Mahindra Homestays » Corbett

National Parks of India – Jim Corbett National Park

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 05:09:11 +0000

In our National Parks of India series we take a look at some of the vast areas that are protected as a national park, primarily to safeguard the habitats of conservation reliant wildlife. It is appropriate that the first park to feature in this series is Jim Corbett National Park, the oldest national park in India.

HISTORY
Jim Corbett National Park’s history can be traced back to the 1800s when it was the private property of Terhi Garhwal’s rulers. In the early 1860s the British forest department established control over the land and prohibited cultivation and the operation of cattle stations and established a reserve area known as Hailey National Park on August 6th 1936, making the area India’s first National Park and the world’s third.

In 1957, the park was renamed in memory of Jim Corbett, a legendary hunter turned conversationalist who played a key role in creating the reserve. This was one of the first national parks where Project Tiger was initiated.

HOW TO REACH JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
The Jim Corbett National Park is situated in Ramnagar in the district of Nainital, Uttaranchal, which is 280 kms from Delhi. The nearest train station is in Ramnagar and daily trains from Delhi as well as smaller cities connects it to the country.

Driving down by via Moradabad is a popular option.

ATTRACTIONS
The best way to explore Jim Corbett National Park is by jeep or elephant safaris. Nature walks, photography opportunities and trekking trails are abundant. Himalayan birding tours, fishing, and tiger trails are most popular amongst visitors. River rafting and camping can also be arranged.

The wildlife here is Jim Corbett National Park’s biggest attraction. Tigers are spotted frequently here. Walking around you’ll come across elephant herds, 20 foot pythons, deer, rare birds and much more.

Find out more about things to do in Jim Corbett National Park.

WHERE TO STAY
There are several resorts in Ramnagar lining the Jim Corbett National Park. Some of these exceptional resorts and lavish homestays are Jagaar Village Resort, The Homestead, Emily Cottage, Camp Corbett and The Hive.

If you are interested in visiting Jim Corbett National Park yourself then our reservations team can help you plan a trip based on your interests. Get in touch to find out more!

North India: Monuments and National Parks

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 04:08:12 +0000

This package is available from Rs. 32,945 price per person on twin sharing. Price is valid until March 2013.

Delhi – Agra – Corbett

On this exciting north India tour you will visit Delhi, Agra and Corbett giving you the opportunity to see some of India’s most beautiful highlights. From a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal to tiger spotting in the breathtaking Corbett National Park your trip will provide you with unique photo opportunities and the chance to experience real India. See an interactive route map.

Contact us to get the latest offers on this tour and to have it tailored to your requirements

Day One: Delhi
On your arrival in Delhi you will be transferred to the Banyan Tree homestay where you will enjoy the warm hospitality of your host Mamta Sharma. The homestay is an oasis of calm with the whole city bustling close by. Suggested activities for the day include discovering the Indian art of Henna application*, participating in an Indian cooking class* or shopping in the local art and craft shops**.

Day Two: Delhi
Spend your second day in Delhi exploring and discovering some of its most famous sites. Visit the Lotus Temple**, Qutub Minar**, Lodhi Garden** and the Red Fort**. Your own private driver will be available all day to take you directly to the sites you choose to visit. When you have had your fill of Delhi’s historic sites come back home to relax in the garden or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool. Fitness freaks can choose to sweat it out in the gym or play a game of croquet.

Day Three: Agra
Travel from Delhi to Agra, home to India’s most iconic landmark the Taj Mahal.** Make sure you also visit the Agra Fort** and Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb**. Once again your own personal driver will accompany you around the city. Spend the night at the delightful Garden Villa, where you can enjoy tea in their lovingly maintained garden. Early in the evening let your hosts teach you some North Indian Indian delicacies in your own personal cooking class***.

Day Four: Corbett
Today you will travel to Corbett where you will be staying at The Homestead. You will be welcomed by your hosts Bunny and Amu in their sprawling farm bordering the Corbett National Park. Wheat, sugarcane, litchis, mangoes and a variety of other fruits and plants flourish around The Homestead and you can enjoy the day relaxing by the pool, enjoying the spa or getting involved with the activities on the farm.***

Day Five: Corbett
Take a trip to the Jim Corbett National Park, a favourite getaway for explorers and wildlife lovers. The park houses many endangered species such as tigers, chital and sambar. Explore the landscape on a jeep or elephant safari** and keep your camera ready with stunning panoramic views of the Shivalik and the Himalayas.

Day Six: Corbett
Spend the day exploring, take a bullock cart ride* or cycle* around the 150 acres farm. Fishing enthusiasts can take a short trip to a nearby river*. A popular sport with the family, you will have plenty of records to try and break. You may choose to go on another jeep safari** or try an elephant safari** (subject to availability).

Day Seven: Delhi
Drive back to Delhi ready for your flight home.

Your Monuments and National Parks tour includes:
Six nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, with your choice of a delicious home cooked Indian meal at either lunch or dinner time daily. A private driver will be available for all ground transfers which includes airport pick up and drop off, inner city travel and sightseeing throughout the day. You will also be able to enjoy complimentary internet access, laundry services and tea or coffee anytime during the day as part of the package.

Special offer
This package is available from Rs. 32,945 total price per person on twin sharing. Price is valid until March 2013.

You may want to add on:

3 nights in Jaipur – This means you do a Golden Triangle as well.
2 nights in Nainital for some trekking and mountains
2 nights in Udaipur, 2 nights in Jodhpur and 2 nights in Pali – if you would like to cover a little more of Rajasthan
2 nights in Chandigarh and 2 nights in Amritsar – for Punjabi food and culture. Amritsar has the world famous Golden Temple.

ABOUT:
Mahindra Homestays have prepared this special seven day itinerary, which can be tailored to suit your requirements. Instead of sharing your experience with a large group of tourists you will be able to enjoy your own private tour using local drivers and staying with Indian families in their beautiful homestays. Enjoy their warm hospitality and delicious home cooked cuisine as they share local highlights that you won’t find in any guidebook. This itinerary combines fantastic value with responsible tourism.

KEY:
*Suggested activities within homestay – on chargeable basis. Will need prior booking.
**Suggested activities or sightseeing in destination – not included in package price. Subject to timings and availability and weather. Mahindra Homestays is not responsible for any changes or uncontrollable factors
***Complimentary activities in the homestays that are part of the package.

Click here to make an online enquiry about this Monuments and National Parks Itinerary
The package can be customized according to your needs and interests. For telephone enquiries please call:

Local call from UK 02031408422
Local call from within India 1800 425 2737
Other destinations call 1800 4252737

Discover India farmstay holidays

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:57:29 +0000

Combining luxurious facilities with rustic activities like bullock cart rides, trips to the fields and milking cows an Indian farmstay holiday provides an unforgettable holiday experience.

Citrus County homestay is located in a picturesque village in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. This ancestral property offers four lovely guest rooms and six luxury tents with five star amenities. French windows in each room let nature inside while the homestay’s serene lawns enhance the experience of being in the midst of nature. The homestay’s lounge, Orange Twist and their Citrus Café are great places to unwind after a swim in their pool, exciting jungle safaris, village tours, shopping or fruit picking. In the evening families can bond over indoor games like table tennis, chess or carom, or enjoy cultural entertainment organized on request.

A five hour drive from Delhi will lead you to one of the most enchanting farmstays in India, The Homestead. The home is ideally located for a weekend getaway from the capital as it near Jim Corbett National Park but far enough to avoid the ill-effects of the region’s rampant commercialization. The homestay is set in a 150 acre property where golden harvests, rich sugarcane, juicy litchis and countless other fruits and plants flourish. Other than peace and natural beauty, the homestay offers many unparalleled luxuries like a private gym and a newly built spa, which is complete with a reflexology infinity pool, a Jacuzzi and a Turkish hamaam. A relaxing massage room will soon serve as the perfect accompaniment to the homestay’s spa experience. The homestay also has a lovely tree house for children to keep themselves occupied and a sandpit to build castes in.

Camp Corbett was the very first resort to realize the potential of Jim Corbett National Park and help visitors discover its wonders. The pioneering homestay is spread in over 4 acres of lush vegetation and boasts of eight exquisite cottages. The large common area with a crackling fireplace allows the wilderness to interact with the visitors. To preserve the region’s fragile ecosystem, the walls are made of mud. Cow-dung is used as an eco-friendly mosquito repellant and natural insulation. Fresh and organic cereal, fruits and vegetables are served to guests.

A trip to the mystical Bore River, which has been declared as a heritage site by the government is a must. Mountain biking, horse riding, treks and safaris can be organized to indulge your adventurous side while age-old indoor games like carom, playing cards, bingo etc. can be enjoyed by all. For a more sporty experience a few rounds of badminton, basketball or volleyball should do the trick. Extended stays at the homestay are popular with avid naturalists, birdwatchers, Tiger and Elephant trackers, who deeply appreciate the wealth of knowledge possessed by the owners.

9 Things That Make Jim Corbett National Park An Indian Treasure

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:50:32 +0000

You can stay in Nainital, in the former property of Jim Corbett’s father with Mahindra Homestays. Book on the main site.

Jim Corbett National Park has long been the favored getaway for explorers and wildlife lovers in India. Here are nine things that attract people to the wild adventure that is Corbett.

1. Jeep safari
Jim Corbett National Park is most famous for its flora and fauna. The park houses many endangered species such as tigers, chital, sambar and even the humble deer. A great way to explore the landscape and see these animals going about their daily life is on a jeep safari. Ask your driver to go off the fixed route and you’ll get some rare insights into the animals’ lives.

2. On the shoulders of giants
An elephant safari lets you have an adventure within an adventure. The size of the creature deters predators from coming too close for comfort. They maneuver the grasslands with ease and in silence, with only the occasional sound of their trumpet aimed at a bully trying to intimidate the gentle giants.

3. Camping in Corbett
There are plenty of resorts in Corbett, but camping is a great experience for those who like to rough it out – though they do have basic amenities.

4. Click away
Corbett is a favourite of wildlife photographers, who spend days looking for the illusive tiger, often in vain. But the region’s majestic terrain offers great landscape shots as well, like panoramic views of the Shivalik and the Himalayas. The lesser discovered Terai region is a great place to capture views that go beyond the frequently seen compositions.

5. Far away festivals
The resorts and campsites usually offer fantastic packages on festivals. Particularly around New Year and Christmas they offer plenty of holiday packages, complete with champagne, feasts and safaris. The music here isn’t played from giant speakers. Rather, the chirping birds and rustling leaves take on that role. For some, this is a luxurious and intimate way to enjoy the festivities, far from the hustle and bustle of the big, bad, cities.

6. Take the wheel
The rivers in and around Corbett are spectacular places to drive or walk by. If you can get the permission, you can have a cozy little picnic set to the sound of serene water flowing by. The rivers are rich in many forms of minerals and sand. The result of this is a vibrant location with countless hues of gold, brown, and rust.

7. See creatures
To spot Corbett’s exotic marine life you should dedicate a few hours to The Ramganga. This is home to the exotic mahseer fish, the endangered gharials, mugger crocodiles, otters and turtles amongst others.

8. Bird watching
Many species of rare birds call the Corbett their home. And owing to the Ramganga’s rich marine life, you can spot many birds feasting here. Kingfishers, fish-eagles, storks and many other birds are seen here in large numbers swooping down to grab a bite. In winters, this reservoir is visited by many migratory birds and the bird lovers that follow them. The birds come from as far away as Europe and Central Asia.

9. Star gazing
The best part about places away from the big cities and their bright lights is gazing at a sky full of stars. For those who spend all their days in the urban world, this is a rare and welcome sight. You can spend hours spotting the different constellations. Some are visible with remarkable ease and unexpectedly bring out the child in you as you gaze in wonder.

Read our other things to do in India articles.