CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
is staggeringly beautiful and lies in the Siwalik Hills, at the foot of the Himalayas, in Uttaranchal. A ‘home away from home’ for the great hunter turned naturalist, Jim Corbett, it was following his advice and guidelines that the park was established in 1936.With thick jungle forest creeping down the valley sides, carpeting the hills, the Ramganga and its tributaries snake their way through the countryside. Our 2 preferred lodges are Infinity Resorts situated in the Himalayan foothills on the banks of the Kosi River. Surrounded by the Kumaon Hills of western Uttar Pradesh, it reflects a high standard of jungle accommodation. Claridges Corbett Hideaway offers comfortable cottages with sitting rooms, verandahs and cosy log fires, scattered around the premises. A swimming pool sits in the middle of the gardens and a central lodge houses the dining room with a lovely verandah overlooking the river below.
Corbett is accessed by road from Delhi or by a shorter journey from Nainital or Rishikesh. The park is open from 15 November to 15 June.
KANHA NATIONAL PARK
established in 1955, is set in the heart of Madhya Pradesh. The hugely varied terrain provides a natural habitat for an equally varied selection of game, especially tigers. One of the park’s success stories is the recent nurturing of the Barasingha (swamp deer) population which has vastly increased over recent years. There is a range of comfortable accommodation, the most famous is Kipling Camp, the first camp to be established and is still thriving. Simple cottages are dotted around amongst the Sal trees. Singinawa is the newest in Kanha. This world-class resort is lovingly looked after by a charming couple, that provides sincere service to their guests. The 12 cottages are scattered around the woodland and are replete with antique furnishings, and the main lodge is where it all happens at night. The guides and naturalists here are exceptionally well informed and friendly.
Kanha is accessed by road from Raipur, Nagpur, Kawardha, Pench and Bandhavgarh (long but pretty). The park is open from 1 November to 30 June.
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BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK
is situated in the north of Madya Pradesh and was established in 1968. Originally the private hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Rewa, it is now the best place on earth to spot tigers both from a vehicle and elephant back. The vegetation comprises bamboo breaks, open grassland and mixed forest, over undulating terrain. The newest property is Mahua Kothi, which sprawls over 40-acres and is just 20-minutes from the park entrance. Guests enjoy the natural settings within their luxury suite (kutiya) boasting private courtyards and warm furnishings in a natural setting. Explore the area with the CC Africa trained naturalist on morning and afternoon safaris by jeep or elephant back, nature and cultural walks or cycling through local villages. Leisure time at the lodge is greeted by the warm hospitality of the Taj Safaris trained staff.
Access to Bandhavgarh is by road from Khajuraho or Kanha (a long but pretty drive). The park is open from 1 November to 30 June each year.
RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK established in 1955, situated on the south-eastern most ridges of the Aravalli hills these dry, deciduous forests once the preserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur, enclose not only tiger and leopard (as with all big cats rarely seen) but herds of sambar and prolific bird life. Forest hills rise up around you and the 1000 year old fort broods silently over the park and is visible from miles around.We have 2 preferred hotels here. The Oberoi Vanyavilas is possibly one of the most luxurious ‘safari camps’ in India, if not the world (see Hotel page for further details). The Sawai Madhopur Lodge is run by the Taj Group and is a good place to stay for those not inclined towards staying in tents.
Ranthambore is accessed by road from Jaipur, Agra, Gwalior and Kota or by train from Bharatpur, Delhi and Jaipur. The park is open from 1 October to 30 June.
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KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
is situated in the remote north-east, in the lush, green state of Assam. Declared a national park in 1974, it is stunningly beautiful and occupies an area on the fertile plains of the Brahmaputra River, against a backdrop of the towering Himalayas. It has a wonderfully unexploited atmosphere and is home to the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros which, until fairly recently, was on the brink of extinction.Wild buffalo, swamp deer and hog also abound, along with many fish species in the broad rivers. Our preferred lodge here is the charming Wild Grass Lodge which is a small, rural lodge comprising 18 rooms in the 2 lodges and 3 separate tents. Surrounded by dense vegetation, the grounds themselves are fun to explore.
Kaziranga is accessed by road from Guwahati and Jorhat. The park is open from mid-October to mid-April.
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NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK
is one of a group of parks situated in the forests of southern Karnataka. Established in 1955, it has a backdrop of the Brahmagiri Hills and the dammed Kabini River forms a large reservoir which provides an ideal habitat for a distinctive and varied selection of wildlife. Here is the Cicada- Kabini which is a charming old, colonial style building, sitting on the banks of a river.With rooms in the main lodge and in separate cottages on the riverbank, it has a slight air of neglect but the setting more than makes up for it. Dining is in the main lodge, on a verandah overlooking the river. Our other favourite hotel is the nearby Waterwoods. This is a small, comfortable property on the banks of the river. The 5 bedrooms are quite luxurious and the food is superb.With the owner being your ebullient host, you can be assured of a warm and gracious welcome. The property abounds with pets and there is an excellent boat for cruising the Kabini, looking for game.
Nagarhole is accessed by road from Ooty, Mysore, Coorg,Wynad, Calicut and Bengaluru. The park is open all year round.
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