The
Horse: Marwari - the desert horse of Rajasthan. Young horses are bought and
reared in the hills. His dexterity in negotiating the narrow bridle paths in
the hills - every manoeuvre so safe and simple, has to be experienced to be
believed.
The Characteristics : The Marwari has a beautiful head crowned by perky
lure shaped ears meeting at the tips. in line with his desert elements when
asked he provides a very smooth and fast ride.
The Area : Nainital is situated in the Kumaon hills where thick wooded hills,
snow capped mountains in the distance and clear pine scented air were a respite
from the hot steamy plains.
It was here that Col. James Edward Corbett was born. His love for the richness
of the region and sensitivity to the miseries of the simple hill folk, were
to shape his life as a courageous hunter of the man-eating tigers & leopards
that plagued the villagers. Later on he became a visionary conservationist and
author.
Corbett National Park is rightfully named after the man who was instrumental
in its creation. It is here that the first three non days of riding are spent.
With Jeeps and Elephants as modes of transport, one gets an excellent opportunity
to examine, survey and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of the Park. The Forest
Lodge and Tiger Camp provide sumptuous meals, clean comfortable bed and bath
and an ambience that matches the wilderness. The first phase of the ride is
easy, through thick peripheral reserve forests of Sal. Canter or gallop on the
soft tracks and the opportunity to stop and examine whatever catches your fancy,
is always there. Camping sites provide all the magic of the Jungle, the nocturnal
sounds, bright lit skies and tales around a crackling camp fire, all make a
heady cocktail.
The second
phase of the ride begins the ascent into the hills. It provides the thrilling
adventure of an uphill climb on narrow bridle paths, breathtaking views across
growing hills, valleys and gorges and the changing vegetation at every turn.
The Lodge at Pangot provides great comfort after a good days riding. The descent
into Betalghat is equally dramatic.
Horse safari on the trails of Jim Corbett & wildlife viewing in Corbett
National Park
Duration:
7 nights / 8 days
Destinations Covered: Kathgodam
- Sitabani - Pangot
Day 1: Arrive at Kathgodam at 0615 hr. after an overnight journey by
train from New Delhi . Transfer to Tiger Camp for wash & change. Breakfast.
Check into the forest lodge inside the Corbett National Park . Afternoon jeep
safari to look for the elusive tiger. Overnight at the lodge
Day 2:
Jeep and elephant safaris in the morning and evening provide the opportunity
for the exciting, enchanting and ultimate experience in wildlife viewing in
tiger country and beyond. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 3: Early morning elephant safari inside the park. After breakfast
A jeep safari to find the rare gharial crocodile. Afternoon - checkout and drive
out of the park for a comfortable night stay at Tiger Camp.
Day 4: Commence your horse safari in the foot hills of the Himalayas - You
will follow the footsteps of Jim Corbett who used this trail regularly ride
to Sitabani forest rest house. Lunch enroute . Sitabani is set in deep forest
. The forest rest house will be our base for further activity. The variety of
birds is especially good here. Overnight in tents.
Day 5: Ride to Dachauri forest rest house. This ride takes us through the
heart of the forest and area where Corbett spent a lot of time, and wrote about
in his book "the temple tiger". Overnight in tents, the camp has a
great setting - with a backdrop of the hills and the plains spread out in front.
Day 6: Start ride into the Himalayas and ascend to Pangot, riding up
through the hills to fantastic picturesque site, situated on a saddle - with
a view of the Himalayas all around. Packed lunch enroute . Overnight in Pangot
lodge , for a change in the lap of modest luxury
Day 7:
The lodge is our base for today's activity - resume your riding adventure in
this beautiful environment. This is a spectacular ride through untouched deodhar
and oak forest to "cheena peak" - for breath taking views of the awesome
Himalayas . Overnight at Pangot lodge.
Day 8: Early check out - visit Nainital, the favourite summer resort during
the Raj days and even now - boat ride / Tibetean bazar / local handicrafts /
decorative candles are available.
After lunch, we drive to Kathgodam to embark our train for Delhi / Agra /
Varanasi .
Great Indian Wildlife Tours
