The Horse: The legendary Marwari, known for its endurance and regal looks, is well-trained and skilled in negotiating the narrow bridle paths in the hills. It also provides a very smooth and fast ride.
The Country: Nainital is situated in the Kumaon region whose thick wooded hills, snow-capped mountains and clear pine-scented air provide respite from the hot, humid plains below. Kumaon’s most famous son is Col. James Edward Corbett, and has been immoritalised in his The Maneaters of Kumoun. Jim Corbett’s love for the forest and sensitivity to the miseries of the simple hill folk were to shape his life as a courageous hunter of the man-eating tigers and leopards that terrorized these villagers. He went on to become a pioneer conservationist, rallying for the cause of the tiger, and little wonder than that the Corbett National Park took on his sobriquet. Befitting then, that you start your journey from here, spending three days spending time getting acquainted with your horse, and riding. This will be coupled with jeep and elephant safaris to enjoy the wildlife of the reserve.
The Experience: The forest rest houses and the Tiger Camp provide sumptuous meals, clean comfortable beds and bathrooms and an ambience that matches the wilderness. The first phase of the ride is easy, through thick peripheral reserve forests of sal. Canter or gallop on the soft tracks, stopping simply to take in the wilderness or to stop and examine whatever catches your fancy. Camping sites provide all the magic of the jungle- the nocturnal sounds, bright starlit skies and tales around a crackling camp fire. The second phase of the ride begins the ascent into the hills. It provides the thrilling adventure of an uphill climb on narrow bridle paths, breathtaking views across rising hills, valleys and gorges and the changing vegetation at every turn. The lodge at Pangot provides great comfort after a good day’s riding. The descent into Betalghat is equally dramatic.
Day 1
Drive to Tiger Camp in the morning in a private car from Delhi. After lunch you will be taken for a guided walk around the village to experience the terrain, meet the locals and your team and your horse. Overnight stay in a cottage.
Day 2
Commence on your horse safari in the foot hills of the Himalayas. You will follow the Ramganga River that will lead you to Riverine Woods Lodge that is set deep inside Corbett Tiger Reserve. Lunch will be en route. If you wish, you may opt for Mahseer angling here. This is also a great place for birding. Overnight stay is at the lodge.
Day 3
Today you will follow the footsteps of Jim Corbett who used this trail regularly to ride to Sitabani Forest Rest House. Lunch en route. The forest rest house will be our base for further activity. The birdlife is fantastic here. Overnight stay in fully serviced tents.
Day 4
Ride to Dachauri Forest Rest House. This ride takes us through the heart of the forest and area where Corbett spent considerable time, and wrote about in his book The Temple Tiger. Overnight stay in fully serviced tents. The camp is in a beautiful setting with a backdrop of the hills and the plains spread out in front.
Day 5
Begin your safari into the Himalayas and ascend to Pangot, riding up through the hills to fantastic picturesque site. Packed lunch will be had en route. Overnight stay at Pangot Birding Lodge.
Day 6
The lodge is our base for today’s activity - resume your riding adventure in deodar and oak forest, with an opportunity to view fauna of higher altitudes. You may also ride up to Cheena Peak for breath-taking views of the Himalayas. Overnight stay at Pangot Lodge.
Day 7
Visit Nainital, the favourite summer resort during the days of the Raj and equally popular today. Activities include boat ride in the Naini lake, shopping for handicrafts, hand-knit woolens at the Tibetan bazaar. After lunch, we drive to Kathgodam to board our train for Delhi/Agra/Varanasi.
We would be happy to customize your tour. Please email your requirements to mohit@habitathotels.in
