🐅Wild Trails : Our Jim Corbett & Bharatpur Bird sactuary Journey 🦜
27.03.2025 Ramnagar (1100 hrs) > Gairal (Dhikala 1100) >Dhikala Zone (1400) - 290 Km
28.03.2025 Gairal (0600 hrs) > Dhikala Zone >Gairal (Dhikala-1100) : Gairal (Dhikala-1400) >Dhikala Zone>Gairal (Dhikala-1800)
29.03.2025 Gairal (0600 hrs) > Dhikala Zone >Gairal (Dhikala-1100) : Gairal (Dhikala-1400) >Dhikala Zone>Gairal (Dhikala-1800)
30.03.2025 Gairal (0600 hrs) > Dhikala Zone >Gairal (Dhikala-1030) : Gairal (Dhikala-1100) >Bharatpur (NH)
Meet the Adventurers
Our group for this thrilling adventure consists of six enthusiastic travelers:
- Sourabh (the planner and narrator of this journey)
- Jaideep & Sanchita (joining from CR Park, Delhi, with their own car)
- Mohua (joining Jaideep & Sanchita en route)
- Sampadi
- Soma
- Additionally, Dr Pranbab Datta aka Jadu Kaka might join us later from Delhi on March 30, 2025 at Bharatpur with his family
About Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, is India's oldest and one of its most prestigious tiger reserves. Located in Uttarakhand, the park spans 1,318 sq. km, including 520 sq. km of core area. It is home to Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, elephants, gharials, deer species, and more than 600 bird species.
Corbett’s Safari Zones:
The park is divided into 6 major zones:
- Dhikala Zone – The most premium and sought-after zone, known for its vast grasslands, high tiger population, and stunning river views.
- Bijrani Zone – Dense forested area with a mix of sal trees and open meadows.
- Jhirna Zone – Open all year round and known for frequent sloth bear and leopard sightings.
- Dhela Zone – Rich in birdlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching.
- Garjiya Zone – Relatively new, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
- Durga Devi Zone – A hilly terrain, best for spotting mahseer fish and elephants near the Ramganga River.
Wildlife in Dhikala Zone (Jim Corbett National Park) 🐅🌳
Dhikala is the most biodiverse and sought-after zone in Jim Corbett National Park. The mix of dense forests, riverbanks, and vast grasslands (chaurs) makes it an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife.
🔹 Mammals Found in Dhikala:
- Royal Bengal Tiger 🐅 – The star attraction, often seen in the grasslands and near water bodies.
- Leopard 🐆 – More elusive than tigers, found in rocky and forested areas.
- Asiatic Elephant 🐘 – Herds frequently roam the Ramganga riverbanks.
- Sloth Bear 🐻 – Sightings are rare, but they do exist in the dense forests.
- Wild Boar 🐗 – Commonly seen, especially near the chaurs.
- Spotted Deer (Chital) 🦌 – The most commonly spotted deer in the park.
- Sambar Deer 🦌 – A preferred prey of tigers, found in denser parts of Dhikala.
- Barking Deer – Shy and solitary, often heard rather than seen.
- Hog Deer – Found mostly in the grasslands of Dhikala.
- Gharial & Mugger Crocodile 🐊 – Seen in the Ramganga River.
- Otters – Playful and often seen near the riverbanks.
🔹 Birds Found in Dhikala: 🦜
Dhikala is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 600 bird species recorded! Some highlights include:
- Crested Serpent Eagle – Often seen perched on high branches.
- Pallas's Fish Eagle – Spotted near water bodies.
- Osprey – A migratory bird often seen diving for fish.
- Great Hornbill – Found in the dense forested areas.
- Ruddy Shelduck (Brahminy Duck) – Seen in flocks near the river.
- Changeable Hawk-Eagle – A common raptor.
- Black Stork – Found wading near water sources.
- Kingfishers (Pied, White-throated, Common, and Stork-billed) – Found along the riverbanks.
- Himalayan Griffon Vulture – Seen soaring in the sky.
- Peafowl (Peacock) – A common sight throughout the park.
Why Dhikala & Gairal are Special
Dhikala Zone
- Dhikala is the largest and most scenic part of Corbett, famous for its vast grasslands (chaurs) where tiger sightings are most frequent.
- Staying inside the Dhikala Zone is only allowed at forest rest houses (FRHs) and no day visitors are permitted .
- The Ramganga River runs through Dhikala, making it a prime area for wildlife movement.
- This zone is also famous for elephant herds, crocodiles, and raptors.
Gairal Forest Rest House (Our Stay)
- Gairal FRH is located inside Dhikala but offers more privacy and peace than the main Dhikala FRH.
- It sits next to the Ramganga River, giving visitors a chance to see gharials, otters, and even tigers from the rest house itself.
- Unlike other lodges, staying here allows us to enter the core forest early in the morning
📅 Date-Wise Itinerary
🛫 March 27, 2025 – The Journey Begins
00:55 AM – Our adventure kicks off with an Air India flight from Kolkata (CCU) to Delhi (DEL-T3).
03:25 AM – Arrival in Delhi.
04:00 AM – Our travel agency, Banzaara Travels, has arranged a vehicle to pick us up from Delhi Airport Terminal 3. Meanwhile, Jaideep and Sanchita, coming from CR Park, will drive down with their car. Mohua will join them en route.
11:00 AM – After a scenic 6-hour drive, we reach Ramnagar Entry Gate. After completing entry formalities, we check in at Gairal FRH inside Dhikala Zone.
🌿 Evening Safari (02:00 PM - 06:00 PM)
- Our first gypsy safari into Corbett’s wild terrain!
- We explore dense sal forests, riverbanks, and open grasslands, hoping to spot a Royal Bengal Tiger, herds of elephants, and deer.
08:00 PM – We return to Gairal FRH for the night. Since our stay is on an EPAI plan (meals not included), we arrange our own dinner before calling it a night.
🐅 March 28, 2025 – Into the Heart of Corbett
06:30 AM - 10:30 AM – Morning Safari – Our first deep dive into Dhikala’s vast grasslands, where tigers often roam freely.
11:00 AM - 02:00 PM – Rest & Exploration
- A relaxed morning at Gairal FRH, listening to the jungle sounds.
- A short nature walk near the Ramganga River, watching crocodiles and gharials sunbathe.
02:00 PM - 06:00 PM – Evening Safari – This time, we explore another part of Dhikala, with hopes of spotting a leopard, sloth bear, or an elusive black bear.
08:00 PM – Dinner and night stay at Gairal FRH.
🐾 March 29, 2025 – Another Day in the Wild
06:30 AM - 10:30 AM – Morning Safari – Exploring deeper riverine zones and tiger corridors.
10:00 AM - 01:00 PM – Leisure Time
- Exploring the watchtower near Gairal, a great spot for panoramic jungle views.
- Discussing wildlife with the forest guides over tea.
02:00 PM - 06:00 PM – Final Evening Safari – A last attempt at spotting Dhikala’s majestic wildlife
08:00 PM – Packing up for our departure the next day.
🐾 March 30, 2025 – Final Safari & Transfer to Bharatpur
06:30 AM - 10:30 AM – Last Morning Safari – A final chance to witness Corbett’s morning wilderness before heading out.
11:00 AM – Check-out from Gairal FRH.
12:00 PM – Leave for Agra by car.
03:00 PM – Lunch break in Agra.
At this point, our group splits into two:
- Mohua, Sampadi and me will continue to Bharatpur and while Soma will return to Delhi with Jaideep & Sanchita. Soma will catch their 9:00 PM flight from Delhi to Kolkata.
05:00 PM – Arrival in Bharatpur & check-in at the hotel.
Bharatpur, also known as Keoladeo National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's best bird sanctuaries. Spread over 29 sq. km, it is famous for its wetlands, marshes, and forests, attracting migratory birds from as far as Siberia, Central Asia and Europe.
Key Birds in Bharatpur:
- Siberian Crane – The rarest winter visitor (now extremely rare).
- Painted Stork – Seen in large numbers, nesting in trees.
- Great White Pelican – Found in flocks near water bodies.
- Dalmatian Pelican – A rarer sight, but sometimes spotted.
- Bar-headed Goose – Migrates from Central Asia.
- Greylag Goose – Another winter visitor.
- Spot-billed Duck – A resident species.
- Eurasian Spoonbill – Found wading in shallow waters.
- Black-necked Stork – A rare but striking sight.
- Indian Cormorant & Little Cormorant – Frequently seen fishing.
- Common Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher – All seen near water bodies.
- Purple Heron & Grey Heron – Common in the marshy areas.
- Night Heron – Active during dusk and dawn.
- Sarus Crane – The tallest flying bird in the world, often seen in pairs.
- Indian Roller – Known for its dazzling blue feathers.
- Oriental Darter (Snake Bird) – Seen swimming with its head above water.
- Greater Flamingo – Sometimes seen in the shallower lakes.
- Raptors (Marsh Harrier, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle) – Found hunting in open fields.
🔹 Mammals Found in Bharatpur:
Though Bharatpur is mainly known for birds, it is home to some mammals as well:
- Golden Jackal – Frequently seen on the dirt tracks.
- Nilgai (Blue Bull) – The largest antelope in India, found grazing.
- Wild Boar – Common in the park.
- Rhesus Macaque & Langur Monkeys – Seen near temple areas.
- Indian Porcupine – Nocturnal and rarely seen.
- Indian Python – Occasionally spotted basking in the sun.
🐦 March 31, 2025 – Exploring Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
06:00 AM – Early morning at Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), spotting migratory birds like Siberian cranes, pelicans, and painted storks.
10:00 AM - 04:00 PM – Exploring Lohagarh Fort and enjoying a rickshaw ride through Bharatpur’s wetlands.
🚗 April 1, 2025 – Back to Delhi
10:00 AM – We leave for Delhi, reaching by the afternoon.
03:00 PM – Check-in at an airport hotel for a short rest.
🛫 April 2, 2025 – The Final Goodbye
02:00 AM – Our Air India flight departs from Delhi Airport.
04:15 AM – We land in Kolkata, officially concluding our thrilling adventure.
With memories of tiger trails, bird sanctuaries, and historic forts, we head back home, already planning our next adventure! 🚀
No comments:
Post a Comment