Chasing Tigers: Journey from Kolkata to the Wilds of Jim Corbett National Park
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| The sun sets on Jim Corbett National Park |
The Journey Begins: Kolkata to Delhi ✈️
We woke up early to catch our flight from Kolkata to Delhi, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. As the plane soared into the sky, we looked down at the sprawling city of Kolkata - a place full of vibrant history and the chaotic charm we love. Two hours later, we landed in Delhi, India’s bustling capital, filled with history, culture, and food that can make your mouth water just thinking about it.
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| Kolkata to Delhi flight |
Travel Tip: If you're flying from Kolkata, grab some famous rosogollas at the airport! They make for a sweet send-off.
The Road Trip: Delhi to Jim Corbett 🚗
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| Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh |
After landing in Delhi, we rented a car for the next leg of our adventure - a 6-hour drive to Jim Corbett National Park. The road trip was a delight, with smooth highways, occasional chai stops, and picturesque views of the countryside. As we left the city behind, the air grew fresher, and the scenery turned greener. We even passed through small towns where you can see glimpses of local life - colorful markets, grazing cattle, and kids playing cricket.
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| Tea break at Kashipur, Uttarakhand |
Travel Tip: Start your drive early in the morning to avoid Delhi’s infamous traffic and catch the sunrise along the way.
Arrival at the Forest Resort 🌄
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| Corbett River Creek Resort |
We arrived at our forest resort just as the sun was setting. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the resort was perched on a hillside overlooking the Ramganga River. The view was breathtaking - crystal clear waters reflecting the green of the surrounding trees. We could already hear the calls of birds and the rustling of leaves. It felt like nature was welcoming us.
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| Ramganga River Creek at Corbett River Creek Resort |
The resort was cozy and rustic, with wooden cottages that had large windows overlooking the river. We spent the evening sipping tea on the balcony, watching the sun dip behind the mountains. A gentle breeze carried the scent of pine and damp earth - exactly what we needed to shake off the city’s dust.
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| Sheru |
Travel Tip: Pack warm clothes if you’re visiting in winter. It gets quite chilly in the mountains, especially at night.
Exploring the Ramganga River 🌊
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| Ramganga river |
The next morning, we decided to explore the riverbank before our safari. The Ramganga River is the lifeline of Jim Corbett National Park. Its cool waters come straight from the Himalayas, and the river is home to mahseer fish, otters and many bird species like kingfishers and herons.
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| Monkey on rocky banks of Ramganga river |
We spotted a few monkeys on the rocks and colorful birds diving into the water, a serene start to the day.
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| Ramganga river panorama |
Sunset at Corbett Himalaya View Bhaunkhal
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| Himalaya Sunset |
Approaching sunset, a tour company bundled us up into an open Jeep and drove us to the Corbett and Himalayan View Point Bhaunkhal, a lesser-known gem, making it a peaceful spot for visitors looking to enjoy scenic vistas away from the crowds.
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| Himalaya Sunset |
Located about 30 kilometers from the main area of Jim Corbett National Park, Bhaunkhal's Himalayan View Point offers stunning panoramic views of the distant Himalayan ranges and the lush landscapes of the Corbett area.
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| Himalaya Sunset View |
From the viewpoint, on clear days, you can see the snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchachuli shining against the sky. It’s an ideal spot for photography, bird watching, or simply soaking in the natural beauty.
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| Himalaya Sunset View, Corbett National Park, Bhaunkhal, Uttarakhand, India |
There is tiny building with stairs to climb to the roof for the view. A family that lives there also serves excellent hot snacks, including customized Maggi noodles, pakodas and tea while you enjoy the view.
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| Maggi Noodles at Corbett and Himalayan View Point Bhaunkhal |
Jungle Safari: In Search of the Royal Bengal Tiger 🐅
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| Corbett National Park Safari |
The highlight of our trip was, of course, the jungle safari. We woke up at dawn and headed into the dense forest in an open-top Jeep, accompanied by a local guide.
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| Indian Wildlife Safari at Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve |
Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936, was the first national park in India and is home to a variety of wildlife - elephants, deer, leopards, and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
Our guide, a cheerful local man, shared stories about the park’s history and its namesake, Jim Corbett. Corbett was a British hunter-turned-conservationist who played a significant role in establishing this sanctuary to protect India’s wildlife. He was known for hunting man-eating tigers in the early 1900s but later became an advocate for wildlife preservation.
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| Indian Wildlife Safari at Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve |
Quick Bio: Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett (1875-1955) was an Anglo-Indian hunter who became famous for tracking and hunting man-eating tigers in the Kumaon region. He wrote several books about his experiences, including Man-Eaters of Kumaon, which became very popular. Corbett eventually turned into a conservationist and worked to protect India's tigers, advocating for their preservation. His love for nature and wildlife inspired the creation of Jim Corbett National Park, which was originally named Hailey National Park.
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| Indian Wildlife Safari at Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve |
As we ventured deeper into the jungle, the air filled with the sounds of nature - chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the call of a langur monkey. We spotted a herd of elephants, majestic and calm, making their way through the trees.
Suddenly, our guide signaled us to be quiet.
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| Tiger footprints |
He pointed to some fresh pugmarks on the dirt road - tiger tracks! We held our breath, hoping to catch a glimpse of the big cat.
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| Indian Wildlife Safari at Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve |
But luck was not on our side. We moved around as silently as possible watching the cues of monkeys and barking deer.
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| Indian Wildlife Safari at Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve |
Travel Tip: Book your safari in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season (October to June). The early morning safaris are your best chance to spot tigers.
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| Indian Wildlife Safari at Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve |
Relaxing at the Resort 🏞️
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| Corbett River Creek Resort |
After the adrenaline rush of the safari, we spent the afternoon unwinding at the resort. We took a nature walk around the property, spotting wildflowers and butterflies. The sound of the river flowing nearby was the perfect background music.
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| Loud birthday party in the jungle |
In the evening, the staff organized a birthday party for another group. This included a jarring live music show and bright lights. It seemed to us the forest resort was not quite the right venue to hold raucous open-air bashes.
Heading Back: Jim Corbett to Delhi 🚗, Delhi to Kolkata ✈️
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| Kashipur, Uttarakhand |
The next morning, we packed our bags and said goodbye to the forest, feeling rejuvenated and inspired. The drive back to Delhi felt shorter, perhaps because we were still reminiscing about our jungle adventures.
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| Alu Parathas for breakfast, Kashipur, Uttarakhand |
We made a quick stop on the way for some delicious street food - nothing beats India’s spicy chaat and parathas after a trip into the wild.
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| Alu Parathas for breakfast, Kashipur, Uttarakhand |
We eventually return to the world of Starbucks and an insanely crowded MacDonald's in suburban Delhi. The Starbucks at Salarpur Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh seemed to be recently opened and fairly usual for the chain.
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| Starbucks, Salarpur, Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh |
The MacDonald's at Salarpur, Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh was a different story. The chaotic disorganized atmosphere is to some extent the uniqueness of India and for us more exciting than the deadpan lifeless franchisees of the western world.
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| MacDonald's Salarpur Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh, India |
By the time we boarded our flight back to Kolkata, we were already missing the cool breeze of the mountains and the thrill of trying to spot tigers. As the plane descended into the familiar chaos of Kolkata, we realized how lucky India is to have such incredible biodiversity, from the busy city streets to the quiet, untamed forests.
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| New Delhi Airport |
Final Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: October to June is ideal for safaris. The park is closed during the monsoon season (July-September).
What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars for wildlife spotting, insect repellent, and a good camera.
Where to Stay: There are many great resorts around the park. Choose one that offers river views for a peaceful stay.
If you’re a nature lovers like us, Jim Corbett National Park is a must-visit. It’s a chance to experience India’s incredible wildlife up close, and maybe - if you’re lucky - you’ll come face to face with the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.
Watch our Corbett National Park Video
Watch: JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK & ROYAL BENGAL TIGER RESERVE: Lost in a Wild Adventure in India
Until the next adventure (for us, it was Agra and Rajasthan), happy travels! 🌍✈️🐾
The Vagabond Couple 👫💛
Note: Prose in this post received AI assistance from ChatGPT and Gemini.
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