period is June until September.
Accommodation as specified on bed and breakfast basis and
twin /double share room
Local English speaking guide
Private vehicle with English speaking driver
Private transfers to and from airports
Other meals where indicated
Entrance fees to museums etc
Local agent support
Guide, porters, cook and camping equipment when trekking.
International flights. Meals other than breakfasts and those
indicated
Airport taxes payable locally
Travel insurance
Personal items such as laundry, drinks, tips
Optional trips and visits
Visas.
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