Suggested Travel Itinerary in Kumaon for 2 girls during Holi

Hey y'all,

While this is my first post, I have frequented these forums often in the past and I have benefited immensely from the wealth of information that is available here. So, thanks so much!

I am travelling with a friend of mine to Kumaon for about 5 days (20th to 24th March). We are taking the Ranikhet Express from Delhi and should be reaching Kathgodam on 20th Morning. We have both seen Nainital and since we just have 5 days, we figured we would see Kasauni and Corbett.

I had a couple of questions, that I could use some help on:

1.Considering we are two women travelling amidst the Holi frenzy, is it better to do Corbett on 21st and 22nd and then head to Kasauni right after Holi? I reckon Corbett is safer during this time than Kasauni.
2.If that's case, is there any place round about Corbett which we can visit on 20th?
3.Also, is there any place which we absolutely shouldn't miss in this area?

Thanks!

In the hills Holi celebration is not much rowdy as in cities in the plains. Tourists are seldom bothered. On your journey from Kathgodam to Corbett you may expect a couple of colour filled balloons thrown but out of Kathgodam I don't forsee any problem.
I hope the safari operators don't close down their operation on 21st. to celebrate Holi. Dikhala is the best place to stay at Corbett and advance booking is necessary.
Kausani is a quaint place, no hassle there too.

Oh, that's a relief

Also, is Kathgodam close to both Corbett and Kasauni? I read that Ramnagar is closest railway station to Corbett. But not sure whether the Ranikhet Express goes through Ramnagar.

In any case, can we get cabs/shared cabs to Corbett or Kasauni from Kathgodam?

Kasauni is supposed to have cycle tours for 1 or 2 days, according to LP. Anyone has tried this?

I love that side of the country!

Went about a year ago for 5 days myself (took our own car) and just could not get enough.Its one of my fav haunts now when i wanna chill..long walks, lots of reading etc.

We went to Ramgarh , Mukteshwar, the lake area (nainital, sattal, bhimtal etc) and also to Ranikheth and Machkhali....

All of them are very quiet ,laid back places...so im not sure how to differentiate them for you..or to recommend something...

Traffic normally ceases after dark in the mountains but these places are much safer than the cities so there is nothing to worry about.

Ranikhet Express : One part of the train goes to Kathgodam and the other part goes to Ramnagar.

I've been trying to book at Dhikala, but I am facing a dead end everywhere. All the places inside the reserve seems to be booked, thanks to the long weekend.

Called Ramnagar (05947-251376), but was turned away saying everything is full for the whole month of March. Tried calling 251489, but there was no response. (Guess it's the same office anyway). The contact numbers at Dehradun also redirected me to the same numbers.

Is there any other way to get across to these guys? Are there any numbers for contacting Khinnanauli/Sarapduli/Gairal Rest Houses? How are these places for staying? I heard that there might not be electricity in these rest houses? Is that true?

Sorry for the whole host of rambling questions. But half of the experience of visiting a sanctuary is living in the middle of it. I did check up at the KMVN accomodation at Ramnagar and that's still available. Is that the best I would have to live with?

P.S - Thanks again for all the help!