From New Friends Colony to the Tiger's New Home: The Phato Tourism Zone Guide
Are you a wildlife enthusiast in New Friends Colony who thinks they have "seen it all" in Jim Corbett? Have you visited Dhikala and Bijrani and are looking for something untouched?
Pack your bags, because the Phato Tourism Zone is calling.
Opened recently in 2022, Phato has taken the wildlife community by storm. For nature lovers coming from New Friends Colony, Phato offers a chance to explore a secret forest that hasn't been overrun by tourism yet. The stories of tiger sightings here are becoming legendary.
At Corbett Step, we are enthusiastic to introduce our special Phato packages for guests traveling from New Friends Colony.
Why New Friends Colony Residents Are Choosing Phato
- The Success: It is simple math. High tiger population + dense forest + fewer tourists = Fantastic sightings. For someone coming all the way from New Friends Colony, this maximizes the value of your trip.
- The Watchtower: Phato has a beautiful Tree House where you can take a interval. It’s a great spot for portraits to show your friends back in New Friends Colony.
- The Scenery: Phato is incredibly lush. The light filtering through the dense Sal trees creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for photographers carrying heavy lenses from New Friends Colony.
Structuring Your Phato Trip from New Friends Colony
Getting to a new zone can be hectic if you don't know the local geography. Here is how we counsel you:
Step 1: Permit Booking with Corbett Step
The booking system for Phato is different from the other zones.
- The Challenge: It falls under the Terai West Division, not the main CTR administration.
- Our Solution: You don't need to worry about which website to visit. Just send your details from New Friends Colony to Corbett Step. We know exactly where and how to book it.
Step 2: The Logistics
- Distance: Phato is a bit further from Ramnagar (approx 25km).
- Transport: If you are coming by train to Ramnagar from New Friends Colony, we will arrange a taxi to take you to your resort. On the safari day, our Official Gypsy will pick you up.
Step 3: The Stay
We recommend staying in resorts on the Kashipur Road or Ramnagar City to be closer to the Phato entry gate. This saves you travel time in the morning compared to staying in the spread-out Dhikuli belt.
Suggested Itinerary for New Friends Colony Guests
- Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization
Depart New Friends Colony and arrive in Ramnagar. Check-in to your resort. Enjoy the facilities and prepare for an early morning game drive. - Day 2: The Phato Safari Adventure
Pick up by our Gypsy. Enter the Phato Gate. Spend 3 hours in the thick jungle. Look for the famous tigress of Phato who is often seen with her cubs. Stop at the Tree House to stretch your legs. - Day 3: Return to New Friends Colony
Breakfast and Check-out. Drive back to New Friends Colony with stories of the "New Frontier."
Required Tips for New Friends Colony Travelers
- Book in Advance: Just because it is new doesn't mean it's empty. Phato is selling out as fast as Bijrani now. Book 30 days prior to leaving New Friends Colony.
- Dust Protection: The track to Phato can be dusty. If you are traveling from New Friends Colony, bring a buff and sunglasses.
- Camera Ready: Phato is beautiful. Even if you don't see a tiger, the forest itself is worth witnessing.
Why Pick Corbett Step?
- We Know the Terrain: Phato is new for tourists, but not for us. Our drivers know the creeks where the tigers hang out.
- Single Window Service: We handle permits, gypsies, and hotels. You just handle the travel from New Friends Colony.
- Customer Support: We are available day and night to answer your queries.
FAQs from New Friends Colony Visitors
Q: Is Phato better than Sitabani?
A: Yes, for tigers. Sitabani is a buffer zone famous for birds and landscapes. Phato is a dedicated tourism zone with a much higher density of predators.
Q: Can we stay inside Phato?
A: There is a Forest Rest House, but booking it is extremely competitive. We usually recommend staying in comfortable resorts outside.
Q: Is it safe for kids traveling from New Friends Colony?
A: Yes. The Tree House area is fenced, and the safaris are conducted with strict safety protocols.
Excited to Explore the Unknown?
The tigers of Phato are waiting to be discovered. Be the first among your friends in New Friends Colony to visit this untamed landscape.
Corbett Step makes it easy.
📍 Plan your Phato Safari: corbettstep.com
