- In India's Devbhumi Uttarakhand (Abode of Gods) a silent revolution is on, courtesy Kumaon’s renowned wildlife safari operator - the Koranga family’s Wood Villas Safari.
Chandan Singh Koranga, a proud ‘Millennial’ Kumaoni native, whose forefathers, the late Dewan Singh Koranga and later on Shri Nandan Singh Koranga, in particular, served with great distinction in one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most decorated infantry units, the Kumaon Regiment, have been operating wildlife safaris to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary with tremendous zeal and innovation.
On a typical jungle safari to Binsar, Chandan Singh Koranga, who learned the intricacies of safari expeditions from his grandfather, can be seen in a hyper-excited mode—crafting the itinerary, route to be followed during the safari, Kumaoni villages to visit, checking condition of the 4x4 wheel-drive vehicles, arranging the logistics like tents, food, etc.
In short, Chandan’s pre-Safari preparedness is worth emulating, as he leaves nothing to chance, knowing that one mistake on those treacherous wilderness trails in Binsar could be disastrous!
According to Chandan Singh
Koranga, “My late grandfather Shri Dewan Singh Ji was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time with Jim Corbett at a time when the entire Kumaon Himalayas was infested and terrified with dangerous maneaters (tigers and leopards). We grew up listening to stories about Corbett’s courage in confronting the Big Cats. However, for us Kumaonis, we do not consider tigers and leopards as predators; rather, we believe that their presence is an indication that our ecosystem is healthy. Perhaps this attitude originated from the great Hunter-turned-Conservationist Jim Corbett himself, who first instilled in us the need to be sympathetic to the Big Cats.”
Most of Chandan’s discerning guests come to explore Kumaon Himalayas in all its entirety, which are a 10-15 day affair, and thus are provided accommodation in his signature Wood Villas retreat located in the picturesque Himalayan hamlet of Dhamas (32 km . from Almora). At an elevation of 1424 m/4672 ft, the grandeur of the majestic Himalayas as seen from Dhamas is spellbinding.
Being an extension of the Koranga family’s commitment towards preservation of Kumaon Himalaya's fragile ecosystem, the cornerstone of Wood Villas Safari tours lies in providing immersive experiences, and staying in traditional Kumaoni villages which is highly encouraged. The essence is slow and mindful exploration.
In their efforts to provide discerning visitors with a firsthand feel of nature’s wonders at Binsar, Wood Villas Safari offers tailor-made treks inside the sanctuary. The Ghoralkot Trek (3 km) is obviously in great demand due largely to the stunning Himalayan panorama as viewed from Zero Point.
A 9.30 am view of the Himalayan Peaks left to right Trishul, Nanda Devi &
Nanda kot. Nanda Ghunti, Panchachuli and Nepal peaks not in pic.
For visitors who are avid bird watchers, Binsar is one of Uttarakhand’s best bird watching zones, home to 200+ resident species. You can have a date with Eurasian Jays, Bar-tailed Treecreepers, and Oriental Turtle Doves, to name just a few.
Carrying the legacy of Jim Corbett isn’t all that easy, and Wood Villas Safari follows Corbett’s quote, “Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints,” to the hilt.
Travellers Fact File
1. By Air: Pantnagar (140 km) and
Dehradun are the closest airports.
2. By Rail: The nearest railway station
is Kathgodam (connected to cities like New Delhi, Dehradun, Kolkata, Kanpur and
Jammu), which is just 105 kms away from Binsar. From Kathgodam, one can hire a
cab to Binsar or local bus to Almora which is just 33 kms from Binsar.
3. By Road: Well-connected with Uttarakhand’s various hill towns, a number of buses ply from Dehradun, Almora, Nainital and Delhi. Also, you can easily find a direct bus to Almora which is just 33 km away from Binsar.
4. For Jungle Safari/Wildlife Photography/Fam Tours, please connect with Chandan Singh Koranga, Him Valley Infra, (Woods Villa), Village – Dhamas, Sitlakhet Road, Uttarakhand – 263601. Mob - +91-7505001510. Except one all pictures credit author.
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