Thursday, August 28, 2008

Corbett River Resort









The most ordinary looking Corbett River Resort is arguably the best river side resort in Corbett. We have talked a lot about resorts by the Kosi River but this one is by the magnificent and also the backbone of Corbett, River Ramganga. Beautiful views of the valley (ghaati), extraordinary greenery, and a great waterfront give Corbett River Resort a perfect setting to be a host to wildlife enthusiasts.

Accommodation: In total, the resort boasts of 32 riverview rooms including Air Cooled Safari Tents, A/C Deluxe & Superior Rooms. The truth is that rooms are very basic but still offer an excellent view of the river and extremely spacious and comfortable. I lalso iked their Safari tents which are more or less like a room with concrete floor and attached bathroom. Please note these tents are air cooled and not air conditioned.

Service: All their guys are dressed in a jungle attire but fail to deliver best service...But they are not bad either. For the location, you can go for it.

Recreational Facilities: The resort offers a great swimming pool which offers excellent views of a bigger Pool - Ramganga. They also have Table tennis, Badminton and a Cricket kit. Ramganga is known as a fishing lodge and some people have done really with their rods in the past. You can hire fishing rods from the resort and they will also arrange a fishing permit for you. Always remember - The catch and release style :-)

Location: The resort's location is a big plus for most and negative for a few who think its far from Bijrani. Its about 25 kms from Bijrani and it takes a while for you to get to Bijrani, but then you always have an option of doing safari from the nearby gate. I honestly dont agree with that idea and believe Ramganga is one place which will give you the best feel of a jungle resort. Please note there is no cell phone connectivity at Ramganga and its not meant for those who still want to be connected to the world. Only BSNL works...And works like a typical sarkaari telecom company. So dont pin up hopes :-)

Tariff: Since the resort is marketed by Welcom Heritage (ITC), the rates are little bit on a higher side. The season rate effective October for a A/C Deluxe Room is Rs. 7,000/- per night Inclusive of all meals and taxes. Still less for the gorgeous and most beautiful river, Ramganga!

Tarangi - Rejuvenate Yourself



Tarang in hindi means wave. Tarangi in Corbett literally means waves of rejuvanation. The only Yoga & Spa resort in Corbett, Tarangi has been recently taken over by the owners of Tiger Camp. Spread over roughly 13 acres of river front land, Tarangi boasts of commanding views of River Kosi and the mountains. At Tarangi, you have a great option of reconnecting with Nature and completely unwinding yourself to the tunes of river music.
Accommodation: They have 21 A/C cottages in different categories - River view, Mountain view and Garden View. Stayed at the River View cottage and trust me you cant get closer than this. What I really liked apart from the phenomenal river view was the way these cottages allow so much of air and light to come into your room. Fitted with all modern amenities, the rooms at Tarangi are extremely delightful and built with perfection.
Service: Tarangi has employed local villagers to encourage employment in the region and I found these guys very sweet. With "Hanji" all the time on their lips, they will run around to the fullest to please you...their "Atithi".
Recreational Facilities: Promoted as a Yoga retreat, one can definitely go for some basic exercises of Yoga while at Tarangi. Since most of the people go to Corbett for not more than 3 days, its quite a refreshing experience to be doing Yoga by the river and in lap of the Himalayas. They do not have any recreational facilities but do encourage guests to display their skills and interests by organising a gardening workshop and cookery classes etc.
Location: Superior river front location in Dhikuli area.
Attractions: A nice Swimming pool with a good river and jungle view.
Tariffs: The base category starts at Rs. 5,500/- Plus Tax per night for a couple inclusive of all meals. Worth it!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Infinity Resort Corbett







If I trust Infinity's claim of being the most happening resort in Corbett, I will be sadly mistaken. Its probably one of those commercial resorts in Corbett buzzing with tourists and Corporate get togethers. If its "happening" for you, then just go for it. Well, I have come across a lot of people who want to go to a resort which is full of people...beats me but that's how they are. So if you are one of those, please look no further and go to Infinity Resort!

Accommodation: Though the rooms are river facing, they still lack appeal and cant attract anyone. Honestly the rooms at Infinity Resort are very basic for their price. They tried making the resort like an African Jungle Lodge but failed miserably. Didnt like their tiled walls inside the room. However the room was spacious and comfortable.

Service: The service was okay...Nothing great. Something that you ll get in any resort...Not a speciality here in Infinity.

Recreational Facilities: This is the only area where Infinity Resort can score some points. Liked their Swimming Pool which is quite huge in size. Also liked their activity centre where theyhave arrangements for TT, Pool, Chess, Carrom, etc. Like Corbett Hideaway they also have a Library but its not as well stocked as Hideaway but definitely shows the initiative. They also conduct a visit to the wildlife conservation centre which I feel is a great idea of educationg people about Conservation of wildlife and eco-tourism.

Location: Conveniently located in Garjia, Infinity's biggest strength is Kosi River. Located very close to Tiger Camp.
Tariff: Their published rate is Rs. 7000/- plus Tax per double room per night inclusive of all meals. That's surely on a higher side....Roughly the same as Corbett Hideaway and double of Tiger Camp. Your wish you still wanna check-in :)

Monday, August 25, 2008

Tiger Camp Corbett








Tiger Camp is arguably one of the best properties in Corbett with very reasonable package rates. Tiger Camp is situated on the banks of river Kosi amidst a lot of greenery. The newly refurbished Tiger Camp offers Air conditioned Deluxe cottages, Superior Rooms and Standard Cottages with all modern amenities that one would look out for.


Accommodation: I have to agree that Tiger Camp rooms are fabulous and I was very much impressed to see the greenery outside my room. The rooms are very spacious and come with attached bath. I stayed in the Deluxe Cottage with a small living room and kept wondering on Tiger Camp's package rates. Excellent and affordable stay!


Service: I strongly believe that Tiger Camp thrives on its service. The staff is extremely helpful and will go out of the way to make your stay memorable.


Recreational Facilities: This is one area where Tiger Camp needs to improve. Please note there is no Swimming Pool in Tiger Camp and I did not come across any recreational facility as well. They want people to enjoy nature and do the best activity in Jungle - Safari. recently heard that they are coming up with the Swimming Pool shortly. I ll let you know as soon as I hear from them :-)


Location: Tiger Camp is located on the highway in village Dhikuli about 6 kms from Bijrani Jungle Gate. Its located on the banks of river Kosi but there is no river view from the resort.


Attractions: The thatched Gol Ghar is beautiful and serves excellent food.


Tariffs: That's a major plus point of Tiger Camp. A 2 Nights package for a couple inclusive of all meals starts at Rs. 6,222/- plus Tax. That's awesome and a very low price to pay for such comfortable stay.

The Corbett Hideaway







Spread over 13 acres of river front space and within a Mango grove in Garjia, Corbett Hideaway is one of the oldest and most talked about resort in Corbett Country. Their cottages with open air sit-out area will always remind you of childhood days when you used to climb up that "aam ka ped" and pluck mangoes...And trust me the mangoes here are ripe and always in front of you ;-)

Overall Resort: Previously known as Claridges Hideaway, the resort has certainly lived upto its name. Lot of greenery, trees all around you, a nice sprawling lawn coupled with a beautiful swimming pool, open air restaurants and a bar, The Corbett Hideaway is definitely the finest in Corbett. Moreover I always felt there is some class in this resort...A resort which very well knows what they are selling and why. I loved their High Bank restaurant which is an open deck overlooking the Kosi river and full of life.

Accommodation: They have 52 cottages in total and I really liked their newly built Superior Cottages. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable.

Service: I fail to understand how their service standards are so superior than any other resort. The staff is very friendly and you are treated like a king. Their sales and service definitely works...You get more than what you are promised.

Reacreational Facilities: Library, Swimming Pool, Snooker, Table Tennis, Cricket, Badminton and Fishing.

Location: Location is obviously good...It is located on the highway, by the Kosi River and close to the Bijrani Jungle Gate...What else can you ask for?

Attractions at Corbett Hideaway:
1. Jim's Grill House: A thatched outdoor restaurant which serves mouth watering buffet meals.
2. Library: If you like reading and coffee...This is a perfect place for you. They have a very good collection of books on topics related to Tigers, Sanctuaries, etc.
3. Swimming Pool: The pool at Corbett Hideaway is absolutely fantastic...You would certainly like to take a dip.
4. Fishing: The is a small natural Mahaseer pool close to the resort where you can go and do fishing...Always remember, the catch and release style :)

Tariffs: Corbett Hideaway definitely comes for a price. But you know what...Its worth it! The base cottage starts at about Rs. 6,000/- per night with breakfast. Go for it if you can afford...Else I ll show you some lighter ones :)

Cobett Hideaway is also very famous for Corporate programs and most of the times during season its sold out. Please book in advance incase you want more than 2 units.