The most famous tiger reserve of India stretches over a large area some of which is open to tourists, and the rest being the prohibited core area. The open char grasslands of Corbett on both sides of the Ramganga river, are ideal habitat for elephants, deer and tigers. The clusters of forest around are also where the tigers hide and catch their prey. The suspense of roaming around the forest in a jeep the whole day, building up to the final climax of sighting a tiger, is like being in a movie. Of course, many are also disappointed, but you have to take it in a good spirit.

Sightings of large herds of elephants are absolutely guaranteed. The females and young roam the riverbanks, under the leadership of a matriarch; while the lone tuskers hover around in the periphery. It is a common experience to suddenly encounter a tusker on your safari - at such moments you should maintain complete silence and wait for the tusker to leave. But if he decides to charge, the driver has to beat a hasty retreat. Since you have to compulsorily go in licensed jeeps with a guide, they know exactly how to mange such situations.

An elephant safari is a must-do in Corbett. These can be booked from the main tourist centre inside the park at Dhikala, morning and evening. The panoramic view of the grasslands from elephant back, gives you a real advantage in spotting the animals. If you want to be in the heart of the wildlife area, book the government accommodation at Dhikala, Khinanauli, Gairal and Sarpduli. Staying here also grants you the permission to move around the entire park. There are many luxury resorts outside the park at Ramnagar, but these are more for enjoying a leisure holiday with good food, swimming pools, etc. Entry to people staying here is restricted to Bijrani and Jhirna, limiting your chances of seeing wildlife. However, people have been lucky here too!.

RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK

On the outskirts of Dehradoon is the Rajaji National Park. In fact you have to drive down a road that cuts through the park to reach Doon. The Rajaji experience is all about driving through dense deciduous forest and crossing large dry riverbeds that criss-cross the park. In the monsoons these flood the entire area, and the park is closed to visitors. Elephants reign supreme in this area, and the lucky ones can see a tiger or two.  Among deer, you can see sambhar, chital and barking deer; also wild boar, leopards and sloth bear.