On the Tiger Trail in Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

This time we choose Jeep safari in one of the most visited tourism zone of Corbett National Park i.e. Bijrani zone. We were very much excited and sure about getting encountered with the Royal Big Cat. Last time we explored Jhirna but we were not enough lucky to see tiger in their natural habitat.

We initiated our most awaited thrilling journey on a morning Jeep Safari at the Corbett Park where we saw herds of Chital (spotted deer) grazing in pin drop silence of jungle, grey langoors playing on top of a tree, jackals and mongooses scampering in panic, but one thing that was still missing from the scene is the mighty tiger. However, we were very much hopeful this time as we have started tiger trail early on right route where it is said that the area in which we were going to enter is the biggest territory of the tiger in park. The park is situated on the Terai plains at the foothills of the Himalayas. The river Ramganga and Kosi flows nearby the park – are the only water resource for the animals living there. The oldest national park of India was established in the year of 1936 by Governor Malcolm Hailey. Only few decades later it was renamed after Jim Corbett, hunter-turned-conservationist.

A wildlife enthusiast says that National Parks such as Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh offer great chances of tiger sightings. In a census revealed by forest department in 2017 counted as 200 tigers. However, the park makes up with a large number of tusker populations. There are approximately 500 species of birds, both migratory and perennial, making it heaven for birdwatchers. The open grasslands, tall grass, stunning landscapes, picturesque valleys and hence it was so easy for us to calculate why Corbett remains a hot favorite among wildlife and nature lovers.

We were staying at Corbett Manu Maharani Resort that is sprawl over huge acres of land and is entirely surrounded by Forestland. Manu Maharani offered piece of wilderness without having to go out from the resort. I think this is the perfect place to throw away the shackles of city life and breathe in the clean mountain air.

The multi-cuisine restaurant inside the resort offered Kumaoni food prepared with seasonal ingredients. Our breakfast was also having buffet of local cuisine aaloo pyaaz with bhnag ki chuney, and an array of Pahadi vegetable dishes.