Tour: Highlights of Kumaon & Dudhwa
Places Visited
Delhi, Corbett National Park, Nainital, Dudhwa National Park, Lucknow
Species in Focus – Tigers, Leopards, Wild Elephants, One Horned Rhinos, Sloth Bears, Civets, Fishing Cat, Hog Deer, Yellow Throated Marten. Bengal Monitor. More than 300 bird species.
Price Includes
✔ Accommodation (13 nights) in amazing Lodges/ Hotels.
✔ Meal Plan – Delhi – Bed & Breakfast- Rest of places on full board.
✔ All transportation by air-conditioned chauffeur driven vehicle.
✔ All entrances fee and guide during sightseeing.
✔ 4 private Game drives in Corbett NP.
✔ 2 private Game drives in Dudhwa NP.
✔ Birding walks & trails as mentioned in the itinerary including Naturalists.
✔ Specialist naturalists and park fee during game drives in national parks.
✔ All currently applicable taxes. (Subject to change)
✔ Meal Plan – Delhi – Bed & Breakfast- Rest of places on full board.
✔ All transportation by air-conditioned chauffeur driven vehicle.
✔ All entrances fee and guide during sightseeing.
✔ 4 private Game drives in Corbett NP.
✔ 2 private Game drives in Dudhwa NP.
✔ Birding walks & trails as mentioned in the itinerary including Naturalists.
✔ Specialist naturalists and park fee during game drives in national parks.
✔ All currently applicable taxes. (Subject to change)
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Day 2 – Delhi
Today you start your day with Sightseeing of Old and New Delhi.Visit Humayun’s Tomb, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Jama Masjid (Mosque), Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square) and its nearby markets, India Gate and drive past the Presidents Palace and Parliament.
Overnight at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation Options
Day 3 – Delhi to Corbett NP
Drive to Jim Corbett National Park. Corbett – Named after Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter
naturalist, The Park was originally established in 1936, as Hailey National Park. It was later
named Ramganga National Park, before getting its present name in 1967. This is India’s first National Park and one of her finest wildlife sanctuaries stretches over an area of 1300 sq. km in the Himalayan foothills with open grasslands, sal and riverine forest and the beautiful life – giving Ramganga River that flows through almost its entire length.
Over 50 mammal, 580 bird and 25 reptile species have been listed in Corbett, but it is most famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger. The very successful project Tiger of the World Wide fund for nature was first launched in this park.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
naturalist, The Park was originally established in 1936, as Hailey National Park. It was later
named Ramganga National Park, before getting its present name in 1967. This is India’s first National Park and one of her finest wildlife sanctuaries stretches over an area of 1300 sq. km in the Himalayan foothills with open grasslands, sal and riverine forest and the beautiful life – giving Ramganga River that flows through almost its entire length.
Over 50 mammal, 580 bird and 25 reptile species have been listed in Corbett, but it is most famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger. The very successful project Tiger of the World Wide fund for nature was first launched in this park.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation Options
Day 4 & 5 – Corbett
Day 6 – Corbett to Nainital
Drive to Nainital. At an elevation of roughly 2,000m. Formerly a British hill station Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, blessed with scenic natural splendour and varied natural resources . Dotted with lakes and forest around that makes it a perfect abode for birds and other wildlife in the region.
Here you will stay at charming heritage home called Abbotsford. Abbotsford Prasada Bhawan a little nook in the woods that time left unmolested. Even for 145 years. While the rest of the town has marched on and bowed to the dictates of commerce, burgeoning populations and livelihoods, this proud little estate still stands as a sentinel of a bygone era, a relic of simpler, pristine times.
Rest of the day at leisure or walk around the area or bird spotting around home as Abbotsford is the home for about 20 species of birds.
Overnight at hotel.
Here you will stay at charming heritage home called Abbotsford. Abbotsford Prasada Bhawan a little nook in the woods that time left unmolested. Even for 145 years. While the rest of the town has marched on and bowed to the dictates of commerce, burgeoning populations and livelihoods, this proud little estate still stands as a sentinel of a bygone era, a relic of simpler, pristine times.
Rest of the day at leisure or walk around the area or bird spotting around home as Abbotsford is the home for about 20 species of birds.
Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation Options
Day 7 – Nainital
Morning Birding Walk from Abbotsford via Cheena Chungi to Pangot – 4-5 hours
Follow the ancient uphill stone road above Abbotsford to Cheena Chungi, make your way into thick deodar forests and enjoy the topography, smell and sounds of the Kumaon forests. This is a birding paradise with more than 200 species of birds coming your way so keep those binoculars ready. Along the way our naturalist and birding guide will answer all your queries and tell you about the rare bits that the forest has to offer. Reach Pangot/Kilbury for lunch – view the Himalayan ranges and return to Abbotsford by car.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Follow the ancient uphill stone road above Abbotsford to Cheena Chungi, make your way into thick deodar forests and enjoy the topography, smell and sounds of the Kumaon forests. This is a birding paradise with more than 200 species of birds coming your way so keep those binoculars ready. Along the way our naturalist and birding guide will answer all your queries and tell you about the rare bits that the forest has to offer. Reach Pangot/Kilbury for lunch – view the Himalayan ranges and return to Abbotsford by car.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation Options
Day 8 – Nainital
Morning proceed for Abbotsford Heritage Walk.
Duration: Half a day ending with Lunch
Discovered in 1841 by a British officer who was a keen trekker, Nainital, is replete with its hidden gems that herald back to the time of yore. Explore the history of Nainital with Abbotsford. A heritage walk that gives you glimpses of the colonial Nainital, its architecture, local markets and popular restaurants.
Rest of day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Duration: Half a day ending with Lunch
Discovered in 1841 by a British officer who was a keen trekker, Nainital, is replete with its hidden gems that herald back to the time of yore. Explore the history of Nainital with Abbotsford. A heritage walk that gives you glimpses of the colonial Nainital, its architecture, local markets and popular restaurants.
Rest of day at leisure.
Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation Options
Day 9 – Naintal to Dudhwa NP
Drive to Dudhwa National Park. The drive is an excellent introduction to the diversity of the Terai region, as you traverse through the countryside and notice endless fields of sugarcane, rice and wheat plantations.
Dudhwa National Park Covering a huge land area of 811 square kilometer inspiring the nature enthusiasts with grasslands, dense forests and marshes, this park is actually known for magnificent counts of the presence of tiger and swamp deer species. The land of the park is comprised of a diverse alluvial plain beside the streams of Suheli and Mohana, scattered with enormous lakes, pools and rivulets. The affluent and completely fertile plains of Indo-Ganges support a marvelous development of the forests assortment of fauna. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve also has some of the best forest area of Saal trees in the globe, in the midst of other flora. This park is a virtual undiscovered heaven for bird watchers, wildlife enthusiast’s and natural lovers.
The park is lying nearby the Indo-Nepal boundary having together the two most enchanting sanctuaries of the region called, Katerniaghat and Kishanpur wildlife sanctuaries to embody the beautiful greenery and forest area across the Terai region.
Check in at the lodge.
Later, set out for a gentle walk around the lodge, to acquaint yourself with the fauna and flora of these rural surroundings. In the evening, resident naturalist will give an introduction to Dudhwa National Park, and highlight the activities that are included in your itinerary and the optional tours.
Overnight at hotel.
Dudhwa National Park Covering a huge land area of 811 square kilometer inspiring the nature enthusiasts with grasslands, dense forests and marshes, this park is actually known for magnificent counts of the presence of tiger and swamp deer species. The land of the park is comprised of a diverse alluvial plain beside the streams of Suheli and Mohana, scattered with enormous lakes, pools and rivulets. The affluent and completely fertile plains of Indo-Ganges support a marvelous development of the forests assortment of fauna. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve also has some of the best forest area of Saal trees in the globe, in the midst of other flora. This park is a virtual undiscovered heaven for bird watchers, wildlife enthusiast’s and natural lovers.
The park is lying nearby the Indo-Nepal boundary having together the two most enchanting sanctuaries of the region called, Katerniaghat and Kishanpur wildlife sanctuaries to embody the beautiful greenery and forest area across the Terai region.
Check in at the lodge.
Later, set out for a gentle walk around the lodge, to acquaint yourself with the fauna and flora of these rural surroundings. In the evening, resident naturalist will give an introduction to Dudhwa National Park, and highlight the activities that are included in your itinerary and the optional tours.
Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation Options
Day 10 – Dudhwa NP
Wake up early for an exciting day as you set course on your first jungle safari in the Terai region. Dudhwa National Park lies amid the warm, tropical moist deciduous forests with an abundance of flora and fauna.Although elusive, sightings of the Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, the swamp deer and fishing cat are not uncommon. Later continue as you pass numerous water bodies in the marshlands. Rich in riparian life, they are also critical breeding grounds for the critically endangered Indian otters.
Return to the lodge to freshen up for a sumptuous lunch following which, you will proceed for a Birding Trail in the later afternoon. Whether you are a seasoned birder or just curious, areas in and around Dudhwa National Park are ideal for bird watching. Home to over 400 species of birds, both resident and migratory, the region is as popular for its birds as it is for its mammals. You may choose to walk or cycle with our resident naturalist, as you explore areas interspersed with water bodies, grasslands and fields as far as the naked eye can see
Overnight at hotel.
Return to the lodge to freshen up for a sumptuous lunch following which, you will proceed for a Birding Trail in the later afternoon. Whether you are a seasoned birder or just curious, areas in and around Dudhwa National Park are ideal for bird watching. Home to over 400 species of birds, both resident and migratory, the region is as popular for its birds as it is for its mammals. You may choose to walk or cycle with our resident naturalist, as you explore areas interspersed with water bodies, grasslands and fields as far as the naked eye can see
Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation Options
Day 11 – Dudhwa NP – Kishanpur Zone
This morning, proceed on an hour’s drive, to the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. An integral part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, it is an excellent habitat for the unique flora and fauna of the Terai region, with its many bodies of water. The sanctuary is dominated by sal, ficus and crocodile-bark trees, along with an array of multi-hued flowers and trees like the red silk cotton tree and the flame of the forest. A swampland fed by the Sharda River also features the elusive tiger and the endangered swamp deer, along with barking deer, wild boar and hog deer. Watch freshwater crocodiles bask in the sun and ducks swim on these lakes. After enjoying your game drive, return to Jaagir Lodge, Dudhwa for lunch.
Post lunch, you will drive for about forty five minutes to a quaint hamlet on the periphery of the Dudhwa National Park – belonging to the local tribes of the Terai region. For centuries the indigenous people have lived off the jungle and their traditions reflect their intimate relationship with the dense forests. Though their main occupation is farming, the colourful tribal community is renowned for their folk roots in music and dance, expert craftsmanship and their impeccable hunting skills. On your way back, visit a local school where the curriculum is focussed on nature and conservation. Interact with the enthusiastic young children and meet with the local teachers who are sensitizing the young generation on the impact modernization has on natural ecosystems. It is fascinating to see how passionate the young children are about nature, animals and plants alike.
Overnight at hotel.
Post lunch, you will drive for about forty five minutes to a quaint hamlet on the periphery of the Dudhwa National Park – belonging to the local tribes of the Terai region. For centuries the indigenous people have lived off the jungle and their traditions reflect their intimate relationship with the dense forests. Though their main occupation is farming, the colourful tribal community is renowned for their folk roots in music and dance, expert craftsmanship and their impeccable hunting skills. On your way back, visit a local school where the curriculum is focussed on nature and conservation. Interact with the enthusiastic young children and meet with the local teachers who are sensitizing the young generation on the impact modernization has on natural ecosystems. It is fascinating to see how passionate the young children are about nature, animals and plants alike.
Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation Options
Day – 12 Dudhwa NP to Lucknow
Drive to Lucknow, The creator of Lucknow, as it is today, was Nawab Asaf udDaula (1775 to 1797). The city became known as a centre for Urdu poetry and courtly diction, and reached its acme during the reign of Wajid Ali Shah (1847 to 1856) who was a connoisseur of music and poetry. It was during his reign that the British exiled him to Calcutta and appropriated Awadh; a key event in sparking the Indian Mutiny. Today, the city is dotted with remnants of its rich historic past. Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisine and ‘Chikankaari’ or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.
Check in at hotel.
Later proceed for half day city tour covering the must visit places along with local market etc.
Bara Imambara: An architectural marvel of intricate and complex design. The central hall is one of the world’s largest vaulted galleries. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784.
HussainabadImambara: Housing the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah and his family, it was built between 1837 and 1842. It is also called the ChhotaImambara, or small Imambara. Approached through a fine garden, the Imambara has a white dome, numerous turrets and minarets.
Overnight at hotel.
Check in at hotel.
Later proceed for half day city tour covering the must visit places along with local market etc.
Bara Imambara: An architectural marvel of intricate and complex design. The central hall is one of the world’s largest vaulted galleries. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784.
HussainabadImambara: Housing the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah and his family, it was built between 1837 and 1842. It is also called the ChhotaImambara, or small Imambara. Approached through a fine garden, the Imambara has a white dome, numerous turrets and minarets.
Overnight at hotel.
Accommodation Options
Day 13 – Lucknow – Delhi
Day 14 – Delhi – Home
Transfer to airport in time to board your flight back home.