---the ancient forest beckons . . .
Situated in the heart of Sitabani reserve forest, adjacent to the magnificent Jim Corbett National Park , this pristine paradise is nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas.The surrounding mixed sal forest is a perfect habitat for flagship species like tigers, leopards,wild elephants and ungulates like spotted deer, barking deer, sambar and wild boar. Recent tiger census data has confirmed the presence of at least 35 royal Bengal tigers in this primitive Indian jungle.
Just a half an hour walk above the estate takes you into another magical ecosystem of Himalayan Oak and Rhododendron forests. These are home to a completely new set of alpine flora and fauna. Some noteworthy inhabitants of these cool,damp woods are the Asiatic Black Bear, the leopard,the Goral (mountain goat-antelope), the elusive Serow, the yellow throated Pine Marten etc.
Hugging the emerald slopes of the foothills and surrounded by rugged cliffs in the north east, the estate overlooks the unending green canopy of the Corbett landscape. Encompassing ecosystems like virgin Sal forest,Himalayan Oak woods, chaurs ( grasslands), khair-sissoo and riverine habitats, this property is a dream for bird watchers. From the smallest bird of prey like the Collared Falconet to other raptors like the Long Legged Buzzard, Changeable hawk eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Black Eagle, Booted Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle etc. and 17 species of owls like Brown Fish Owl, Tawny Fish Owl, Mountain Scops Owl, Asian Barred Owlet, Jungle Owlet, Dusky Eagle Owl etc. From 12 species of Cuckoos to Malkohas, from Nightjars to Barbets. From Dollarbirds to Pittas, from the magnificent Great hornbill to the tiny Warblers. From 19 kinds of Woodpeckers and 7 kinds of drongos to Piculets, Ioras, Leafbirds, Parrotbills, Orioles, Bushlarks, Spiderhunters, Flowerpeckers, Martins, Swallows,Shrikes, Starlings, Jays, Minivets, Bulbuls, Leothrix, Mesias, Yuhinas, Sibias, Flycatchers, Beeeaters, Forktails, Chats, Pipits, Buntings, Grosbeaks, Rose finches, Parakeets, Wrynecks, Babblers, Laughing Thrushes, Waterfowl and Accentors. The list is exhaustive and unending.
Apart from picturesque landscapes, bamboo grooves, orchards and water bodies , the estate boasts of Himalayan mineral water straight from the heart of the mountain. This water is naturally laced with the herbal extracts and minerals of primitive Himalayan forests and it augments appetite and vitality. Additionally we grow fertilizer free organic vegetables, herbs and delicious seasonal fruits in some parts of the estate to cater to the taste buds of our visitors( humans and wildlife alike).
The estate enjoys pleasant and equitable weather throughout the year. From windswept summers, misty monsoons to cold, crisp winters, one enjoys the stark stillness of the dark forest bathing in silver on moonlit nights. With no artificial lights around , the presence of the moon in the star studded night sky is breathtaking. The stillness of the nights is punctuated by alarm calls from various deer, occasional growls and roars from the surrounding hills and the plaintive calls of nightjars, owls, crickets, frogs and other nocturnal creatures. The days resonate with the calls of myriads of birds flitting around the emerald canopy. The afternoons have a laid back and lazy feel with the gentle valley wind and the cooing of doves putting you off to a slumber. Evenings witness a crimson sunset over the distant horizon and dusk floats in with a grey cloak studded with twinkling fireflies.
There is 24 hour electricity and Himalayan mineral water at your disposal. However we encourage saving water and using dim lights at all costs so that our neighboring wildlife is neither disturbed or deprived. Animals have the first right of way within and all around the property. A little alertness, sensitivity and respect is all that is required to keep you safe.
Our accommodation consists of stone cottages and tents. It is tastefully done with design elements borrowed from nature and old world Victorian and Kumaoni architechture. Sitabani reserve forest hides an ancient Shiva temple. This is supposed to be the mystical forest steeped in mythology in which Sita, the devoted wife of lord Ram spent the years of her banwas and reared her sons Lav and Kush. There is an ashram in this sacred jungle next to a river. This forest is located conveniently,only 10 Kms from the access town of Ramnagar . It is very famous for elephant and jeep safari and there is constant migration of wildlife in between Sitabani and the adjacent Jim Corbett National Park.
Nature walks and jungle safaris are an exciting and awe inspiring experience in this rich Indian jungle throbbing with primitive energy and dripping with the elixir of life.
British Styled Cottages.
Spacious Rooms.
Wild Surroundings.
Tiger-leopard corridor.
Modern Facilities.
Birds Eye View of Corbett.
360 degree forest view.
Open terraces for birding.
Plush rooms overlooking jungle.
FRH.
Sky Cottage.
Dak Bangla.
Hexagon Shaped Cottages.
Lavish Facilities.
Wild Surroundings.
Surrounded by nature.
On top of a cliff.
Wooden Interiors.
The white dot is the cottage.
Pristine Surroundings.
Clouds descend upon the Dak Bangla.
Discovery Channel visits.
Sonu Nigam visits.
University Students visit.