| Camp Forktail Creek
Bhakrakot Village ( Near Corbett ), Uttarakhand. |
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Welcome to Camp Forktail Creek… Winner of the prestigious Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT) Wildlife Tourism Awards (2010), Camp Forktail Creek is a minimal impact resort that effortlessly balances guest comforts while protecting the environment around it. Awarded the 'Outstanding’ PUG rating by TOFT, the Camp has regenerated its forest environs so beautifully, that guests can experience a huge diversity of wildlife from the comfort of their own verandahs! |
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Nestled on periphery of Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, India - India’s oldest National Park and the bastion of Project Tiger, Camp Forktail Creek is an excellent place to explore and discover the flora and fauna of this region. Created in 2000, the Camp has an in-house team of top notch professional wildlife trackers and naturalists who enable guests to understand, discover and respect the jungle and be comfortable with it.
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Camp Forktail Creek offers exciting opportunities for angling, birding, game drives, hikes and treks, jeep safaris and more - aided by its excellent and well trained technical staff.
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Camp Forktail Creek has eight spacious mud huts. Locally made from mud taken from the Camp itself, they have thick, pure mud walls and large windows to retain light and heat.
Each hut has a private verandah or a sun room and a fully functional toilet, with hot water on tap. Some huts have thick thatched roofs and the others, tiled roofs; the tiles being sourced from Mahila Umang Samiti, a local organisation that aims to promote and sustain a growing network of hill women.
The huts are comfortably furnished with furniture made of waste wood and painted with used Mobil oil (this not only looks attractive but keeps the termites away!)
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Each hut has twin or double beds with soft and warm duvets, side tables, a chest of drawers with a dressing mirror, a luggage rack or table, some lounge seating and deck chairs for the verandah. Some huts also have a shower, a writing table and large sofas that could convert by night into extra beds- making them ideal for a family of four.
All the huts are well spaced out to allow for maximum peace, quiet and privacy for guests.
Thanks to the Camp’s efforts at replacing Lantana Camara (an invasive weed introduced in the 1800’s) with indigenous forest trees and grasslands - guests can look forward to seeing many interesting visitors from the jungle from the comfort of their verandahs! |
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An ancient Banyan tree greets all visitors to Camp Forktail Creek. Like a stairway to heaven with its many tiny branches and gnarls, it’s perfect for climbing! On its outspread branches hang hammocks on which legions of guests have whiled away many a pleasant hour.
The Machan is a double leveled structure with a lounge area on the lower floor attached to an uncovered open space with a garden bench and a stone seat under a tree. The top floor has a spacious library and lookout with some relaxed seating. Stocked with information/ maps on Jim Corbett National Park and its environs and all sorts of books for easy holiday reading and reference, it’s the best place in the Camp to relax with a book or catch up with other guests.
The Thatch, an open stone structure with a large thatched roof, is the dining area. All meals in Camp are served on a buffet and are either served Continental or Indian -- this includes deliciously traditional Kumaoni meals as well. The chef follows an eclectic mix of recipes from family, friends and now even guests! Owing to its openness and the fact that it faces one of Camp’s largest bird feed areas, the Thatch tends to buzz with activity at all odd hours. Bird watching here can be very rewarding, as many guests will attest.
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The Dhaba, a popular area where tea or coffee is brewed in a fashion typical to this region, is another focal point. It is close to the campfire and houses the tandoor (clay oven in which Indian breads are baked) - the warmest place to be on chilly winter nights!
The Acre is a lovely hideout amidst dense lantana bushes for bird watching or relaxing in the hammocks/ garden bench placed there.
The Jungle Mall, is our first and so the oldest mud hut in Camp with tiled roofing that has a few small cupboards for our local souvenirs on sale. We stock:
Hand-knitted woollen clothing, fruit preserves and pickles, natural honey & Indian spices from Mahila Umang Samiti, a local organisation that aims to promote and sustain a growing network of hill women.
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Hand woven stoles and shawls, herbs, apricot products like soap, scrubs and oil from Kumaon Grameen Udyog formed for rural delevoplemnt. It is an offshoot of Chirag.
Hand knitted caps, socks, ramsaran - a brightly coloured hand woven blanket made of sheep wool and some home grown ‘rajma’ (kidney beans) from Maiti, an organisation in Munsiyari that works to empower women in these parts.
Paper and products made from elephant poo
A selection of good holiday reading
Especially designed souvenirs like caps, T-shirts, inexpensive LED hand held flashlight/ torch. |
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The spring-fed, crystal clear western Ramganga is the main lifeline of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Teeming with fish and other aquatic life forms, it’s one of the best spots for fishing in northern India. The protected habitat, wild surroundings and stately Sal forests are prime reasons for big fish and the healthy populated pools that the Ramganga has to offer.
The river is famed for the Golden Mahseer or Yellowfin (Barbus tor putitora), the best sport fish in the country and Goonch, a cat fish (Bagarius yarelli).
What to expect
Mahseer is the common name for several species of large scaled barbels. The T. putitora is elusive, finicky, moody and arguably the most beautiful fish in India. The Yellowfin lives in big, fast water, grows bigger and takes with unmatched aggression when it does. Most Yellowfins tend to run downriver than up, making good running shoes a necessity. It's possible to hook a record size Mahseer in some of the waters, but landing them could be just as hard.
Goonch is the heaviest fish to swim the freshwaters of India. A good Goonch is anything over 20kgs but there are locations which have been throwing up good 50+kg fish. It is a prized catch because of its rarity and is known to sulk and hide beneath rocks once it’s snagged, making it a challenge to land.
Other fish species here include the Mulley (Wallago attu), Rohu and Trout in certain sections. The lower Ramganga River, once it enters the Tiger Reserve also has a very healthy population of the rare and endemic fish eating Gharial and Muggers (fresh water crocodile).
Otters of three kinds find home here and can often be seen on some of the secluded beats of the river. The river host a variety of turtles including soft shells, river terrapins and the giant soft shell which sometimes take the bait set for Goonch.
Fresh water crabs and shrimps, river eels and smaller bait fish abound. Winged attractions include Pallas’s and Lesser Fish Eagles, Ospreys, Tawny and Brown Fish Owls, Kingfishers, Cormorants, Herons, Wagtails, Redstarts and more...
When to do it
Angling on the Ramganga dates back to the British era and mentions are found in all the old foresters’ logs and manuals. Today, however, angling on the lower portion of the Western Ramganga River is permitted on a restricted section of the river before it enters the Tiger Reserve (one is not permitted to fish inside the Tiger Reserve). Further, angling is only permitted from October to June. The best months would be from Oct to May barring the coldest period from mid-Dec to mid-Jan.
The fishing beat (a 16 kilometer stretch of the river where angling is by permission only) has been divided into 4 beats. Normally we restrict ourselves to a beat a day. Fishing is on a catch and release basis only. |
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Equipment needed
For Fly Fishing, bring a 7wt fly rod (and aim for smaller fish only). From Oct to March, the preferred flies are nymphs and streamers. Dry flies are best for summer months (April- June).
For Spinning, bring an 8-10 ft rod rated for up to 20 pound line (remember, you could reach a record of 65 pounds or more!) Spinners can be used in still water and deep pools, mepps aglia 4 or 5 are good. For clear water you might even try a few plugs like Rapalas, Count Down minnows and shallow diving Shad Raps. If you have a spare heavy action rod you might fancy your chances with the Goonch for which you can use live or dead bait.
For bait, spoons between 1-3 inches; silvered spoons work the best (Toby, Golden Little Cloe as well as the Golden Cast Master). Also any spoon which is plain on one side and shiny on the other could have some very interesting possibilities.
Special Angling Trips
Using Camp Forktail Creek as the base, guests can opt for multi-day fishing trips on various sections of the Ramganga River. Escorted by some of the finest fishing guides in this area, these trips involve overnight camping by the river on its upper stretches, and stay at Camp while angling on the lower section.
The upper section of the river is picturesque with valleys and terraced fields. The mountains are dotted with tiny Kumaoni hamlets and ancient riverside temples, with magnificent snow capped Himalayan peaks as a backdrop.
The Ramganga here supports a different lot of wildlife (alas mostly homo sapiens!), but certain sections still carry fish, thanks to some temples and ashrams who diligently keep vigil and protect the river. Camp Forktail Creek can organize a stay in one such ashram from where one of the best pools is a two minute walk. Fishing restrictions are minimal here and one can fish into fading light. |
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Our Special Trips - Birding
The Corbett Tiger Reserve spans three distinct topographic zones -- the hilly Shivaliks, Bhabar in the Patlidun valley and the swampy Terai. Elevation ranges from 400m to 1200m. With such diverse topography, it is home to an excellent variety of avifauna all year round. With the highest number of Raptor species found in an area, Corbett has a count of about 600 bird species (including the Ibisbill which winters on the Kosi River).
Camp Forktail Creek, located on the north-eastern periphery of Corbett Tiger Reserve, provides incredible bird watching opportunities - both outside and within the camp. Its minimal impact local construction, use of local material, regular planting of indigenous plants and respect for all living creatures has turned this once barren agricultural land into a jungle with dense tree patches, grasslands, waterholes and thick bush. Today, the Camp is a haven for all sorts of birds including Forktails after which it is named!
What to Expect
The rare (for us) Slaty-legged Crake nested in Camp some seasons ago. Also, visitors can expect to see the Great Hornbill, White-tailed Rubythroat, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Spot Bellied Eagle Owl (more heard than seen), Rufuos Bellied Niltava, Wallcreeper, Blue-throated Barbet, Crimson Sunbird, Collared Falconet, Grey Bellied Tesia and Long Billed Thrush.
When to do it
The best season for birding in the park is November to March, for this is when visitors can hope to see resident as well as migratory birds.
Special Birding Trips
Camp Forktail Creek organizes a variety of bird watching trips - ranging from day walks around Camp to multi-day birding tours with a skilled bird guide in the varied habitats of Corbett, upper Himalayas and some bits of northern India.
It also customizes trips as per individual needs. Overnight camping trips in comfortable tents amidst true Himalayan forests can be arranged. Also, the Camp organizes stays in Forest Bungalows or Rest Houses inside the Tiger Reserve or higher up in the Himalayas, as well as in small lodges in the hills or even by the wetlands of Bharatpur and Chambal.
Special Trips - Game Drives - Corbett Tiger Reserve
The Corbett Tiger Reserve is home to about 50 different mammals, 600 birds, 26 reptiles, 7 amphibians and many insect species. It’s not just India’s oldest National Park; it is arguably one of the best for wildlife sightings. Also, as it spans three distinct topographic zones -- the hilly Shivaliks, Bhabar in the Patlidun valley and the swampy Terai, driving through it is a spectacular experience.
What to expect
Noted to have the highest density of tigers in the country, Corbett Tiger Reserve offers some wonderful tiger-spotting opportunities. Feline sightings include Leopards, Jungle Cat and the elusive Leopard Cat.
The varied topography of the Tiger Reserve offers a perfect habitat for the Asian Elephants- this being the northern most tract for these Pachyderms.
Special sightings include the Indian Porcupine, Yellow Throated Marten, Smooth Coated Otter & Sloth Bear, as well as an entire spectrum from the avian world.
Visitors can also see the snouted Gharial and the Marsh Crocodiles basking on the banks of Ramganga River. The River water is rich in the magnificent Mahseer - the finest sporting fish prized by anglers.
When to go
The best time to visit Corbett Tiger Reserve is from November to May. The day visit zone normally opens by mid-October. The entire park is open for visitors from 15th November to 15th June. The Park gates open at sunrise, shut at sunset and no night driving is allowed.
Special Wildlife Trips
Corbett Tiger Reserve is perhaps one of the few national parks in India where one can spend the whole day tracking game, and where one can stay overnight in one of the many Forest Rest Houses strewn about in the heart of the reserve. These age old forest bungalows - mostly built in the British era, serve as an idyllic base for those keen on wildlife, birds and being one with nature. They are also ideal locales for photographers.
A trip to Camp could be combined with a day visit or even overnight stay within Corbett Tiger Reserve. They would include professionally escorted full day game drive/s into the day visit or overnight zones of the Tiger Reserve, an elephant ride (subject to availability), forest hikes for identification of forest tracks and signs, a visit to Bhakrakot village and settlements of nomadic local tribes to get an insight into the community around, bird watching and the expertise of our in-house naturalist, trackers
and bird guides.
Special Trips - Game Drives - Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is located in the north-west of Uttar Pradesh, India. From mosaic grasslands and dense Sal forests to swampy marshes, Dudhwa’s terrain is as diverse as the wildlife population it harbors. The park covers an area of 498.29 sq. km. It has been made famous by the untiring efforts of ‘Billy’ Arjan Singh, one of India’s leading conservationists, who successfully hand-reared and re-introduced zoo-born tigers and leopards into the wilds of Dudhwa.
Dudhwa has tropical semi-evergreen forest, tropical moist deciduous forest, riparian & swamp forest and dry deciduous forest. The dominant tree species are Sal-Shorea robusta, Sain- Terminilia tomentosa, Haldu-Adina cordifolia, Beheda- Terminalia belerica, Jamun- Eugenia jambolana, Sheesham- Dalbergia sissoo, and Red Silk Cotton- Bombax ceiba. Various types of forests throughout the park are interrupted by wide stretches of grasslands locally called ‘phantas’.
What to expect
Tall coarse grass, swampy depressions and lakes characterize the wetlands of the Park -- excellent habitat for large herds of ‘barasingha’, the magnificent swamp deer noted for their multi-tined antlers. These in turn support the predators -- the tiger and leopard.
The grasslands are also ideal terrain for the Indian One-horned Rhinoceros. In 1984, a number of rhinos were translocated from Assam and Nepal in an attempt to extend their habitats and to exclude the possibility of wiping out entire populations through disease and epidemics.
Other inhabitants include the “cheetal’ or spotted deer, sambar deer, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, hispid hare, jackal, wild pig, marsh crocodiles and lesser cats, like - the fishing cat, leopard cat, jungle cat and civet.
Dudhwa is a wonderful bird watching destination. The marshlands are especially inviting for about 400 species of resident and migratory birds including the Swamp Partridge, Great Slaty Woodpecker and Bengal Florican. Much of the park’s avifauna is aquatic in nature, and is found around Dudhwa’s lakes.
Should you have more time, a trip to Dudhwa could be clubbed with a trip to Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Our Special Trips - Multi Day Hikes
Camp Forktail Creek has large tracts of adjoining forest area that
extend to the higher reaches of the outer Himalayas with altitudes varying from 400m to 2500m. Here, grasslands and tropical forests dominated by Sal trees give way to Oak, Pine and Rhododendron in higher grounds, with breathtaking vistas of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Dominant peaks visible on clear winter days are Trishul (7120m), Nandadevi (7816m), Nanda Kot (6861m), Nanda Ghunti (6309m), Nanda Khat (6611m) and the Panchachuli Range (five peaks ranging from 6904m to 6312m).
One of the best ways to experience the landscape is through hikes, long and short. Minute observations are possible on foot as also the healthiest adrenalin rush! Camping in the forest or by a mountain stream becomes an unforgettable experience...
Possible Hikes
Camp Forktail Creek is located close to the ridge where Jim Corbett shot the infamous ‘man-eater of Mohan’ in the early 1900’s. With trained staff and a naturalist from Camp Forktail Creek, guests can retrace the trail Jim Corbett walked on.
Another lovely hike in the winter months is from Camp to Nainital via Pangot. This forest trek offers huge diversity in bird and mammal life (the most notable being the elusive Serow) as a lot of them migrate to lower regions in the winter months.
And last, our most cherished walks while being based at Camp, are the long day hikes, sometimes from sunrise to sunset in the forests adjoining Camp. There are endless tracks for each new day.
All hikes are rated easy to moderate, and are physically possible for beginners.
Our Special Trips - Himalayan FRH Tours
Imagine driving in a rugged open jeep into the middle of a forest, and breaking camp in an ancient bungalow amidst the wild… Developed for visitors who love adventure and wildlife, Camp Forktail Creek’s Himalayan Forest Rest House Tours combine the best of jungle safaris with the unbeatable experience of staying in atmospheric bungalows built in the days of the Raj.
There are at least a hundred such Rest Houses scattered all over Kumaon and Garhwal Himalayas (western Himalayas). Most were built over a century ago, and a few still retain the grandeur of days gone by. Our selection of Rest Houses is based on its colonial architecture and the forests around it.
What to Expect
Expect to experience the forest up close and personal on such trips. Great bird watching, excellent walks, superb photo opportunities and nights out in the middle of nowhere are guaranteed! Most of these Rest Houses do not have electricity, which is all the better to enjoy the jungle. Rest assured -- we take ample lanterns and candles to provide lighting where necessary.
When to Go
The beauty of these trips is that they can be taken throughout the year; different seasons bringing different hues to the landscape. Winter months (Oct to March) would be best for Himalayan views.
Custom Trips
Himalayan Forest Rest House Tours are easily customized to suit the profile and interests of the people traveling - be they bird watching, wildlife, Himalayan views, old colonial architecture, age old Kumaoni temples, discovering the way of life in small local hamlets, solitude or peace and tranquility.
On custom trips, accommodations can also be arranged in some of the beautifully located and built private homes that people in these parts rent out. This depends entirely upon guest preferences and the route taken.
Location & Access
Camp Forktail Creek is in the village of Bhakrakot on the north-eastern periphery of Corbett Tiger Reserve, in the state of Uttarkhand, north western India. Three distinct topographic zones exist within the Reserve - the Shivaliks in the north (south of Camp), the Bhabar tract of the Patlidun valley and the swampy Terai in the south.
The Camp is in the middle of a dense mixed deciduous forest teeming with bird and animal life. Hikes in these forests are very rewarding for bird-watching, apart from the pleasure of sighting animals on foot.
Location and Weather
Latitude: N 29° 33.845’
Longitude: E 079° 06.633’
Avg rainfall: 2000 mm
Height a.s.l: 605m/ 1985 ft.
Temperature: min 0 C & max 46 C
Road Access
Camp Forktail Creek is located 23 kms north of Ramnagar town (NH121), the last railhead for this part of the Kumaon Himalayan foothills. The last 450m to Camp are only accessible by an uphill four-wheel drive, dirt track.
The road route to the Camp from Delhi is via Hapur, Garhmukteshwar, Gajraula, Moradabad, Kashipur, Ramnagar and Mohan - a distance of 275 kms. The driving time from Delhi to Camp is roughly 6.5 hours.
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Tele : +91-11-46862772, 41612107. Mobile: 9810002772, 9910002772. |
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