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Ever since I saw a Tiger roaming in the wild with all it's elegance during the last Jungle Safari in Panna National Park, the wish to visit the original and first tiger reserve in the country got accelerated. So the plan was made to visit Corbett national park during the month of January. There was this window around the Republic Day where combining two days of leave would give us the time frame of five nights and that was more than sufficient for a small trip to Corbett. One of my dear friend and his family also came on board for the plan and suggested to take his Hyundai Creta for the trip. So, instead of two cars, it was decided to make the trip together in one car.

Our Drive posing on amidst the sea of yellow


Now this wonderful decision to visit Corbett occurred to me in the month of December. By the time I sat down for the bookings, it was already to late. Dhikala FRH was sold out for the dates and the only slots available were for the Canter Safari. Honestly speaking, I had no idea about the Corbett and the safari's initially and by the time I got to know, it was game over !!

Called up Samba since his was the first name that came to my mind for anything related to Corbett. He, in turn, got me in touch with someone who was well versed with Corbett and suggested to try for the other gates. There is this strange system in Corbett where one has to get hold of the safari vehicle on their own after the booking for safari was over. Had a talk with SS-Traveller as well and he also graciously suggested someone in Corbett. Meanwhile, turned out, the guide suggested by Samba, in consultation with me, got me three safari's and I insisted that the safari's should be of separate gates. So, Bijrani, Jhirna and Garjiya gates were selected since according to the guide, after Dhikala, these were the zones where the sighting of the tiger was reported to be good. Some random pictures to get the thread started :

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Booking for the Safari's done and dusted, now it was time for the rest of the bookings. Primarily, the hotels needed to be booked. A dear school friend, who is now a full time photographer based in Delhi, suggested a wonderful place in Ramnagar, Corbett when he heard that we would be doing the safari's from the Bijrani and Jhirna gates. So, the plan was like this -
Leave Calcutta in the evening on a friday, enjoy the food at Lucknow the next day, stay at Ramnagar, Corbett for three nights, return to Allahabad to have a look at the Sangam and then back to Calcutta to cap a perfect extended weekend involving the Republic Day. And if everything went according to plan, may be we can get that majestic sight of the Tiger as well !!

So, this was the plan made and hotels bookings were done by the start of January. And then, the wait for the D-Day started. As the days were passing by, my desire to take Baahon was growing as well. I had never driven a Creta for this long a drive before and it started to play in my mind. Things people do when they don't get to drive their own cars

Anyways, my friend Arunava, got his Creta serviced and ready few days before the trip. He even bought a Michelin tyre inflator and some other necessities required for the trip. Rest of the things were carried over from Baahon like the Puncture repair kit and some other essentials. I had by now, unsuccessfully tried to make the trip a two car affaire but soon was resigned to the fact that only Creta will make the trip. My initial excitement not withstanding, it's always fun to travel with friends in a single car.

[ABHI_1512]

Finally, the day arrived when the journey was about to get started. We were to leave by the evening of 20th January but we finally ended up starting around 9 in the night from Calcutta. Arunava was at the wheels and decided to get us through the meandering Calcutta traffic. We decided to take the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and the Belghoria Expressway route for NH2 since the usual route through Santragachi was showing a massive congestion.

The Majestic Royal Bengal, seldom do I get a chance to click a picture of this landmark


It turned out to be a wise decision since we didn't encounter much traffic till we crossed the Nivedita Setu toll. Once the toll was crossed, it was a nightmare waiting for us at the junction where the road meets NH2. Due to the ongoing six laning work coupled with the truck traffic, the entire road was grid locked with all kinds of vehicles hogging every inch of space available. This entire stretch till the Dankuni toll was an aberration in the whole narrative that I took little time to shake off.

Things improved once we crossed Dankuni toll but it took an hour or so, to cross the toll due to the traffic mess. As a result, we had to stop for the dinner before our intended stop. Dinner was our usual stuff and we did have our fill. Meanwhile, as the clock turned to 12, it was also the birthday of our friend Arpita who also happens to be Mrs Arunava. So, amidst the fog that engulfed the area, a cake was duly cut by her, right beside the highway. This window of holidays around the Republic day also coincides with her birthday and we have been part of this highway celebration earlier as well.







Post the celebration, we were on our way again and now, I got to do what I love the most- taking over the steering Nothing comes close to the feeling of driving a car on the highways through the night. The entire stretch till Durgapur was undergoing widening work and it did slow us a bit but not by much. A cat and mouse game with the trucks ensured enough energy till Asansol and once it was over, the fog hit us. And only then I realized how pathetic the fog lamps of Creta are

I had no idea about the pathetic fog lamps of Creta and coupled with white projectors, it was a nightmare driving through some dense fog. Luckily, the stretches of fog didn't last for long and ended the quagmire !! Once we crossed Topchanchi and Sherghati, deviations along the road slowed us somewhat but the progress was good. The road deviations ended once we were into Bihar and soon, we were on Dehri by the daybreak. We decided to have the breakfast stop nearer to the Purvanchal Expressway after the tedious single lane drive through Durganti and Gazipur.



It took us around two hours to reach the entry point of Purvanchal Expressway early in the morning hours and we took a detour to find a fabulous dhaba with clean washrooms and sumptuous food just beside and at the start of the expressway. Purvanchal Expressway still lacks quality food stops and there is some charm attached to the good old dhabas.



The Dhaba served us hot Aloo paranthas along with pickle and it was tasty enough. The tea was great and prices reasonable too. We even clicked some couple pictures in front of the Dhaba, just to remember the place for next time !!





And then, finally, we were on the Purvanchal Expressway without any fuss.

[ABHI_1512]

Breakfast over and we were soon cruising on the Purvanchal Expressway. Now, straight line driving on these new age expressways is somehow a boring experience for me. Arunava took over the wheels for this leg of the drive and I was relieved and got back to the passenger seat

In terms of surface quality, the Agra-Lucknow Expressway is better for sure, there were many undulations all along the Purvanchal Expressway. The availability of rest stops will get better in the days to come I suppose and all new fuel bunks of Reliance were coming up on both the flanks as well.





The drive from the Purvanchal entry point near Ghazipur to Lucknow took exactly three hours and it took around thirty minutes to reach hour designated hotel Golden Tulip near Hussaingunj. We basically reached Lucknow inside sixteen hours from Calcutta and it was partly because of the Purvanchal Expressway. This hotel Golden Tulip has been our go to stop in Lucknow for its central location and its wonderful parking, apart from the great hospitality that is.



Now that we were in Lucknow, the gastro-bacteria's inside the gut suddenly became active. It's a strange feeling that any food lover can relate too

And so started the marathon food mania after we all got freshened up after the long travel. We went to Tunday Kababi Aminabaad straightaway for the lunch. The Galaouti's, the Biryani's and the fresh lime soda's were finished off in no time after which one half of the gang went shopping for some Lucknow Chikan and Arunava went to fetch some sample of Idris Biryaani. First food stop ticked off and another one for sampling over, shopping done and soon we were back to the hotel for the evening. We spent the evening chit chatting over tea and plan was also made to visit The Residency next morning and then move towards Ramnagar, Corbett.









But the dinner was yet to be taken and as a celebratory dinner for Arpita's birthday, Dastarkhwan was our choice. So, off we went for Dastarkhwan but were flummoxed to find the original place razed down. Found out that they have shifted to another place nearby and that soothed our frayed nerves !!











Enjoyed the sumptuous dinner and the dessert took the cake, as usual. The Shahi Tukdaa at Dastarkhwan is something else altogether. Satiated minds and satisfied stomach's then moved back to the hotel, capping a perfect day at Lucknow before embarking on towards the Jungle next day.

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Next day morning got us all excited. Our primary motive to visit the Corbett was going to be fulfilled and we were to embark on an eight hour drive to Ramnagar. The original plan was to visit The Residency as well but then the plan got shelved due to the ongoing preparations for the Republic Day parade which was passing through right outside the hotel and was slowly crippling the traffic outside despite being a Sunday. It occurred to me that going ahead with the plan to visit The Residency can get us stuck in the notorious Lucknow traffic. So, the plan got shelved and we decided to get out of the city as soon as possible.

The breakfast spread at the hotel was delectable as ever. The Chef turned out to be from Bengal and came down personally to talk to us when he got to know that we were from Calcutta and that whether everything was in order or we needed anything. It was kind of him to check on us amidst so many guests.







Our route for the day was through Sandila, Hardoi, Bareily bypass, Rampur and lastly Ramnagar. We left the hotel at 9 in the morning but the after effects of the preparation rallies had started to show on the roads. It didn't help that there was a fair going on beside the Imambara and it was adding to the congestion. We took a small photo break near the giant Rumi Darwaza. It was an opportunity not be missed by any means since we were anyways passing beside it. The blue barricaded sheets in front of the Darwaza killed the royal looks but I suppose some renovation or restoration work is underway.






Some pictures after, we were finally on the outskirts of the city of Lucknow and were passing through another landmark of Indian History- Kakori. Goosebump moment just by remembering the history of the place and its significance during the Indian Freedom Struggle and no, it's not about the Kakori Kebabs !!







The national highway (NH30) is being widened and it was kind of sad to find so many full grown trees being cut and felled for the project. We surely can and should find a way out to develop the road network without felling full grown trees indiscriminately. Meanwhile, apart from the felling of trees, one beautiful thing was passing through the sea of yellow mustard fields. It was a sight to behold and finally we bit the bullet and stopped beside the road to have some pictures clicked.



Such was the frenzy of clicking pictures, we almost forgot that we haven't yet reached Hardoi even and it was already past noon.



Gathered up some steam and we reached Hardoi at around 2 in the afternoon. Decided to have the lunch in Hardoi itself and not stop elsewhere in order to reach Ramnagar by the evening. My better half quickly did a search on Google and found that a branch of Moti Mahal Delux is there in Hardoi. The name doesn't need any introduction and we were soon inside the restaurant after taking a small detour. The food was great and the Butter Chicken was one of the better tasting ones in a long long time. The dessert was equally good too. Second day into the tour and I was wondering that it was turning out to be a food trip and not a trip for the jungle !!









Lunch over, it was the time to show little urgency as we were already late in the afternoon. By the time we started from Hardoi, it was already 3.30 and we had still around 300 kms to cover through. Good thing was, road surface improved much and soon we were passing Shahjahanpur and Bareilly bypass helped as well. By the time we reached Rampur, it was already around 7 in the evening.







Skirting around Rampur town and we were around one hour from reaching Ramnagar. But soon we were stuck in a weird traffic jam. Scores of sugarcane carrying tractors were lined up near the sugar factories and since the road was narrow, traffic got held up for a while. The hotel guys were also calling up and it was around 8.30 that we finally reached our hotel Tiger Camp in Ramnagar.



The check-in was smooth and the staff were courteous. They instantly told us that the bonfire is going on along with live music and the buffet dinner will be on till 10.30. Now, who doesn't like good music and some warmth from the firewood in the cold?? A wonderful guy named Danish was performing and he had the guests grooving alright.



The property was huge and our cottages were nice. Just dumped our luggage's and joined the fun near the dining area. This being a sunday, the property was full and people from the NCR made up the most.



As from what I gathered, it was only a 250 kms drive from New Delhi or probably even less. Some nice songs after, took the dinner which was an elaborate menu. The first night at Corbett had us all excited for the things to come in the next day and it was with this anticipation that we slept.

[ABHI_1512]

First morning at the property greeted us with bright sunshine, it rained the previous day and hence it was reassuring since our first safari was planned in the evening. The morning was spent around the property and its surroundings. The resort is situated just beside the Kosi river and is spread across in a huge area. Breakfast spread was good and the staff made sure that we had everything for our comfort.





We took our breakfast in the open courtyard in front of the restaurant. This open courtyard became our go to place for the evenings during our stay in the resort. The resort has a nice swimming pool but then it's not heated. The provision of many indoor games is also there for the kids and adults alike. Roaming around the property and exploring the riverside for the next two hours, it was soon time for the early lunch and the subsequent evening safari.











The designated meeting point for the Safari was near the Ramnagar Institute of Technology and it was around 15kms from our resort. It was here that we had to park our car and hop onto the safari vehicle. Our first Safari was from the Jhirna gate. And so, we needed to travel for around another 15 kms through Ramnagar to reach the gate. We reached the Jhirna Gate little behind our scheduled time of 2.30. As soon as we reached the Gate, we were greeted by our Designated Guide. Entry formalities involved checking of ID card of visitors by the forest officials and soon we were inside the gate. One unique thing about the Jhirna gate is that the route also passes through another gate named Dhela.









Anyways, the excitement of being in the jungle is itself exhilarating. The thrill of being inside a jungle where one can have the possibility of seeing a Tiger or for that matter any animal in the wild was something else. The anticipation, the constant feeling that someone is watching you from the other side is something that words can't describe. Some kilometers inside the jungle, we were told of a possible sighting of a Tiger. The safari vehicles stopped on both side of a crossing path and the wait started. Finally after waiting for around 25 minutes or so, the wait turned out to be futile. We continued inside the jungle for the next two hours, soaking in the atmosphere but the big cat alluded us. So, the first safari gave us some beautiful vistas, a pair of peacocks and some curious animals who saw us roaming in their backyard.











We went back to our parking spot, got back to the car and decided to spend time in a nice looking cafe just beside our resort. By the time we got inside the cafe, it was dark already. To be honest here, the cafe was brilliant- both in decor as well as the food. We had one of the best thin crust pizza in this cafe. Spent some good time here and went back to the resort.










By the time we were back, Singer Danish was back again in the courtyard with his brilliant voice and guitar. This boy was amazing with his songs and his repertoire was superb too. If it was about some peppy songs a day before, the mood was set to some slow romantics for the evening. Bonfire and some good songs playing, we all had a wonderful time once again along with the well thought out dinner buffet.







The next day was going to be the most anticipated one since we had two safari's lined up for the whole day. Another chilly night amidst the woods passed by thus.

[ABHI_1512]

Woke up very early in the morning since our call time to reach the designated meeting point was near Bijrani gate. This entry gate was around seven kms from our resort and and the gates were scheduled to be open by around 7 in the morning. It was pitch dark when we left the resort. The drive through the highway to reach the parking spot beside Bijrani gate in the dark was interesting though.



We were the first few to reach the gate but the Gypsy's were queued according to the numbers allotted. So, despite reaching early, we were the 12th car allowed inside after the due diligence of entry tickets and ID card verification. The system is okay though, maintains a semblance of discipline, at least at the gates.





Once inside the gate, it's a free for all. There are trails made inside and anyone is free to move through. A mandatory stop is inside each of the gates beside the FRH where visitors are allowed to get down and use the washroom facilities. The washrooms were decent considering the usage and the location. Some good 10 minutes after, we were soon on our way deep inside in search of the elusive big cat and it remained elusive till the end of our safari. But but, we did have an exciting and almost frightening encounter with an wild Elephant.











At a three point crossing deep inside the jungle, our guide suddenly told the driver to stop. Now, this point where we stopped was very narrow and there were three gypsy's, all coming from different directions. There was this wild Elephant that was not in a very good mood and was on an eating spree where it was breaking Banana trunks and all. All the three gypsy's turned around swiftly in that tight corner and we waited for the Elephant to show up. All this while, we could hear the sound of creaking tree trunks. There was this incident on the previous day when an Elephant charged at the visitors and it was fresh in the minds of the drivers. So they were little apprehensive about going too near anyways. We waited for the Elephant to show up and boy, it did show up in a marauding mood. Just as it was about to charge towards the vehicles, all the vehicles made a quick dash to safety. Funny thing, one vehicle was driving onwards and it was made to scamper to the side while going uphill







After this close encounter, rest of the safari was uneventful and we enjoyed the scenic vistas and occasional herd of Deers every now and then. Soon enough, the morning safari came to and end and hence, two safari's done and yet we saw everything but the big cat. Last hope hinged on the evening safari at Garjiya gate.



Went back to the hotel and did our breakfast in the courtyard. The resort people were so accustomed to guests returning from the morning safari that the first question they would ask is- dikhi kya ?? which when translated means whether we saw it or not ?? IT here means the big cat



Meanwhile, while enjoying the breakfast we saw a man primarily kept to shoo away the monkeys from the compound and yet the very resort would also feed the monkeys. Reminded me of a movie I saw sometime back about a man whose job was to shoo away monkeys from all the Government offices in New Delhi. I wondered back then whether such a post exists even but seeing one in front of my eyes, it was kind of Deja vu !!

[ABHI_1512]

Two back to back safari's meant that we had little time in between. Just after the breakfast, the ladies went nearby for shopping- some knick-knacks and memorabilia of Corbett. Arunava and me decided to accompany them anyways.



There was this adventure park coming up beside the resort where many activities were being lined up. Arunava's little kid is an adrenaline junkie and he enjoyed doing an obstacle course while wearing the safety harness. It was not that easy a task but he did it admirably. By the way, one Innova is LTD sticker also was seen on the road near the resort but couldn’t find the owner !!



Shopping was wrapped up quickly and the lunch was a quick affaire too. We didn't want to waste any time for what was going to be our last safari of the trip. Meanwhile, Garjiya gate was nearby to the resort only. Later, I learnt that this Garjiya gate was newly carved out of the Bijrani range to cater to the demand of the tourists. So, essentially we were going to the Bijrani range again but through a different gate and with a different demarcated area.



Parked our car beside the Garjiya gate and found out that this gate had very few visitors. Probably because very few actually know of this newly carved gate of entry. Also saw some singer from Punjab along with his bouncers and police protection. It was amusing to see someone with so much security going for a safari inside the jungle but then probably that was the need of the hour.







Moving on, our quest to see the big cat continued but I guess fate had other ideas. Corbett wants us pay a visit for a second time and probably Dhikala FRH awaits our arrival. I was told, topographically Dhikala is the most beautiful part of Corbett and Bijrani comes a close second. We saw some gorgeous raptors posing for us, unfortunately I am no BHPian TurboNath !!









Finally, our Corbett safari chapter came to an end after many ups and downs, figuratively. The trails are still being made inside the Garjiya range and it made me sad to see that earth movers are digging up hillocks and making the trail for the safari vehicles to pass resulting in loss of vegetation and trees. This greed of allowing more vehicles inside the forest areas so that money can be made should have it's limits somewhere. Of course, I am part of the problem too and I have no shame in admitting that.



And we were back to the resort one final time. The evening plan was to celebrate the Corbett episode sitting at the open courtyard and listening to Danish, who by now have become a familiar face to us. The weather started to play truant just as the evening was getting better and before we knew, it started drizzling. The drizzle soon turned into a constant downpour and we had to take refuge inside the restaurant while Danish had to scamper taking his musical instruments along with him.












We had a fabulous time in the resort and the staff took very good care of us. Their hospitality was top notch was service standards were very high. The restaurant manager asked us about our departure time in the morning and told us that packed breakfast will be kept ready at the reception. There was no need for that, specially so early in the morning but he still insisted. Thanked the whole staff and bid good bye before going off to sleep.

[ABHI_1512]

Next day morning was overcast since it rained through the night. Fortunately, it was not raining when we checked out of the property early in the morning. We had planned to leave by 6 in the morning but finally it was around 7.30 that we were on the road. Packed breakfast of some nicely done sandwiches and muffins along with juices were kept for us at the reception. We bid goodbye to Tiger Camp Resort with bagful of memories and a promise to come back again in future.





Our destination for the day was Allahabad. It was further down from Lucknow and so passing through the dreaded Lucknow traffic was always in my mind. Route was the same till Lucknow and then further through Raibareily and then finally to Allahabad. We started off well and the route was devoid of much traffic since it was early in the morning. Crossed Rampur in a jiffy and found a nice dhaba to have our packed breakfast and some hot chai. Spent some time and were back on the highway soon.







Plan was to delay the lunch till we reach Lucknow and have the city's delicacies for one last time during the trip. We were on the outskirts of Lucknow by around 3.30 in the evening and were chuffed up to go to Tunday Kababi once again but then the famed Lucknow traffic had other ideas for us. We got stuck royally just at the turnoff for Raibareily and it took us around one hour to cross that junction. Decided against venturing further inside the city and took the road for Raibareily.



To our luck, got a nice food joint named MAMA MUTTON on our way just beside the Alambag Metro station and the four hungry souls just couldn't keep calm

Biryani's, kebabs, paranthas, muttons and everything came out to the table and vanished in no time. Such was the urgency to eat, there is not a single picture of the table at this place. For once, the good old days of simply eating the food was back and clicking pictures was quickly forgotten. Only the menu was left to be clicked !!



Late lunch it was but oh so satisfactory. We left Lucknow finally and without much drama, reached the city of Allahabad around 9.30 in the evening. But the curtains were yet to be drawn to the drama yet. Our stay for the night was at UPTDC Hotel Triveni Darshan just beside the river. I had booked the hotel for its proximity to the river as well as Sangam. Little did i know that I was in for a surprise

We reached the hotel gate at around 10 in the night but couldn't actually see the gate. The entry gate was decorated with flower's and there were scores of people standing beside. It appeared to me that some function is going on beside but then I saw the hotel board. Honked at the gate after finding it and the security guard came out, told him that we have reservation but he didn't seem convinced much. Anyways, we went inside and it was mayhem going on inside. A marriage ceremony going on inside the hotel and the entire lawn was taken over in front of the hotel. The patio of the hotel entrance was converted into a havan kund where some puja was taking place. It was something that I haven't come across anywhere yet and it was a first for me.





The staff were polite and the check in was smooth. But then they dropped the bombshell- entire hotel is booked by the marriage party except the two rooms for us. So expect noise through the night and that there is little that they can do about it. One of the staff even bragged that their hotel is the best place to have marriage ceremonies in the entire city and that it is always booked !!

Since we had a late lunch, no one was feeling hungry. It was a sea of people everywhere and we simply had no choice but to coop inside our rooms. The constant buzz and soundbox booming went on till midnight and beyond and we really had a torrid time sleeping. Peace finally returned well after 2 past midnight and we finally were able to sleep. We also got talking with the hotel manager and he arranged for an early morning boat ride to the Sangam.

[ABHI_1512]

It was raining in the morning when we woke up. The boatman was scheduled to come at 7.30 in the morning but he didn't turn up due to rain and massive fog. He called up though and said that if the god wanted, we will certainly set sail to the Sangam. Now the problem was that, we also had to start our return journey to Calcutta. So, we could have waited only that much so as to not tinker our return plan much. Finally, the rain turned into a drizzle and the boatman gave a go ahead.









I decided to opt out of the boat ride but rest of the gang made the trip to Sangam. It was also Basant Panchami that day and the ghats were unusually busy. Off they went and I came back to the hotel and took the Creta for a well deserved wash. Found a car washing center nearby and the job was neatly done. Took the opportunity to buy some sweets as well from Kamdhenu sweets and Sulaki lal srinath & sons. Apparently they were the best around and yes, found the sweets good enough to be carried over.











The rest of gang were back just before noon and got going for our final checkout after freshening up. We checked out by 12.30 and after some final clicking of pictures around, we were on our way to Kamdhenu sweets again. Arunava also needed to stock up on sweets.



Since it was also the Republic day holiday, streets and roads were unusually busy with flag carrying two wheelers and cars. We also got diverted by the traffic police because of the Sangam Mela but not much time was lost.







One could see the vast stretches of the river bed being turned into camps and it was a sight to behold from the bridge. We made it past the sea of people and soon were cruising on the highway. Finally, after some one hour of driving or so, we were on NH2 and towards Calcutta.



Idea was to reach Calcutta in the morning so as to avoid the dreaded Dankuni jam. A lunch stop and a small dinner break after, we reached Calcutta during the early morning hours, just in time for the vagaries of life to take over.

Some points about the Hyundai Creta:
1. The car drove fabulously over the highways and gear shifts were smooth as butter.
2. The mileage we got for the entire trip was satisfactory without any surprise.
3. The white LED projectors and fog lamps were useless in the fog and outright dangerous for driving. Not for driving in moderate fog as well.
4. The sound system for such a premium priced car is certainly not upto the mark.
5. The boot space is good but needs management due to higher loading height.
6. Comfortable seats for long distances, seating position is spot on for the front but is too upright for the back.

So, here it was- an account of a trip to Corbett in search a tiger which was no where to be found. I am hoping to see it next time although I am content thinking that the tiger might have seen us and he/she might be bragging that to animals around

And the search for the Tiger thus continues :

[Rudra Sen]

Mod note: Thread moved to Travelogues. Thanks for sharing.

[Yogi..Reeturaj]

This is a lovely read as always Abhi and it will be a foodies delight, no doubt about that. The Ramnagar property looks so peaceful and it has been added to my already burgeoning bucket list of stay options.
Looking forward to the next tlog now.

On a side note a majestic full grown RBT has made his/her home at Koliabor ��, if you know what i mean.

[predatorwheelz]

Nice travelogue Dada. Don't worry that you didn't sight a tiger. In February last year I took my parents to Jaipur and Ranthambore (where we were joined by SS-Traveller and family). We did 2 safaris with 2 very experienced, highly recommended guides. But despite sighting all kinds of fauna, the big cat remained elusive. I guess it is still a matter of luck.

What matters is you really enjoyed yourselves. Next year let's plan a Corbett/Ranthambore trip together. You can save the cost of driving to Delhi, and we can hope that 2 people with bad luck can collectively get good luck .

Originally Posted by ABHI_1512

Meanwhile, while enjoying the breakfast we saw a man primarily kept to shoo away the monkeys from the compound and yet the very resort would also feed the monkeys. Reminded me of a movie I saw sometime back about a man whose job was to shoo away monkeys from all the Government offices in New Delhi. I wondered back then whether such a post exists even but seeing one in front of my eyes, it was kind of Deja vu !!

That movie was called Eeb Alley Oo. Just FYI, till a few years ago Delhi did have professional monkey-shooers, called "Kalandars". They would travel on a cycle with a trained langoor sitting behind, and the Langoor and man would together shoo away all the monkeys. Maneka Gandhi put an end to the Langoor practice. So now these Monkey shooers rely on their own voices and gestures.

[Samba]

Excellent photographs and writeup. Rated 5*.

Corbett is among one of the most scenic jungles in India.

Regarding not spotting a tiger, let the below pics say it-

[Samfromindia]

Although tiger sighting didn't happen, its clear from the pics that that all of you had a great time throughout the trip with yummy food along the way. The hotel should have informed about the wedding booking, can understand how it felt when you guys wanted a sound sleep. The pictures and narration are great like always. Rated *****

Originally Posted by Samba

Regarding not spotting a tiger, let the below pics say it-

I know so many photographers who have done multiple trips to reserve forests and still haven't got lucky. And then there are people who spotted Tiger the first time they visited Sundarban