Excursion – Glamp Echo Corbett

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand and was named after Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment. The park was the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative.
Jim Corbett National Park was chosen as the venue for the inauguration of the ‘Save the Tigers’ project in India. Launched in 1973, one primary intent of Project Tiger is to maintain nature’s ecological balance and conserve existing ecosystems. The project aims to foster a natural connection between the wildlife & flora of national parks and sanctuaries and the humans living nearby. It also promotes environmental awareness and preservation efforts.

Corbett Tiger Reserve (Sonanadi zone)

Pakhro is the new entry gate for Corbett Tiger Reserve (Sonanadi zone). Sonanadi comes under the Corbett National Park. Visitors can enter it from the Pakhro entry gate. It takes a 30-minutes drive from Kotdwar. It is just near Pakhro Forest Rest House.

It is 2-3 hours safari by Jeep, in which you can experience Jungle of this side of Corbett. The region is mainly famous for the Tigers, Elephant, Leopard and many more wild animals. Main transport options around the reserve are jeeps safaris. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the Reserve forest, and this is one point to note while taking up a trip to Tiger Reserve.

At Pakhro you can get the chance of viewing Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Wild Boar, tiger, leopard, Barking deer, Goral Two kinds of Bears Himalayan Black and Sloth, and over 200 bird species makes Kalagarh Tiger Reserve a perfect wild lifesafari and bird watching destination.

Lansdowne

Lansdowne is a quaint little hill town located at a distance of 258 km from Delhi in Pauri district of Uttarakhand. Laden with oak and pine forest and dotted with buildings of the colonial era, this hill station is a haven for bird watchers, casual hikers and weekenders from NCR.

Lansdowne doesn’t have a huge number of tourist attractions, but the ones it does have offer experiences you will not get anywhere else. The most prominent tourist spot in Lansdowne is Tip-n-Top (also known as Tiffin Top), which is a hilltop in Lansdowne that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the mist-shrouded Shivalik range. Surrounded by towering oak and pine forests, this hilltop viewpoint is an amazing place to view sunrises and sunsets. An artificial lake named Bhulla Taal, a little away from the hilltop, is a popular bird-watching spot, and it offers boat rides as well. Another hilltop viewpoint in Lansdowne that tourists frequent is Hawaghar, which, as the name suggests, is a place where you can feel the cold mountain air blowing through your hair as you look out towards the snow-capped Himalayan mountain peaks.

Sidhbali Temple

Sidhbali temple is located on the banks of khoh river in kotdwara. It is a historic temple dedicated to lord Hanuman. In the name sidhbali Sidh means ascetic and bali means valour. Sidhbali temple is the place of faith and devotion for many great saints (Sidh). Sidhbali temple is also a sacred pilgrimage for Nath community because guru Gorakhnath, the Nath Guru meditated here for several years. Kotdwar Sidhbali Dham is one of the 84 peethas. It is said that Lord Hnauman have given Guru Gorakhnath darshan here. The temple is situated on the small hill on the banks of the Garahwali Khoh river. Sidhbali temple is the most famous place to visit in Kotdwara.

The temple is painted in the deep orange color as it is said to be the favorite color of Lord Hanuman ji. The idol of Lord Hanuman is standing tall on a cliff, surrounded by the wonderful view of the Garhwal Himalayas. Inside the Sidhbali temple there are two Pindis (sacred stones) one is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and other one is dedicated to Guru Gorakhnath ji, both of which are praise on their own in ancient times.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

At a distance of 37 km from Lansdowne and 69 km from Kotdwar, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple situated in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Located atop a hill at an elevation of 2092 m, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is believed to be one of the ancient holy sites known as Siddha Piths dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the famous temples of Uttarakhand state.

According to the legend, Tarkasur was a demon who meditated and worshiped Lord Shiva at this location for a boon. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva gave him a boon of immortality as per Tarkasur request except from Lord Shiva’s son. Tarkasur started being evil by killing saints and threatening gods. Sages asked for help from Lord Shiva. Disturbed by wrong doings of Tarkasur, Lord Shiva married Parvati and Kartikeya is born. Kartikeya soon killed Tarkasur but at the time of death Tarkasur makes prayer to Lord Shiva and asked for pardon. Mahadev then attached his name to the temple where Tarkasur meditated once. Hence the place named as Tarkeshwar Mahadev.

Kanva Rishi Ashram

Located 42km away from the holy city Haridwar on the banks of Malini River is the eminent Kanva Rishi Ashram. Lying amidst the huge forest and lush greenery one has to trek down to the Ashram. The Ashram is located 200km in west of Delhi in the Uttarakhand district and can be easily reached by means of local transport. However positioned on the outskirts of Haridwar one has to walk for most part of the journey. For nature lovers Kanva Rishi ashram is a perfect retreat. The place promises to offer serenity and liberation that is far-off from the bustling city life.

Needless to state, it is a quick gateway where one can eliminate all his tensions and worries. According to popular myths the name of the Ashram is associated with a Rishi, Kanav who is believed to be the chancellor of karnavashram. It was a place where more than 10,000 students used to study about the Vedas and teachings of their gurus. So those who wish to take pleasure in its soothing environs, make sure you visit the place during your trip to Haridwar.Another popular outing from Haridwar is the Kanva Rishi Ashram, located at a distance of approximately 42 km. It is built on the banks of river Malini, on the way to Kotdwar. The path to this ashram is along a dense forest, providing an exciting experience for the adventure-lovers. This is a serene place, in the lap of nature, away from the hush-bush of cities.