The Freedom of the Open Road is Serendipitous, and Liberating

We kick off our adventure on the open road with this inspiring quote. When the call of the open road meets the allure of nature . And having 6-7 days of leisure at your disposal. What better way to spend it than ? Road Tripping to the vast expanse of Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone to serene Paharpani, Nainital with your trusty four-wheeler.

BOOKING FOR JIM CORBETT

We embarked on our journey from Delhi to the enchanting Jim Corbett Dhikala zone. Securing a reservation for inside government accommodation is a tedious task (we booked a forest guest house Serpdhuli in Dhikala). Entry is from Dhangadi Gate this destination poses a challenge due to the exclusively online booking process. Availability is contingent upon specific dates, adding an element of unpredictability. It’s important to note that one booking accommodates up to four individuals. To ensure a seamless experience, consult their official website for comprehensive details on the booking procedure.

Brushstrokes of wonder

Winter Road Tripping to Nature’s Canvas. Experience the enchantment of winter as it weaves magical scenes with the picturesque Ramganga River. And creating a breathtaking backdrop of foggy and cloudy morning.

Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone is in the northern part of the National Park in Uttarakhand, India.  Jim Corbett Dhikala (Sarpdhuli) earns its reputation for the forest rest houses it provides. Offering accommodation options right in the heart of the park. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural setting and experience wildlife up close.

Welcome to the Artistry in Wild

 Experience the enchanting winter scenery of Jim Corbett Dhikala zone with this captivating collage. While the Jim Corbett Dhikala zone forest guest house (Sarpdhuli) offers a rustic charm. And it’s essential to note that the amenities are quite basic, considering the relatively high charges. If you’re a nature enthusiast seeking a genuine camping experience, this might be the perfect stay for you. However, be prepared for a simple setup with no hot water, tea kettle, or similar inconveniences. It’s akin to camping, so remember to bring all your essential equipment for a comfortable stay.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure in the heart of the Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone. Where the morning safari offers unparalleled opportunities to spot various animals and birds. Staying at Jim Corbett Dhikala zone you gain a strategic advantage by arriving early in the core of Corbett jungle.

Day 1 stories from Jim Corbett Dhikala zone Jungle

1:- During our first morning safari ,we were treated to a rare glimpse of a tigress with her adorable cubs hidden in the bushes during our first morning safari. Witnessing this fleeting moment heightened our appreciation for the cautious nature of tigresses with cubs. Which prompts the mother to retreat deeper into the lush foliage.

2:- Our subsequent safari, we were treated to the breathtaking sight of various raptors soaring high in the sky. Nature always surprises you. And while aiming my camera at Kingfisher bird , suddenly my eyes caught an eagle skillfully catching fish.

3:-Our evening safari comes to an end but Jungle owlet jumps over the branch to give us a full glimpse.

Day 2 stories from Jim Corbett Dhikala zone jungle

1:- One of the most awe-inspiring moments was witnessing a Gharial in the Ramganga River. We mistook it for a crocodile. But on closer observation, our guide pointed out the distinctive pot-like structure on its face. Which revealing it to be a Gharial.

2:- As winter embraced the surroundings, we were fortunate to witness a mesmerizing murmuration of birds. Unfortunately, I missed capturing this magical moment by mere seconds. The swift disappearance of the birds left me in awe, highlighting the challenges of wildlife photography.

3:- Interesting aspect of our evening safari is the crossing of the Ramganga River. Where the Bird Plumbeous water Redstart consistently puts on a captivating show for us. It happens at the same log and around the same time every evening.

4:- Suddenly, a melodic bird Blue whistling thrush call captures our attention, echoing through the air as the feathered creature hops from branch to branch. It seems to be relishing the moment, perhaps indicating to its avian companions that evening is approaching and it’s time to return.

Day 3 stories from Jim Corbett Dhikala zone jungle

1:- In the heart of the jungle, a sudden flutter of wings or the gentle rustling of leaves can captivate your attention in the profound silence. We were fortunate to spot a magnificent green woodpecker. And these avian wonders are incredibly swift and elusive. Successfully capturing their essence through my lens posed a formidable challenge, one that I proudly overcame.

2:- As we were enjoying the sunshine in the grassland it revealed its hidden treasures, with the tusker and various bird species creating a picturesque scene. Our patience rewards us, where the tusker and the birds coexist in a harmonious dance of nature.

We completed our three days with six safaris and enjoyed every scene, bird, habitat, and river bank. Barking Deer, Barasingha ,Jackal family glimpses makes beautiful frame.The breathtaking landscape beauty of Jim Corbett-Dhikala zone is a hidden gem within this national park, leaving an indelible mark on my heart.

Day 4 Paharpani, Nanital An Offbeat Destination

On the fourth day, we embarked on a journey to the completely offbeat destination of Paharpani, Nainital. It was a 3 1/2-hour drive from Corbett. It took us 45 minutes to navigate out from the Jim Corbett Dhikala zone. Followed by an additional three-and-a-half-hour drive to our new destination. Opting for a homestay owned by a friend, from an army background. Paharpani, Nainital exuded a genuine mountain vibe. There was no hustle and bustle, only the melodious chirps of birds. I must say, this place is a birder’s paradise.

Mountain Story

We arrived at Paharpani ,Nainital by lunchtime, traversing picturesque roads surrounded by lush greenery and scenic nature throughout the journey. In the captivating scenery right in front of us, a Ramphal (fruit) tree takes center stage. Laden with fruits and stripped of leaves, it creates a truly artistic spectacles. Acting as a natural runway, this distinctive tree attracts a various type of birds. Weather it’s the early birds drawn by sunrise, those embarking on an afternoon excursion or those revealing in the beauty of sunset. Every avian visitor contributes its own charm to the vibrant display.

The homestay in Paharpani, Nainital is enveloped by towering Deodar trees, creating a dense jungle atmosphere with crisp, pure oxygen. Situated at an elevation exceeding 7000 feet above sea level. This location offers breathtaking views of beautiful snow-capped peaks. We were lucky to see it all. Sunrise makes all misty scenes into dreamy place frame by frame.

Avian Presence:

We were captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and the tranquil atmosphere of Paharpani. We encountered a variety of birds not commonly seen elsewhere, prompting me to consult Google and other merlin websites for their identities. One gracious lady introduced us to a particular bird White-Throated Laughing Thrush. And it’s the evening around four, explaining that its presence indicates an impending snowfall. To a certain extent, this statement holds true. As the temperature drops to minus two degrees. And frosted mist emerges and blanketing both the ground and branches.

Our enchanting three days in the idyllic Paharpani , Nainital setting, we immersed ourselves in melodic chirps and were captivated by the visuals of numerous avian species. Among the birds that graced us with their presence were the Long-tailed shrike, streak-throated woodpecker, Black headed Jay, Blue whistling thrush, Red-billed Blue Magpie, streaked Laughing Thrush, Red-capped rock thrush, Himalayan Bulbul, and Striated Laughing Thrush.

On the seventh day of our journey, we embarked on the return trip to Delhi, a seven-hour drive that included a brief pit stop in Haldwani for snacks and a quick bite.

The journey back was marked by the captivating experience of a jungle drive and the invigorating vibes of mountainous roads. The road trip proved to be truly engaging and added a unique dimension to our travel adventures.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024. WAIT FOR MORE NATURE STORIES