Elephant Safari in India
An exclusive elephant safari in the periphery areas of corbett tiger reserve. This elephant safari takes you through the mysterious thick forests, deep Valleys and the rugged trails of corbett national park that offer a lingering Thrill to the adventure seeker.
We take you on this thrilling elephant safari, in the style of yester years- from the first ray of the rising sun to evening's deepest glow, the landscape Unravels the untaught harmony of the primitive wild. The grandeur of the British raj' is relived in old forest rest houses builtin the early 1900'S - which complement the aura with lanterns instead of electricity, supplemented With hot bucket baths to add to your comfort. To satiate the jungle appetite You are accompanied by our cooks specialising in indian & continental Cuisine.
The abundant airborne species, the mysterious wild and the picturesque Valley come together to offer a romance hitherto unseen, unheard or untold. To enhance this unique experience you are accompanied by an english speaking Naturalist. We provide 4 wd petrol jeeps for transport and back up services, Which are best suited for the rugged terrain of corbett national park.
Click here for Elephant Safari Tour Itinerary
Day 1
0600 Hr: Depart early from New Delhi to arrive for Lunch at the The Corbett Hideaway, Garjia. A luxury resort, situated in the fringe areas of Corbett National Park overlooking the Kosi river. You drive through the rich agricultural belt of Western U.P. and into the newly created state of Uttranchal.1300 Hr: Check-in / Lunch and enjoy the expanse of the resort.
l430 Hr: We depart for a Jeep Safari to the Bijrani area of Corbett to find the Elusive Tiger - now the cynosure of every tourists questing eye. The Corbett Park with its varied topography, diverse Flora & Fauna, the beauty of the rivulets, the natural splendour of its landscapes, the Park is a precious heritage.
1800 Hr: Drive back to the Resort for a refreshing cup of Tea.
1900 Hr: Orientation talk and a Question & Answer session on your tour, followed by a Slide show on the Flora & Fauna of the area you will visit during your Elephant Safari.
2000 Hr: Dinner / overnight at The Corbett Hideaway.
Day 2
0600 Hr: Wake up call / Tea.0700 Hr: After breakfast we depart by Jeep to Durga Devi gate of Corbett Tiger Reserve to start our Elephant Safari and trek.
0830 Hr: We commence the Elephant Safari - the Himalayan foothills are one of the natural wonders of the earth, with lush Sub Tropical forests and the bountiful Flora & Avifauna, this is a tribute to the nature lover and the photographer of the wild. You can change seats with the Mahout and get the feel of driving an Elephant. One can also try and catch the "Mighty Mahseer" - the famous fresh water fighting fish, on the Ramganga river. Equipment, tackle and expertise will be provided, fishing is allowed only on a "catch and release" system.
1330 Hr: After a hot lunch served on the banks of the Ramganga river, we continue the Elephant Safari. The experience of just being on an Elephant - a silent bulldozer who has unmatched cross country abilities - is unexplainable in words.
1730 Hr: We arrive after leisurely riding our magnificent companion at Lohachaur Forest Rest House, built in characteristic British bungalow style, in the year 1899, for a refreshing cup of tea and overnight stay in the wilderness.
Elephant 2000 Hr: After a Wash & rest - we discuss the next days program over a sumptuous dinner.
Day 3
0600 Hr: Wake up call/Tea.0700 Hr: After breakfast we start a full day on Elephant back - always learning the mysteries of this wonderful animal. The Bird life in this lower altitude wilderness is rich. Every flower truly enjoys the air that it breathes. The morning sun sets the hills on fire in their rich vibrant hues. The rough rocky terrain and the land formations are unbelievable.
1300 Hr: After giving our Elephant a nice scrub and bath in the Mandal river enjoy the expertise of our chef, who prepares your hot lunch. We commence our Elephant Safari, meandering along the Mandal river, observing the terraced farms, and being followed by curious children, women and villagers, many of whom may be seeing an Elephant for the first time. Here one has the opportunity to study the culture of Kumaon and you can also interact with the villagers, who are very simple and humble.
1600 Hr: We now leave our Elephant and continue by 4WD Jeep to Kanda FRH, built in characteristic British bungalow style, for an overnight stay in the wilderness. Kanda is the highest point of the Park, situated at an altitude of 1020 m, the view of the Ramganga valley and the grassland areas of Dhikala are mesmerising. It was in this area that Jim Corbett shot the Kanda maneater.
2000 Hr: After a wash and brief rest join the Naturalist for discussion and Dinner.
0600 Hr: Wake up call followed by Breakfast.
0700 Hr: We depart by Jeep for Safari into Corbett National Park - with its varied topography, diverse Flora & Fauna, the beauty of the meandering Ramganga river, the natural splendour of its landscapes, the Park is a precious heritage.The bird life in this area is different and the chances of seeing Leopard and Ghoral / Mountain goat are high. We drive down to the Ramganga river, to look for the long snouted, fish eating Gharial and Marsh Crocodiles. With the possibility of seeing 05 species of Kingfishers, Pallas & Himalayan Greyheaded Fishing Eagles, Osprey, Crested Serpent Eagle and of course the Mammalia, the Safari is truly magical.
1300 Hr: We arrive at Dhikala Forest Lodge, the natural setting is awesome and the location picturesque. Lunch /rest /relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the grassland area and its abundant Wildlife. The Dhikala area of Corbett National Park is probably the finest to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.
1500 Hr: The Elephant ride from Dhikala provides the opportunity for the exciting, enchanting and ultimate experience in Wildlife viewing and adventure in Tiger country and beyond.
1700 Hr: Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea after an exciting Elephant ride.
2000 Hr: After a wash and brief rest join the Naturalist for discussion and Dinner.
Day 5
0600 Hr: Wake up call / Tea.0630 Hr: The early morning Elephant ride from Dhikala provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. From the first ray of the rising sun to the evenings deepest glow, the landscape unravels the untaught harmony of the primitive wild.
0900 Hr: The morning elephant ride in this pollution free environment certainly builds up the appetite to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast.
1030 Hr: A guided walk to a watch tower situated overlooking the Ramganga river and a water hole gives us the opportunity to observe wildlife, in true blend with nature and their habitat. Corbett is a paradise for the avid birdwatcher and watch towers are excellent for this purpose.
1430 Hr: After checking out we depart on a Jeep Safari by the lower jungle track along the Ramganga river, this provides a great opportunity for viewing game, especially Tiger in their natural habitat. This exciting drive through the unforgettable, sylvan beauty of the Khinanauli range, offers Wildlife vi
ewing in plenty. We continue our Jeep safari through the stately dense Sal Forest and the unparalleled beauty of the luscious green Flora.
1730 Hr: We arrive at "The Corbett Hideaway" - enjoy the comfort of modern toilet and shower facilities and share your experience with other guests.
2030 Hr: Bonfire and dinner.
Day 6
0700 Hr: After a comfortable nights rest, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast and deaprt for onward destination.NOTE:
1. Lohachaur / Kanda Forest Rest Houses have basic accommodation on Twin sharing with attached non-flushing, Indian style toilets.
2. We are a personalized service organization and fully adept at providing luxury in the wilds.
3. Timings are indicative and subject to local conditions, and are liable to change.
Click here for Wildlife Elephant Safari Days Program
The mornings always begin early with wake up calls followed by breakfast. The Elephants are dressed with their various paraphernalia consisting of ropes, mattresses made of grass and cotton, saddle seats made of wood - it is quite a cumbersome process, achieved only if there is full cooperation from the Elephant- but an enjoyable experience for the tourist.
Elephants have a leisurely gait and tourists are advised not to fight the movement but to sway with it. They can easily cover up to 3 kms per hour - so one has a lot of observation time and the Mahouts are willing to stop as many times as required by you to use your binoculars or cameras. After you have overcome the initial fear - we commence the exercise of teaching you the spoken commands and physical controls of riding or driving an Elephant! After you take control and the Mahout leaves his seat the real adventure begins.....The Elephants love the sight of water and cannot wait to be undressed and bathed and you are more than welcome to join the fun....
A back up Jeep with the guests luggage, bottled & aerated water, tea & coffee, umbrellas, extra cushions, medicine & first aid kit, etc is always behind the Elephants, not visible or heard by the guests, but only a whistle away - just in case anything is required in an emergency Lunch sites are pre planned, with a table and chairs set on the banks of a river or stream and the Chef is waiting to whet your appetite with his culinary talents. The food served during the safari is vegetarian and freshly cooked in full view of the guests - a great opportunity to learn Indian cooking. The accompanying Naturalist walks along the Elephants during the Safari and enjoys pointing out the flora, fauna and various other interesting facts like pug marks, claw markings etc. The jungle information is passed on slowly during the interaction with the guests, related to their field of interest. The days are full of activity and sightings of wild animals & birds in the jungle add to the experience. Once we reach the forest rest houses used for the night halts - we make sure the Elephants are comfortable with lots of fodder and sugarcane, which is carried by a separate jeep and trailer. The forest rest houses are basic and lit with gas lights - we are a personalised service oriented safari outfit and are fully adept at providing luxury in the wilds - to make your nights comfortable. The wood lit campfires are the evenings hot spot and the staff perform a cultural program of song & dance. The night sky is full of stars and there is ample study material for the star gazers...the dinner is sumptuous and the spirits served are of another kind... After such an enjoyable slow paced day one passes out like a light...
An Elephant safari is a well planned and time bound operation, which we fore see and plan to the minutest detail - you have to experience it to believe us. You would be surprised if we told you that for two guests who go for an Elephant Safari- there are 8 staff who are fully involved in the operation. The Elephant driver and his helper, two Jeep drivers, the Chef and his helper, the house keeper who doubles up for service and the Naturalist.
The feelings of guests could be summed up as "Maharajas & Maharanis"
on an Elephant Safari in the Indian wilds...
Our Safari Elephants Details:
Elephants Name : CHAMPA RANI
Mahouts Name : NASEEM
Sex & Age : FEMALE 47 YEARS
Colour : BLACKISH GREY
Breed : ASAIN - ELEPHAS MAXIMUS
Height at Shoulder : 265 CMS
Length of Tail : 162 CMS
Distinguishing Marks : DEPIGMENTATION MARKS ON FOREHEAD
Characteristics: CHAMPA RANI IS NAMED AFTER A FRAGRANT INDIAN FLOWER - SHE IS A DELIGHTFUL LADY, VERY DOCILE, FRIENDLY AND WELL BEHAVED, WITH SMALL BUT EXPRESSIVE EYES. ANYONE CAN WALK UPTO HER AND STROKE HER ON THE TRUNK WITHOUT ANY FEAR. SHE IS A FAST WALKER, HAS A VERY KEEN SENSE OF HEARING AND WILL ALWAYS TRY AND INSPECT AND SEE WHAT CREATED THE SOUND - THIS HELPS HER MAHOUT TO LOCATE SMALL MAMMALS IN THE FOREST. SHE USED TO WORK IN A CIRCUS EARLIER SO KNOWS A FEW TRICKS AND THESE SHE LOVES TO SHOW OFF AROUND THE EVENING CAMP FIRES - IN LIEU OF HER SUGAR TREATS.
Elephants Name : CHANCHAL RANI
Mahouts Name : NISSAR
Sex & Age : FEMALE 44 YEARS
Colour : BLACKISH GREY
Breed : ASAIN - ELEPHAS MAXIMUS
Height at Shoulder : 270 CMS
Length of Tail : 171 CMS
Distinguishing Marks : DEPIGMENTATION MARKS BELOW THE NECK AND SCATTERED MARKS ON FOREHEAD.
Characteristics: CHANCHAL MEANS TIMID- SHE IS VERY CALM AND TOLERANT, THOUGH SHE HAS A BIGGER HEAD STRUCTURE AND BOLDER APPEARANCE. SHE IS VERY WELL TRAINED AND HAS AN UNCANNY SENSE OF SMELL- THIS GIVES HER THE CAPABILITY OF SEEKING OUT SCENT TRAILS LEFT BY WILD ANIMALS, ESPECIALLY THE CAT FAMILY AND SHE COMMUNICATES THIS OUT TO HER MAHOUT. THE LANGUAGE OF ex-pression IS AN UNDERSTANDING AND BOND BETWEEN THE TWO DIFFICULT TO EXPLAIN IN WORDS BUT EASY TO COMPREHEND WHEN EXPERIENCED.
BOTH OUR ELEPHANTS SHARE A COMPATIBLE RELATIONSHIP AND FEED TOGETHER WHEN HOBBLED DURING THE NIGHTS NEAR THE FOREST REST HOUSES