From Ranikhet to the Tiger's New Home: The Phato Tourism Zone Guide
Are you a wildlife enthusiast in Ranikhet who thinks they have "seen it all" in Jim Corbett? Have you visited Dhikala and Bijrani and are looking for something different?
Pack your bags, because the Phato Tourism Zone is calling.
Opened recently in 2022, Phato has taken the wildlife community by storm. For explorers coming from Ranikhet, Phato offers a chance to explore a unfiltered forest that hasn't been overrun by tourism yet. The stories of tiger sightings here are becoming legendary.
At Corbett Step, we are excited to introduce our special Phato packages for guests traveling from Ranikhet.
Why Ranikhet Tourists Are Choosing Phato
- The Strike Rate: It is simple math. High tiger population + dense forest + fewer tourists = Phenomenal sightings. For someone coming all the way from Ranikhet, this maximizes the value of your trip.
- The Hideout: Phato has a beautiful Tree House where you can take a pause. It’s a great spot for photos to show your friends back in Ranikhet.
- The Landscape: Phato is incredibly lush. The light filtering through the dense Sal trees creates a captivating atmosphere, perfect for photographers carrying heavy lenses from Ranikhet.
Mapping Your Phato Trip from Ranikhet
Getting to a new zone can be confusing if you don't know the local geography. Here is how we guide 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 Ranikhet 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 Ranikhet, we will arrange a taxi to take you to your resort. On the safari day, our Certified 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 long-distance Dhikuli belt.
Suggested Itinerary for Ranikhet Guests
- Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization
Depart Ranikhet 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 overgrown 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 Ranikhet
Breakfast and Check-out. Drive back to Ranikhet with stories of the "New Frontier."
Essential Tips for Ranikhet 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 Ranikhet.
- Dust Protection: The track to Phato can be dusty. If you are traveling from Ranikhet, bring a cloth and sunglasses.
- Camera Ready: Phato is beautiful. Even if you don't see a tiger, the forest itself is worth shooting.
Why Prefer Corbett Step?
- We Know the Terrain: Phato is new for tourists, but not for us. Our drivers know the territories where the tigers hang out.
- Single Window Service: We handle permits, gypsies, and hotels. You just handle the travel from Ranikhet.
- Customer Support: We are available constantly to answer your queries.
FAQs from Ranikhet Explorers
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 challenging. We usually recommend staying in comfortable resorts outside.
Q: Is it safe for kids traveling from Ranikhet?
A: Yes. The Tree House area is fenced, and the safaris are conducted with strict operational protocols.
Eager to Explore the Unknown?
The tigers of Phato are waiting to be discovered. Be the first among your friends in Ranikhet to visit this untamed landscape.
Corbett Step makes it easy.
📍 Plan your Phato Safari: corbettstep.com
