Elephant Safari Tour

Day 01: Arrival Delhi

Assistance upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, followed by pick-up and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi / Corbett: 260 Kms / Five and a Half Hours by Road

After breakfast, drive to Corbett. Upon arrival, check in at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat. After a welcome drink and a short briefing about your stay at the lodge, lunch is served. The afternoon is reserved for jungle trekking. In the evening, enjoy a folk show, followed by an orientation talk and a question-and-answer session about your tour. A slide show on the flora and fauna of the area you will visit during your Elephant Safari will also be presented. Overnight stay at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat.

Day 03: Corbett National Park

0600 Hrs: Wake-up call and tea. After breakfast, depart by jeep to begin your Elephant Safari and trekking excursion. The Himalayan foothills are among the natural wonders of the world, with lush subtropical forests and abundant flora and avifauna, making this a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. You may even exchange seats with the Mahout to experience guiding an elephant. Guests can also try catching the mighty Mahseer, the famous freshwater game fish, in the Ramganga River. Fishing is permitted only on a catch-and-release basis. Equipment, tackle, and expert guidance will be provided with advance notice.

In the afternoon, enjoy a hot lunch served on the banks of the Ramganga River before continuing your Elephant Safari. The experience of riding an elephant, a silent giant with unmatched cross-country abilities, is truly beyond words. Arrive at Lohachaur Forest House for a refreshing cup of tea after a leisurely ride on your magnificent companion. Built in the characteristic British bungalow style in 1899, the forest house offers a unique wilderness experience. After a wash and some rest, discuss the next day's program over a sumptuous dinner. Overnight stay at Lohachaur Forest House or Camp.

Day 04: Corbett National Park

0600 Hrs: Wake-up call and tea. After breakfast, begin a full day on an elephant's back while learning about these magnificent animals. The birdlife in this lower-altitude wilderness is exceptionally rich, and the vibrant morning sunlight paints the hills in spectacular colors. The rugged terrain and fascinating landforms add to the adventure.

After giving your elephant a refreshing scrub and bath in the Mandal River, enjoy a delicious hot lunch prepared by the camp chef. Continue your Elephant Safari along the Mandal River, passing terraced farms and interacting with curious villagers, many of whom may be seeing an elephant for the first time. This offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the culture of Kumaon and meet its warm and humble people.

In the late afternoon, leave your elephant behind and continue by 4WD jeep to Kanda Forest Rest House, built in the classic British bungalow style, for an overnight stay in the wilderness. Kanda is the highest point in the park, situated at an altitude of 1,020 meters. The panoramic views of the Ramganga Valley and the grasslands of Dhikala are mesmerizing. This area is also where Jim Corbett famously shot the Kanda man-eater. After a wash and brief rest, join the naturalist for a discussion followed by dinner. Overnight stay at Kanda Forest Rest House or Camp.

Day 05: Corbett National Park

Early morning game drive into the national park with a packed breakfast. Explore the grasslands and magnificent sal forests on the drive to Dhikala. Enjoy lunch at Dhikala, followed by an evening game drive back to Kanda. Overnight stay at Kanda.

Day 06: Corbett National Park

After an early breakfast, depart by jeep to the Vatanvasa Gate, where you will meet the elephants and their Mahouts. Once mounted on the elephants, continue downstream along the Palain River. Today you will visit the Sonanadi Sanctuary, also known as the "River of Gold." A paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, this sanctuary has been included in the Corbett Tiger Reserve because of its rich wildlife population.

During the morning safari, your elephant follows the old bridle path once used by British officers travelling on horseback, while their families followed in palanquins carried by attendants, through the Palain River Valley to Mondiapani.

After lunch, continue your safari through one of the most beautiful sections of the journey. The bamboo forests here are home to large herds of wild elephants. This sanctuary has one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the region, where they gather to feed on tender green bamboo. The perennial Palain River provides an essential water source for these magnificent animals.

Your camp is located on the riverbank and features a machan (watchtower), from where you can safely observe wildlife coming to drink and bathe in the river. Overnight stay at Halduparao.

Day 07: Corbett National Park

Enjoy a leisurely morning and sleep in today. After breakfast, bid farewell to your elephant and Mahout. Your jeep will take you back through another part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Overnight stay at The Corbett Hideaway or The River View Retreat.

Day 08: Corbett – Delhi

After breakfast, drive to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Delhi International Airport to board your onward flight.