You don’t need to traverse every corner of a country to truly experience it. In fact sometimes, by focussing on one rich and vibrant section, you can develop an even greater connection with a destination. We know that after this holiday, which takes in three different locations within the remarkable Corbett National Park, the magical wilderness of India will stay with you forever.
You land in Delhi, the gateway to Corbett National Park, and your first two nights will be within the new part of the city. Arriving in India, dizzying and disorderly Delhi is an assault on the senses. However, the contrast between this frenetic city and your upcoming time in Corbett is fascinating – and, by setting you up in a calm base at Claridges Hotel, we have made sure it will never feel “too much”. Your time in Delhi includes an illuminating tour of the Qutub complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a walking tour around captivating New Delhi.
OVERNIGHT FLIGHT // 2 NIGHTS AT CLARIDGES DELHI
Your jungle experience will begin on day four as you are driven northeast to Jim’s Jungle Retreat. Equipped with a pool, lovely rooms, and brilliant nature experiences, this comfortable and charming property is the perfect place to ease you into India’s oldest national park.
4 NIGHTS AT JIM'S JUNGLE
Jim’s Jungle Lodge offers excellent safaris with the opportunity to spot elephants, rare reptiles, over 600 species of bird and maybe the elusive tiger. This part of the holiday includes two afternoon, private jeep safaris that take you deep into the jungle with an expert tracker, returning to your lodge for sundowners at park closing time. Plus, you can take walks around the property with the in-house naturalist to learn more about the local flora, fauna and birdlife.
Beyond private wildlife safaris, you’ll find bundles to do at this wonderful and eco-sensitive lodge. There are cycling trips, angling and cultural excursions, as well as some lovely hikes in the neighbouring forests.
This is a perfect place to stay while exploring Corbett National Park. It was set up by a team of passionate people who regularly collaborate with the forestry department to conserve the surrounding tiger habitats. Though it has facilities including a pool, a boutique shop and elegant lodges, the whole property is built with mud and thatch in a traditional Gujar style to minimise environmental impact. Come here to be affected and inspired by the team's enthusiasm for the environment and wildlife.
On the eighth day, take a safari into the heart of the park with an expert naturalist and spend the night in Dhikala Forest Lodge. This basic lodge is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts due to its excellent sightings. And you'll have a more refined stay than most guests as there'll be added extras included from Jim's Jungle Retreat. The following day, head for an all-out digital detox at Vanghat Lodge, a back-to-basics property in the northern buffer zone. Sitting on a bend of the remote Ramganga River and backed by the forest-clad foothills of the Himalayas, the scenery here is outstanding and strikingly different. Explore the area by jeep or on foot, embarking on guided hikes of varying lengths. Birdwatching is a speciality of Vanghat, with over 500 species spotted in this region.
4 NIGHTS AT VANGHAT LODGE
We have arranged a fantastic day in the Lohachaur zone of Corbett National Park combining wildlife safari, Himalayan landscapes and a cultural, culinary experience. This part of the trip also includes an evening walking safari, where you and your tracker will quietly roam the pristine Ramganga Valley as the sun sets over the jungle.
Spot incredible birdlife, stargaze and take long walks through the jungle. Somehow the sights and sounds of nature become all the more vivid when there's no Wi-fi! Our India specialist James also recommends taking a refreshing swim in one of the natural pools by the river.
If you want to tap into your inner explorer, this is the place for you. The lodge is only accessible on foot with a 2km hike and a bamboo raft river crossing, so a sense of adventure is a must. On arrival, you’ll find a personal property comprising just four thatched cottages, which are basic, yet comfortable; rooms have ensuite bathrooms and a veranda to sit out on and relax. What’s more, the property is entirely eco-conscious and built in harmony with the surrounding jungle.
The Dhikala zone in the heart of the park only opens to visitors from 15th November - 15th June. Within this period, the best time tends to be from late February to April. The weather is warm and it’s easiest to spot wildlife - especially tigers - bathing in the sun and congregating around water sources. Find out more about when to go to India on our website.
By booking with us, you will receive a host of treats to enhance your experience. At Jim’s Jungle Lodge, you can enjoy a one-hour Jungle Spa treatment per couple, a daily yoga session and one private dining experience. In addition, your final night at Vanghat Lodge is half price.
Revitalise is a culmination of 16 years’ work, research and client feedback. Our travel team take annual trips to each of our destinations, testing the experiences and inspecting the hotels (someone’s got to do it, right?). We are passionate travellers in our own lives, and we have all visited Asia with our friends, family or backpacks. Basically, we’ve done the legwork: we know travel. And that’s why these trips are nothing short of magical.
We understand that while you may be itching to travel again, committing to a trip right now feels daunting. That’s why we have introduced our COVID-19 promise. We promise that if you book a holiday with us, but for any reason cannot travel due to COVID-19, we will refund you the bulk of your money, up to the day of your departure. We hope that this will give our travellers a little peace of mind and help you enjoy the magic of travel anticipation once again.
An ETG experience cannot begin unless our travellers feel secure in every respect. Financially secure: we are fully ABTA and ATOL bonded. Fully supported: our friendly team is on hand to help 24/7 before, during and after your trip. Free from hassle: we will ensure your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, all our experiences are tried and tested by our discerning team, so you can rest assured every excursion you book with us is both worthwhile and ethically sound.
With ETG, the experience starts the moment you pick up the phone. We are committed to seamless service at every stage of your journey. Before you depart, your dedicated travel consultant will provide all the information and insider tips you need to get you prepared (and excited!). Your in-country experiences will be distinctive, tailored to you, and always reveal the fabric of the destination. And you will come home with memories to share - not just photos to show.