Corbett National Park-30th Dec 08 to 1st Jan 09

We started around 3 from Noida to Corbett, but it was one big big wrong decision. By the time we hit garhmukteshwar, and had our evening meal at Bhajan restaurant, which is supposed to be the good one on this highway, it was already dark. However, the spirits were high, and we were looking forward for the 31st evening at Corbett. This is by far , the worst highway I have ever traveled. The only consistent thing about this highway is the complete takeover of Mayawati and how people are falling over themselves congratulating her as their leader. The high way is marked by small towns and villages very characteristic of U.P. with their muslim names, and mosques dotting the country side. By the time we reached Moradabad, it was very dark, and extreme, dense fog. The ride became very slow, almost painful, and visibility got reduced to barely 2 to 3 meters. Thank fully we started following a vehicle, which seemed to be a local and well acquainted with the highway. By the time we reached it was 11:30 PM in the night. We found our hotel , Wild Crest without much difficulty. It is about 8 kms before dikhala gate and a nice place. The room rent of 5000 was inclusive of food. But the quality of rooms were not commensurate with the price. However, we had a good night’s sleep after dinner ,as early next morning we were planned for the safari. The safari was from the Jhirna gate , and our driver took us on his gypsy early in the morning to the Corbett National park. Now the way the park is organized, there is a core area of about 400 sq km and then there is a buffer area of about 700 sq km. 30 vehicles are allowed from the jhirna gate in the morning from 6 to 10 AM, and from the incept the way it was organized with so many vehicles, the chance of seeing a tiger looked remote. All the driver did to impress us was stopped the vehicle and carefully watched the animal foot on the soil and tried to predict where the animal could be which was loads of bullsh!t So, there was no tiger to be seen and we were back in our hotel at 10. After breakfast, and an hour of rest, we decided to go to dikala gate, and saw the museum there. I think the way we Indians maintain our museum is pathetic. Not even dust was cleared from the animal exhibits. Came back, went to Ram nagar which is a small town next to Corbett. Returned to our hotel and had a good sleep before the evening party. Happy New Year 2009 !