Corbett - Land of Tigers!

Weekend getaways are just getting interesting day by day for us. This time, a trip to Corbett for 2 nights in May was just a dream come true ! With the climate so dry and humid, with heat waves running all through, there was nothing which stopped us from going to Corbett. A six hour drive from Delhi, with a stopover at Bikanerwala (at Gajraula) for breakfast, we reached our final destination at excatly 11:40 am. Our stay was destined at Nadiya Padao, Dhikuli district, Ramnagar.

No words to simply describe this word. Surrounded by a cluster of mango trees and the raw mangoes hanging down the trees was a sight not to miss. My daughters were just not tired piucking the mangoes. After freshening up, we headed to the dining area for lunch. With a lavish spread out and mouth watering menus, we definitely felt all the more hungry. The only person not to enjoy was my husband due to a stomach upset. But nothing stopped me from having and enjoying my lunch to the fullest. I ate like a king??! After lunch, we did not feel like moving out. later, we headed to seek the blessings of Girija Devi, situated just 5 minutes from our resort. This temple was washed out by flood waters and found its place where it is standing now! The temple steps were very steep with just one person walking at a time. With the Kosi river flowing by, this place was surely sacred. In the evening, after a round of snacks which included mixed pakodas and potato wedges in the room, we all headed towards the pool.



We are not regular swimmers, but behaved as one! The cool water of the pool was much needed. We were all freshened up after the swim. After watching movie playedby the resort on Jim Corbett, we then proceeded for dinner which was again very delicious. 

Day 2, the most awaited day was one we would like to recollect each time. This trip, being a wildlife trip, we were eager to catch that one glimpse of the TIGER! Our jeep safari was scheduled at 5.30 a.m. from the resort. We all were ready for the safari, and left the place on time. We were given entry from Birjani gate . 

Our eagerness and that thirst to see the tiger grew more and more as the time passed. At 7:40 am, a group of 3 jeeps gathered at a place asking us to wait and be silent. Finally we spotted a tigress resting behind a thick layer of grass not ready to show its beauty to anyone. Soon, a jeep from the other side disturbed the tigress due to its sound. The tigress moved from its place, crossed the road and moved uphill. This was a scenenot ti be missed! Never seen a tiger/tigress so close, just 50 metres from us. Its magnificient beauty, its cat walk was one I could not stop relishing and talking about. 




We were dot on time for the breakfast. Though we had planned to go to Kaldungi waterfalls and the Corbett museum, the weather just did not allow us. We were totally soaked up and decided to rest at place. In the evening, we again went for a safari, this time Elephant!My kids totally enjoyed the this safari and wished the safari did not end. Though we did not spot a tiger this time, we could spot a huge python resting after eating it prey. I must say, the forest was too thick and dense with its vegetation. A variety of butterflies was eye-catching! Its a must place for butterfly lovers. Day 2 also passed off very quickly. This was one trip my daughter cherised and did not wanted to come back. I guess, its the same with all. We then left for Ghaziabad on day 3 with a stopover at Sagar Ratna for a quick lunch and reached our sweet home in the evening for a home made cup of tea!

This place is highly recommended for people wanting to discover wildlife!

Two Chimneys, Gethia.

Our last moment cancellation to the trip to Dharamshala due to some unwanted chaos created by the hotelier, led to this most deserving and welcoming place called Gethia in the Nainital district, amidst the beautiful mountains. Gethia is nature's true wonders! To some, who have not heard much about this place, it is located 16 kms from the city of Nainital. Person travelling to Nainital should visit Two Chimneys, an old British bungalow (acquired by Mr. Tarun Tejpal) converted to a resort with a total of seven rooms only. so beware to book it early if you want to experience the nature at its best! One would never be disappointed to be at this "Home away from Home".

Two Chimneys, Gethia

Our seven hour drive to Gethia from Ghaziabad, was a journey which I would never like to forget admist the beautiful mountains, scenic beauty and a pleasant weather coupled with some bad stretch of road towards Bajpur and no motels along the highway! Thankfully, we had taken idlis and snacks with us which saved our efforts to search for a motel. On reaching Two chimneys, we freshened up and straight away headed for lunch as we were all down with hunger pangs. The food was welcoming and well served with Phulkas, Dum Aloo, Palak Paneer, Kadi  Pakoda, Rice, Papad and salad. The lunch was well prepared and homely. After having lunch, we headed back to our room and noticed it to the fullest. We stayed in "The Goat Shed" (the room's name) which is quite approachable to the dining area, the pool , the common room and the main entrance. A family of 2+2 can be easily accommodated and is well designed too! It seems, in the British days, this room was actually a home to the goats. And hence the name "Goat Shed" was derived!

None of the rooms have television and one would not feel to have one! This place is well stocked with books in their library for those who are voracious reader. With a cup of tea in one hand, and a book on the other, one could easily get into thoughts with a peace of mind. For a family person like me, where kids play an important role, and the need to keep them busy, is taken care as well! There is a common room which provides one with a television, and indoor game activities like table tennis and snooker. A beautiful and a big lawn is a place where kids can enjoy to the fullest. My beautiful daughters had a gala of time playing pakdam pakdai, badminton , lazing and bullying each other which is their favourite past time. On the other hand, I and my husband preferred to play badminton which lasted for hours together. For those, who do not carry their own badminton kit, the property provides one..As the day passed and the sun was ready to set, the chilling wind blew the way it could freeze anyone. We headed back to the room straight inside the blanket to get the warmth just before we were called for the dinner. We were served with Burmese food which was introduced by Mrs. Tejpal who was indeed inspired by one of her trips to Burma. For foodies, this is one authentic try!
Sitting besides the bonfire braving the cold weather, having dinner was fun to end it up with dessert, Banofee Pie! We then proceeded to hit the bed. The day was a package of pleasant moments. 

On the next day, I tried my hands at birding. No, I am not a regular birder. Inspired by my husband, I woke up early while he was still in bed after the hectic drive. I was happy to click some unusual birds not so commonly found in the city. To name a few were the Khalij Pheasant (male), Red and Yellow billed Magpie, Oriental Turtle Dove,Black lored tit, Green backed tit, White throated kingfisher, Common kingfisher, Black headed jay,Blue whistling thrush,Tree sparrow, White throated laughing thrush, Spotted dove etc. Most of which was identified by Naveen. I was quite satisfied with myself. I was excited to find the above said birds with my naked eyes. My hubby has asked me to take this as a passion. The only question is, Can I?

After the breakfast, we decided to drive down to Sattal and Naukuchiatal. An equally scenic place, Sattal is a place not to be missed! I am sure no one would have seen such a serene place in one's life. It was spiritual, divine and aesthetic! The lake is surrounded by lush green mountains. If you are just two of you, you can try your hands at canoeing arranged at the lake. One of the nature's best creation , worth a visit! However, we decided to go boating!

We then proceeded to Naukuchiatal, another lake in the district of Nainital. On the way to Naukuchiatal is Bhimtal, which we gave a miss! Naukuchiatal is equally serene and we did some boating here. By this time, my younger daughter started throwing tantrums and we were forced to end up boating which we did for half an hour and proceeded for lunch at the Lake Resort, situated at the banks of Naukuchiatal. The food served here was very homely. Beware of the monkeys at this place as you never know what they are up to! Post lunch, I and my daughter, Vaishnavi tried our hands dressing up as a Kumaoni mother & daughter. The outcome was great. We both were shy enough to face the others..On the way back, we bought two bottles of Buransh juice, famous and made in Uttarakhand. Just cant stop having one after the other!

Back after the outing, tried my hands at table tennis. I was a first timer. Believe me! My husband was my mentor who taught me to play. In few minutes, I was at it. Bingo! Still not a perfectionist. Will surely play more of it ! Finally the dinner time and it was continental. I am not a fan of continental food though it was not bad at all! More families had dropped in at the resort. At the end of the day, my daughter Vaishnavi made two greeting cards. One for the Manager, Mrs. Manju and the other for the staff. She had a great time and so did we! Wished the trip did not get over. Wished we could stay more!

We headed back to Ghaziabad after breakfast. An heated argument with Naveen over a small issue may be a sign of ending the journey, which we thought could be otherwise extended someway or the other.

An highly recommended place to prefer who prefer to stay "Home Away From Home" . A warm hospitality, excellent food and a wonderful team at Two Chimneys. Two Chimneys, Gethia is a place you would never want to give a miss!

Good bye for now.
Do visit http://twochimneysgethia.com