While every year, a large no of visitors throng Corbett Tiger Reserve, not more then a handful visit the man’s home in whom honor the park has been named. Infact not everyone knows that there is indeed a place called Jim’s house, which is now converted into a museum. I first hit upon the museum by chance. Was driving back from Nainital and decided to go via Kala Dhungi (its a lovely route) , for Kala Dhungi falls. While the falls were not impressive, I saw this museum and was bowled over. I have been to Corbett many times and was not aware of such a place.
So last week when I was in that area, I clocked few more miles to visit the museum again, just a quick visit because I wanted to reach Delhi before its gets too dark, with a small baby around, didn’t want to make the journey tiring. So there are some pics and some commentary.
Jim Corbett’s Museum is at Kaladhungi. From Delhi, go till Muradabad and then take the now-better road to Bajpur and then to Kaladhungi. Ask around. If you are coming from Corbett then take a left exit towards Naintal in Ramnagar itself, keep going towards Nainital and ask for Kaladhungi. Its about 50 odd KMs from Ramnagar. If you are coming from Nainital then dont take the more traditional route to Haldwani, instead cross the lake, climb up and take the road towards Kaladhungi.
Its an old place. The entry charges are Rs 5. Its a rusty old world building which is well kept, is very clean, lawns and flora is well preserved and has that laid-back leisure charm in it. There are plaques, life size oil paintings, lots of text about Jim and his family, some of his furniture etc. It wont take you too long to cover the place but do take time out to read about him and his beliefs on eco-village etc. Since its not very popular, there are hardly any tourist, there is no car parking and a parking attendant :) and photography is allowed.
Here are some pics. These are all low res to make them load faster but I have high res ones incase someone needs them ever.
| This is overall view of the place. You dont see any soul. |
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| Statue of Jim Corbett |
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| Story of this house |
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| A Kill |
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| Jim Corbett’s Father |
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| Man eaters of Kumaon |
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Jungle Story – Jim’s autograph
It reads something like “Dont be in critical, A jungle can only tell his stories in jungle language. |
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| Jim Corbett’s Model Village |
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Nandan sir Nice work you did,I m from Ramnagar and working in Corbett for more then 10 yrs so any time for any information pl. feel free to call at 09997307389 or 09837092025, hope your next visit b more good.bye
Hello Kostubh,
I am an Indian national living in Europe and am fascinated by Jim Corbett’s biography and life. I would like to know if there is any personalized tour to all the places he wrote about in his books? I want to avoid going in a group or a mass organized tour but want a deeper feeling of the places and spend more time.
Kindly let me know if anything like this is possible to be arranged.
thanks in advance.
Pankaj
my email is : pankaj@poczta.onet.pl
Hello Kustubh,
I am planning three/four days in your area in early September, but if weather uncertain, will postpone to early October.
I am from Delhi, but I love Nature – the outdoors, hills, rivers, and jungles. So whenever I get the chance, I try and get away.
Since I have not gone to your area before, a few questions:
Planning to arrive at Kathgodam by early morning train – take a taxi or frequent bus service?
Places – Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Corbett – what to see, where to stay (clean but economy), and best way to travel Bus or taxi)?
I think Nainital side is another trip due to short time?
Corbett Park open in September or October? And possible to travel inside?
Once program is finalised by email, I shall phone you.
Thanks,
Michael
1. Kaladhungi – Corbett Home and Nearby Places
Corbett Home
Myself, my wife and Sister-in-law also visited the Corbett Home in Kaladhungi on 14 Sep 2007. Small, Old British Colonial Touch- We found it beautiful because we were just looking for the Beautiful part in it. Most of us look at the negativities and then just say that it was OK, it was passable, It was nothing much etc, etc. For the likes of the latter, please do not go there. You do not need Parking Attendants in Kaladhungi . People are Honest enough. Delhi/ NCR wallahs let us not think that the World is the same as Delhi every- where.
Souvenir/ Local Produce Shop
Very nice Souvenir/ Local Produce Shop . Local Village Cooperative produce barring the Corbett Caps, Hats and T Shirts. The Lady manning the Shop impressed us the Most. She knew her Beans.
2. The Local Tea Shop Interaction
Spent a good 1hour in a Tea- Shop early in the morning. Great insight about locals I got. After initial reservations, they got on to discussing the India Pakistan T20 Match which was a Tie and had taken place the previous night. Since I had no idea about it as we were traveling, there were enough volunteers to read the Local Hindi Paper to me so that I could explain the Tie and the Bowl Out to them. They asked about my views about the Rama Setu. One of them wanted to know about the Nuclear Agreement . Great awareness.
3. My queries related to the following –
n Sale of their Land – Why were so many of them selling their land Most of them were of the opinion that it was for the Higher Education of their next generation. Children must be educated well for them to prosper.
n Girls Dress Code We had noticed that girls were in Trousers/ Jeans and sensible T Shirts even in remotest of villages. Also, lots of Ladies Beauty Parlours, Girls looking after the sales in Shops. The Men folk were of the opinion that they did not mind at all since they would have to accept changes for a better tomorrow.
n Politics/ Politicians All of them hated the Political Class with all their heart.
4. Places nearby –
(a) Corbett Waterfall : 20 – 30 Feet Waterfall.
You would like it in case you come prepared to spend 2- 3 hours there and are ready to dip yourself / your feet in the water. Look for the Birds. They are amazingly beautiful. Never thought such beautiful ones existed in our Country also.
(b) Must visit Punians – Corbett Fall Hotel and Restaurant – 05947-287139 (Office) 287210 (Res), 9319-366-777, 9837-077-210 Opposite the Corbett Waterfall. Great Lawns, Ducks, Water Bodies, Landscaping. Double Room ( Non AC) – Rs 600.00 per night throughout the year. AC – Rs 1000.00.per day. Lovely Vegetarian food. Approx cost for Basic food Rs 60.00 per head. Can be less also. Great Staff. We had lunch there and went at night again at 10 p.m. They had closed down. Two Honks from the Car and the Staff was there smiling. ” Khana Millega” ( Can we get food ?) was our question. “Sir, kya baat kar rahe ho. Hum yahan apke liye to hain. ( Sir, we are here for you people only)” After 15 minutes we were stuffing ourselves.
Kumaon Vikas Mandal Guest House, Kaladhungi (05942 242124)
100 Meters from Corbett House. Rs 300.00 per double bed. Rs 400.00 per night for 4 Bedder huge room. Attached Western / Indian Style Combo Toilet Seat. Geyser. Do not expect anything great- Just pure basics. Staff Typically Govt Servant Attitude. Gas Stove is there but there are no Pans. They however allowed us to chill Beer in their Fridge. It can be an option when you have nothing else. No Kitchen, Tea Shops outside are OK.
(d) Kotagarh Drive
Just about a KM short of Kaladhungi (Coming from Moradabad side) is a road going to the left to Kotagarh. It has a Forest Deptt Barrier. Go on this road for 10 KMs or so. It is one of the most beautiful drives. It then opens on to a valley. Down the road is a village which has a Petrol Pump on the right, the first on this road. Turn left on the Tarmac road just ahead of this Petrol Pump. It will take you on top of the Ridge on the left. It has lots of Farms/ Cultivated Fields, Spring Water running along the road. It overlooks the Valley on the left it is so very Beautiful. The road will go and meet the road back to Kaladhungi.
(e) Sweets / Savories Lovers
Must stop at Joshi Mishthan Bhandar at Bazpur which is in-between Moradabad and Kaladhungi .It is on the Main Road and in the Centre of the Market. Best Rasmalai I have to date. Without any exaggeration, it leaves the Haldiram Rasmali way-way behind.
Out of this World Samosas with Sweet Chutney / Channas ( Rs 4.00 per piece), Tasty, Oily Channa Bhaturas. Malai Laddus, Kalakand ( Rs 120.00 per Kg), Gulab Jamuns etc, etc Top Quality by any Standards.
Our Breakfast For 3 Very Hungry Adults – 2 Plates Samosas ( 2 Pcs per plate), 2 Plates Channa – Bhaturas ( 2 Bhaturas per plate), 3 Pieces Rasmalai, 1 Tea Bill Rs 60.00. Yes Sir Rs Sixty only. Tip you must.
Enjoy Uttarkhand.
Sandeep.
Hi Sandeep
I plan to travel from Delhi to Kaladhungi on the 29th of Jan 08. Can you tell me how long it’ll take. I would be continuing my trip towards Pithoragarh and Munshiari and hence wish to spend the first nite at Kaladhungi or maybe any place nearby.
regds
sujit
I’m glad to have reached this site that has a lot of ready information – from the author and readers as well – about Corbett and the areas surrounding it.
I am contemplating a visit to Corbett, and thanks for all the information here.
Hi i have just read through your website and find it interesting to hear your point of veiw in this area of your beautiful country.
I am a westerner from Australia and i travelled much of this area in November 2007 just after Diwalli.
Can i just say it is a testament to the people of India of how thoughtful and respectful you all are as a race, to see Jim Corbett and Englishmen’s house is such a well preserved state.
And the care and duty that the people have taken over this area should be proof to all the world’s people that we should be all taking a lesson from you guy’s, and the world would be a much better place for all of us to live of course all Indian politicians are excluded from this comment:).
I went to a hindu temple while i was in the area it was on the other bank of the river and there were numerous people taking a dip.
It was just after the wet season so they were building this little wooden bridge so people could make there way to the temple, i would love to know the name of this temple, it was only a few moments drive from Corbett’s house and one of the most beatiful places i have ever seen in my life.
Any help would be appreciated i can provide photos if you would like.
Jai Hanuman
Have a good day.
Murray.
Hello Murray,
Thanks for your comments. Its really very humbling to read good about your country since we know that we still have a long way to go.
That temple is called ‘Garjia’ (pronounced Gar as in ‘Garnish’ with less emphasis on ‘a’). Every year the access to the temple is blocked during rains. If you or anyone else ever gets time and inclination then there is an alternate route to reach the temple. That route is more of a easy trekking route, just get on the back of ‘Claridges Hotel’ and walk along side river. After a while, you would be in a forest, keep going and after a while it would lead to a pathway which connects to the temple. You have to actually climb down from a point to reach to the Temple. Its all safe to venture and its very soothing.
Couple of times, I also had food in the hotels which are in the temple complex :)
Your comment has started the corbett-itch again in me. All the best and keep visiting ghumakkar.
Nandan
Dear Murray,
I am deeply touched by your kind remarks on this post. Being a part of this entourage and a great fan of Sir Jim Corbett, I can very well understand your sentiments. When I first visited the Jim Corbett Museum, I had the similar feelings. I think not only the people of Kumaon, but the entire literary world carries immense gratitude for all the contributions he made (“Maneaters of Kumaon” is an immortal piece of literature).
It is so gratifying to see persons like you talking good about our country, though as Nandan has said, we still have a long way to go.
Please do keep on visiting the site.
Thanks and warm regards,
Ram Dhall
I m a great fan of Jim Corbett. Its pitty that he had to leave India after spending 72 yrs of his life here. He loved this country more than any Indians do. Its a great feeling to c his house.
Hi
My name is vinay . I love forests and nature and the sight seeing . i hae read about the Kaladhungi and the corbett park . I am not a rich man or any one near to that . i wanted to visit that place can you please direct me where to come and how the expenses are as a friend if possible .
with kind regards
vinay
Hi Vinay,
What is your starting point ?
If you are not in Delhi, then you would need to come to Delhi and then take a train/bus from here. Let me know your starting point and I would be able to suggest something.
thanks,
Nandan
Dear Nandan,
Please guide me route from moradabad byepass to kaladhungi
Dr. Anand – At the end of Moradabad by-pass (Lucknow side end) , take a U – turn. You would reach a Y kind of turn (Samosa Mode), keep on your side. Take first right towards Kashipur/Corbett. Be on that road till you find a sign which says, Turn right for Bazpur. Take that turn for Bazpur. This road would take you to Kaladhungi via Garrapu.
So
Moradabad Bypass – Take a U turn at the end towards Corbett – Keep going till you find a Y kind of turn – Take right after about 100 meters – Keep going straight for few KMs – Take right for Bazpur – Keep Straight
Hello Nandan,
Your writing on Corbett’s Kaladhungi cottage brought back pleasant memories. After spending 4 days in and out of Corbett park, I went to Naini Tal via Kaladhungi. In 2002, the museum was dull and almost empty except for a few rickety furniture. But Mr. Rajiv Bhartai who later became the Director of Corbett Park assured me that the old cottage was going to be renovated. Inside the park, I was fortunate to see a leopard early one morning, thousands of chital and pigs, gharial, school of mahseer, langurs, a jackal and many species of birds -but no tigers. I stayed at the Claridges, and Mr. Imran Khan, a resident naturalist there was very helpful, and so was an official English speaking guide Ramesh. In Naini Tal I spent a whole day at the Gurney House where Corbett family lived for many years. All there furniture and some of Corbett’s trophies are still there. It is also near Claridges Hotel in Naini Tal. I would like to see more pics you took from this area. Keep writing!
Jerry
Hi
My name is vinay . I love forests and nature and the sight seeing . i hae read about the Kaladhungi and the corbett park . I am not a rich man or any one near to that . i wanted to visit that place can you please direct me where to come and how the expenses are as a friend if possible
Dear Murray,
I am deeply touched by your kind remarks on this post. Being a part of this entourage and a great fan of Sir Jim Corbett, I can very well understand your sentiments. When I first visited the Jim Corbett Museum, I had the similar feelings. I think not only the people of Kumaon, but the entire literary world carries immense gratitude for all the contributions he made (Maneaters of Kumaon is an immortal piece of literature).
It is so gratifying to see persons like you talking good about our country, though as Nandan has said, we still have a long way to go.
Please do keep on visiting the site.
Thanks and warm regards
Hi all,
I am visiting Nainital in December last week. i am planning a 1-day visit to Jim Corbett museum. Can anyone guide me as to how to reach Kaladhungi from Nainital? Apart from the museum & waterfalls, are there any other must-see places nearby that can be covered in 1 day? Thanks in advance..
Jim Corbett is my Hero would love to visit the museum,i have been to all the places in Rudraprayag on my way to Joshimath-Auli..just for a fun trip…i absolutely love that area of uttarakhand… and i loved mr.murrays comment “politicians are an exception”
I’m at Kaladunghi right now and very happy to have the chance to visit Corbett winters homeland. Today entirely by pure luck I came to see Arundel, Corbett childhood home at Kaladunghi. Strangelly nobody refers to Arundel house and I find it because I feel the days are too hot at the town. So I decided to change from the basic Guest House accomodation to a chalet with A/C near Arundel. When the actual owner of Arundel and the chalets told me that was Corbett first house at Kaladunghi, I cant believe my eyes. It was about sixty meters from the canal where Corbett used to go for a bath with the girls. At the other side of the old canal starts the wild jungle. Big emotion and the heart fullfilled with good feelings to be where one day was Sir Jim Corbett playground. Corbett Forever…