6 Nov
Bike Riders’ Hidden Route in Uttarakhand — A Scenic Loop from Delhi to the North Side of Jim Corbett If you are a rider who believes that the journey is the destination, then this route is one you’ll want to pin on your map. This is one of the most breathtaking offbeat circuits in Uttarakhand-a hidden trail starting from Delhi → Bijnor → Kotdwara → Rathuwadhab → Nainidanda → Dhumakot → Marchula → Ramnagar → Delhi. It winds through thick sal forests, riverside bends, and mountain curves; every turn can greet you with birdsong and mist. Perfect for quiet-road lovers and the lesser-known nooks of the Himalayas. The Hidden Gem — Rathuwadhab, North Side of Jim Corbett Located quietly inside the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, Rathuwadhab village is a serene stretch on the north side of Jim Corbett National Park and falls under the lesser-explored Sonanadi Zone (https://maps.app.goo.gl/izjt1KppHf8Lgtoa6?g_st=ipc). This is a region of raw beauty, river valleys, and a peaceful rhythm that reminds you of how travel once felt before crowds and commercialization took over. Birds such as the Silver-eared Mesia, Rosy Minivet, and Common Green Magpie frequent this place, making it a haven for photographers and birders alike. The gurgling noise of the Mandal River, accompanied by the rustling of sal trees, has given an otherworldly calm to Rathuwadhab. Stop for a Dip — KTR Waterfall KTR Waterfall, situated inside Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, is a hidden natural wonder and a must-visit spot that falls on the way. It’s a perfect stop to stretch, cool down amidst the dense forest, and feel the power of the wild for bikers. You’ll mostly find locals enjoying a quiet afternoon here or travelers soaking in the peaceful vibe of this untouched waterfall. Where to Stay — The Corbett Rajae Homestay Situated right in Rathuwadhab, The Corbett Rajae Homestay is one of the best homestays near Jim Corbett, offering everything a rider needs after a long day on the road — a comfortable stay, delicious local meals, and a warm community atmosphere. Built with love, this is an offbeat homestay in Uttarakhand that offers slow living along with authentic village experiences. The host, Shiwank, makes sure every guest feels at home while introducing them to the beauty and biodiversity of North Corbett. Activities at The Corbett Rajae Homestay Whether you are traveling solo or in a group, there are many immersive experiences that one can enjoy at the homestay: Hidden Waterfall Visit (including KTR Waterfall) Heritage Walk through the local village trails Nature Walk & Grassland Spot Exploration Sunset Spot Experience overlooking the Mandal River Hiking / Trekking through forest routes Bird Watching — one of the richest birding areas in Uttarakhand Nature Bath in the river Village/Local Tours Buffer Zone Safari in Sonanadi Zone Tarkeshwar Temple Visit — a scenic ride from the homestay Add to that Uttarakhand local fresh cooked food, organic ingredients, and peaceful evenings under the star-filled sky — and it isn’t hard to see why riders call it true “home on the road.” Why This Route Is Special Unlike the usual tourist circuits, this route through the Sonanadi Zone takes you deep into the heart of nature, where one may spot elephants crossing over rivers or hear a distant sambar call at dusk. The road between Nainidanda and Dhumakot is stunning, with wide valley views and forests aglow in golden light during the afternoon. You will pass by sleepy villages, forest check posts, and clear mountain streams, all part of the offbeat Uttarakhand charm that bikers crave. The Full Circuit Delhi → Bijnor → Kotdwara → Rathuwadhab → Nainidanda → Dhumakot → Marchula → Ramnagar → Delhi Total Distance: ~700 km – loop Best Time: September to June, avoiding heavy monsoon (July and August) Ideal Stay: 2 nights at The Corbett Rajae Homestay The Road Less Ridden If you are one of those looking for a bike route that combines wilderness, waterfalls, mountain air, and Slow living stays, then this hidden trail through North Corbett is your answer. Start your engines, head to Rathuwadhab, and let ‘The Corbett Rajae Home-stay’ (https://maps.app.goo.gl/egA2o7Jgt2hbSvDA8?g_st=ipc) be your base to explore the Sonanadi Zone-the virgin heart of Jim Corbett. A checklist of the Birds of Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand (Click To Download)
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29 Oct
The Silver‑eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris) — Westernmost Himalayan Sighting at Rathuwadhab Introduction Silver-eared Mesia is a stunning small bird of the Himalayan foothills and surrounding parts of Southeast Asia. Its yellow breast, olive green back, black crown and silver ear patches make it unmistakably stunning.Here at The Corbett Rajae Homestay in the center of the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve (north edge of Jim Corbett National Park), we are delighted to point out its significance because Rathuadhab is the westernmost stronghold of this species within the Himalayas — making a stay here particularly significant for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Distribution & Significance of Rathuadhab Based on global statistics from Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird Status & Trends, Silver-eared Mesia strongholds occur throughout northern and eastern India, Bhutan, Myanmar and southern China, with sporadic altitudinal movements. Although there are records in the Eastern Himalayas, its presence in the western Himalayan region — like Uttarakhand — is relatively rare. Rathuadhab in the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve is where bird enthusiasts have spotted this species between 15 October and March, one of the only places in the western Himalayas where this is possible. This window is the same as what we refer to as the “Silver-eared Mesia season”. By coming to The Corbett Rajae Homestay at this time, you have a good chance of seeing this species in one of its most westerly known ranges — a highlight for birding tourists. Identification & Behaviour Size & appearance: Approximately 15–18 cm long. Both have olive upperparts, yellow underparts, a striking red wing patch, black crown and characteristic silver ear-patches (“silver-eared”) which provide the species with its name. Flocking behaviour: They frequently forage in vocal groups of 5–30, occasionally in mixed-species “waves” in the understorey. Diet: Mainly insects and their larvae, supplemented with fruit and sometimes seeds. Insect remains were reported in 87% of faecal samples and fruit remains in 97% in Hong Kong (where introduced). Breeding: Male and female contribute cooperatively to nesting; the nest is a bamboo/leaf cup that is usually at ground level or up to an altitude of ~2 m high. Clutches of 2–5 eggs (4 in India are common) are deposited; incubation takes ~13-14 days; fledging ~12 days. Habitat & the Rathuadhab Edge In its core habitat, the Silver-eared Mesia inhabits dense montane forests, bamboo-thickets, well-vegetated ravines and occasionally secondary growth. Altitudinal movements have been recorded — for example, some winter-migrant behaviour in Nameri National Park, Assam. At Rathuadhab, the western-north Himalayan zone’s habitat provides a special niche: serene forest edges, mixed broad-leaf/bamboo understorey and less crowds. That’s exactly what makes the location particularly inviting for this species and for off-beat birders. Why Come Between 15 October to March? This is the very important time: The birds are more visible in the post-monsoon cooler months when they descend to lower heights and are active in groups. This phase coincides with the “Silver-eared Mesia season” at Rathuadhab, providing you with increased possibilities of good sighting and photography. As if this was not enough, this is also the best window to overlap birding with the Kalagarh Nature Festival held annually (18–21 December 2025) by The Corbett Rajae Homestay and associates — an excellent blend of nature, culture and avifauna. Stay at The Corbett Rajae Homestay, At our homestay you’ll delight in: Well-furnished painted rooms with the local village atmosphere, led by founder – Shiwank (completely hands-on when it comes to hospitality and nature). Facilities customized for bird watchers: nature walks, visits to secret waterfalls, heritage-walks, sunset-walks and guided bird-watch tours (focusing on Rathuadhab’s specialty species). Full-board: breakfast, lunch and dinner served — making your stay stress-free and nature-focused. Our average revenue of ₹ 5,500-6,500 per night for 2-3 persons ensures we deliver quality-service and personal attention. Local involvement: With our Chakhuli initiative, we involve villagers and children in bird awareness and cultural learning — so your visit benefits conservation and community too. How to Plan Your Visit Best time: Mid-October through February is peak for Silver-eared Mesia sightings in Rathuadhab. Booking: Contact us via phone at 9411561965 (Shivang) or 9412052189 (Sanjay) or book directly through our site.Festival: The Kalagarh Nature Festival, 18–21 December 2025 (3 nights/4 days) priced at ₹13,500 per person (stay, food & activities included) is ideal for bird-watchers.
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14 Oct
Location: Rathuwadab, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, Corbett National Park, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand Distances: 62Km from Kotdwara, Uttarakhand Dates: 18 to 21 December 2025 Festival Timings Start: Registration: 1000 am, Inauguration: 11-1 pm. First nature trail will begin at 2 pm on 19 December 2024. Optional nature trail at 700 am on 19 Dec 2024, for those arriving on 18 December 2024. End: Last nature trail will end by 11 am on 22 December 2024. Departure: 200 pm from Dhotityal for Kotdwar. Boarding, lodging & activities costs: Charges, Rs 13,500/- for 3N/4D per person including boarding, lodging, local guides and activities. Registration: Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. To book your place register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KhrBWuO7jwPJMcTHPgDsFHgTly99pruogFTGAhwOP48/edit Purpose: The primary purpose of the Kalagarh Nature Festival is to promote nature-linked livelihoods in order to incentivize conservation, in the northern region of Corbett. It aims to inspire local residents to explore opportunities in ecotourism, such as opening homestays, while also highlighting the potential of local guides. The festival seeks to provide better exposure and a platform for the community to envision and engage in sustainable tourism initiatives.In the landscape, Titli Trust, supported by Chakhuli, with funding support from the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, and organizational support from the Uttarakhand Forest Department, is conducting biodiversity assessments, training local nature guides and building capacity of local institutions to conduct nature-linked ecotourism. Introduction: The Northern part of Corbett National Park is called Kalagarh Tiger Reserve. Kalagarh Tiger Reserve is the abode of about 370 species of birds, 100 species of butterflies, 3 species of deer, elephant, leopard, tiger etc. as well as trees and plants with many medicinal properties. It is one of the major Tiger Reserves in India. The Reserve is administered from its headquarters in Nainital District. However, the Forest Government of Uttarakhand has registered it under Lansdowne division. Kalagarh Tiger Reserve (KTR) is spread over an area of 301.18 sq km. which also includes Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, along with parts of Corbett National Park. Approximately, 70 percent of Corbett National Park falls in Pauri Garhwal district and the rest 30% comes under Nainital and Almora districts. Proposed workshops & activities: Guided Bird Watching Gypsy For Local travel. Heritage Walk Talks and panel discussions. Nature Walk Documentary Screening Planned Nature Trails (Tentative): Group 1 Rathuwadhab – Kumaldi (Day 1 – Morning) Rathuwadhab – Jharth Trail (Wetland) 1 Evening Rathuwadhab – Dhikolia Trail Rathuwadhab – Jue – Maidawan Trail Mundiyapani – Dabru Trail Dhotiyal Village Trail Dhotiyal – Raisera Trail (wetland) Accommodation: A total of 18 paying visitors will be accommodated in well furnished rooms with all basic amenities with western bathroom attached to it. The first two night at Rathuadhab are planned staying with 1. The Corbett Rajae Homestay (18 and 21 December) Refund policy: For cancellations made 60 days before the event date, 90% of the advance paid will be refunded. For cancellations made 30 days before the event date, 50% of the advance will be refunded. For cancellations made thereafter, no refund will be made. Payments: Account name: Shiwank Negi Account number: 00000042870316192 Bank name: State Bank Of India, Kotdwara Branch: Kotdwara, Devi Road IFSC code – SBIN0000585 UPI Number – 9761599864 UPI Id – 9761599864@pthdfc How to get to Rathuwadhab: The nearest town to Rathuadhab is Kotdwar, which is 60 km by road (2 hrs drive). On request, the festival organisers can arrange a shared taxi at 500 am on19th Dec 2024 (timing linked to Delhi-Kotdwar train) from Kotdwar for participants on a paid basis. Address 01, Rathuadhab, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, Corbett National Park, Jharth, Rikhnikhal, Uttarakhand 246179 Meeting Point The Corbett Rajae Homestay Google Map Location By Road from Delhi The Corbett Rajae homestay can be reach by road in 6 hours 30 Minutes from Delhi, which is about 264km. Delhi – Meerut – Khatauli – Bijnor – Najibabad – Kotdwara – Dugadda – Dhontiyal – Rathuadhab (The Corbett Rajae Homestay) By Train from Delhi Below Train Are from Kotdwara to Delhi Sidhbali J SH KTW ANVT Exp Runs Daily Below Are Trains from Delhi to Kotdwara Sidhbali J SH KTW ANVT EXP Runs Daily By Air The Nearest Airport to The Homestay is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Uttarakhand which is around 163 km From the Homestay and can be covered in 4 hours 30 minutes. After landing one may avail a Taxi or Connect with the host for advance Airport Taxi (Paid). Organisers: Chakhuli (Chakhuli) , Jeevan Deep Samiti (Jeevan Deep Samiti), supported by Titli Trust (www.titlitrust.org) Partnering institutions & individuals Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board Kalagarh Tiger Reserve Ecotourism Wing, Uttarakhand Forest Department For more information, contact Shiwank Negi – Shiwanknegi@gmail,com, Chakhuli, +91 9411561965 Sanjay Sondhi – sanjay.sondhi1@gmail.com, Titli Trust, Dehradun, +91 9412052189
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