HIKING TOUR

November & March are also mating season for the Royal Bengal Tiger and these majestic animals could be heard calling in the jungles of the Corbett, which opens on 15 November each year.

Your arrival in Delhi is marked by a warm reception by our representatives and over the next day, you shall be given a feel of Delhi and the heritage walk in the Old Delhi Bazaar shall be a highlight of your stay in this city.

Your next port of call is Shimla and you shall put up for the next three nights at the Oberois Wildflower Hall – “Situated at 8,250 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, rebuilt to a new magnificence, Wildflower Hall recreates the grand style of the colonial era. Wood panelling and original artwork create an aura of old world charm. Teak wood floors, hand knotted rugs and rich furnishings complemented by spectacular views make the rooms very special retreats”. One of the most delightful ways of spending your time at the Wildflower Hall is to take to the hiking trails around the water catchment area of Shimla and a wonderful introduction to the flora and fauna of this region.

Corbett National Park is home to more that 500 of the bird species and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. One of the highlight of your visit to this park is that you stay inside it and listen to the animals calling at night!

Your next destinations are the village walks in Almora. Some of the highlights of these tours are hiking through terraced wooded foothills, views of snow-clad Himalayas, insight into the Kumaoni village culture and overnights in local traditional homesteads. Rooms are on the first floor of the two-storied brightly coloured, houses, often with balconies and terraced areas. Wooden shuttered windows and doors protect you from the elements as you relax on comfortable sprung mattresses!

Bathroom facilities are basic – an outdoor washhouse, contains western flushing toilets and hot bucket baths, surprisingly refreshing, morning and evening.

Dinners are cooked over household fires. All meals are prepared to very high standards of hygiene using purified water and fresh village-grown ingredients including herbs and spices. Dinner is served under the stars and though differing in the various villages, consists of Rice, Dhal (lentils), pumpkin or mutton-curry, cheese, ladyfingers & chapattis (Indian bread). Yoghurt comes from the village buffaloes. Beer, wines and spirits are available and for dessert there’s sweet pua (cakes made of banana & semolina) or wheat pudding!
Tentative Itinerary