Details on Corbett

Inua

Theres a lot of information on Corbette here but I wanted some more specifics as many of you seem to know the area quite well.

We're 2 couples planning on travelling from Delhi to CTR around the 27th of April for around 2 or 3 nights in the reserve. I understand we can take the Raniket Express to Ramnagar, find a cab there which will get us to the reserve. (Firstly is it too late for bookings to even consider the trip?)

1. How long is the journey from the Ramnagar station to the reserve?
2. Is it difficult to find/negotiate a cab from there? and what should it cost us? (without getting robbed)
3. I know Dhikala is popular but liked the seclusion of the Gairal log huts. Who do we contact to go about reservations? (any contact details will be helpful)
4. What are the formalities of getting into the reserve?
5. We'd like to take a few safari's into the forest by elephant or SUV (not with the rest of the tourists), is it readily available at the rest house or should it be organised/reserved before hand?
6. Can we go on foot into the forest/immediate surroundings without becoming cat food?

I know this is a lot of info. to ask but if you know about any of the above please help.

arunchs

Corbett will definitely likely to be well booked in this season.

1. 30 minutes
3. Forest Department for all guesthouses inside the forest. Google for it, it should be easy to find their contact details. Keep in mind that there is no restaurant at Gairal and you will have to make your own arrangement for food.
4. a. You need to book your acco b. You need hire a vehicle to get in. You can take your own vehicle but it has to be a jeep.
5. Once you have an acco in the forest, you anyway have to hire a jeep at your disposal to go around. You need a guide to be with you to go on your own safaris. I know guides are available in Dhikala, no idea about other rest houses. Elephant ride has to be done with other tourists, and I think this is available only to those staying in Dhikala.
6. No. Not allowed.

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ananda2193

Inua

I've managed to get the contact details of the Forest Dept. and am hoping they'll be kind to me at this late stage. Thanks Arunchs for the heads up on the food situation.

One more question. Are the guides and vehicles on hire officially part of the forest department? I guess what I'm trying to get at is, are they trustworthy. Can I book them for two days in a row or is hiring done on a first come first served daily basis.

Thanks also for the link ananda2193. It really sounds like a good alternative. Has anyone tried it and can I have a review of it. If all else fails I'll get in touch with them and save myself the run around.