The train gradually slowed down and stopped amidst the hazy fog. But, when we adjusted our iris to the atmosphere around; a small railway station welcomed us. The chill outside was mild and somehow pleasant. Train The yellow board at the station said- Ramnagar.
Our destination was Jim Corbett National Park but Ramnagar was the nearest railway station to get there. So, sipping tea at the station was the only option as we were waiting to be transported to this legendary wildlife habitat in the country. Ramnagar, located at the foothills of the Himalayas on the bank of river Kosi looked like a small town, serene and well maintained. Often considered as the gateway to the Kumaon hills, Ramnagar led us to the world full of green hills, sloppy terrains, and dark woods which was just 51 kilometers away from this place.
Morning View of Corbett National Park Speaking of the jungles, we were excited to be a part of the 3 days exciting tour in and around the park. Considered one of the oldest National Parks in India, it attracts thousands of tourists from across the globe. Some come here to admire the jungles while others, just to rejuvenate their minds and souls. But, when they return back, they utter only one word, which is, amazing.
We were already mesmerized by the innumerable tales from those who have already been there. Apart from the Royal Bengal Tiger and the luminaries of the Kumaon jungles, we wanted to witness the great tales of ‘senses coming alive in Corbett’. Elephant Safari in Corbett An elephant safari as well as a fishing expedition not only sounded fun but also the best option to unwind in the midst of the wild.
With a well-maintained cottage providing every desirable facility, we never missed the comfort of our homes, and never did we realize that we were camping at the doorway of a jungle.
The array of accommodations outside the park reinstated how important it is to respect the wildlife habitats and we couldn’t help but love this distance between the jungles and the humans. This is how the man who inspired its naming, Jim Corbett, wanted it to be. Probably, this is why the world knows Jim Corbett more as a conservationist than as a hunter.
It is true that he was a hunter and that too of tigers, which is a glory of the Corbett National Park, but the killing was never meant for fun. Thus, the fun part at Corbett is strictly restricted to animal spotting only. Credits to the conservation project initiated by the park that went on to win accolades around the globe.
Today, the park boasts of a stable number of Royal Bengal Tigers. But, the amazing world of Corbett is not restricted to tiger spotting only. An elephant safari or a jeep safari across the park gives a real insight into the biodiversity existing inside the park. Although the core areas of the park are confined to the residing wildlife only, the periphery of the park is not less than a wonder to the beholders.
Fortunate we were to behold their world in its purest form. Kumaon Jungles (Uttarakhand)The morning dew coagulating on the green leaves, a deer feeding his fawn, and the priceless jewel of the jungle taking a sun bath-we don’t need to describe, any further, what we saw.
Never did we envisage the charm of a jungle to be so enchanting. Maybe, the morning freshness heightened our satisfaction with the greens but when it comes to appreciating it, we shall never refrain from quoting our best lines for its description. The rest of the trip including our angling trysts and the ideal bird spotting tower was exciting too.
We tried some rock climbing and rappelling as well. No, we aren’t the sort of adventure junkies but going wild at the Corbett was the best excuse to match the pace. Remember the phrase? When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
