Kosi River flows alongside the Corbett National Park, creating the eastern border of the Park. Many adventure lovers flock this river to indulge in river rafting activity. While here, you can take part in the grade II as well as grade III of the white water rafting.
It is always exciting to ride on the storming rapids of streaming water. River rafting is the next favorite activity that visitors like to do here, after their trip to Jim Corbett National Park. Additionally, this river pulls in several species of migratory birds. So, it's amongst the notable places to visit in Jim Corbett for bird watchers to catch some vibrant photographs.
Location: Ranikhet Road, Jim Corbett National Park
Kosi river traverses the eastern periphery of the Jim Corbett National Park. After commencing from Mohan, the river goes through Dhikuli and finally culminates into Ramnagar, which is a small town in Nainital. This is a brilliant tourist destination with thick green forests surrounding the river, presence of wild animals that come to the riverside to drink water and a great adventures ambience. The Kosi is actually a tributary of Ramganga, the major source of drinking water in the area.
It originates from Dharapani Dhar, located at a height of 2500 metres in Baramandal region of Almora district of Uttarakhand. The river flows graciously along the verdant valleys of the hill district before culminating into the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh.Locally known as the Kosila, the water resources of Kosi river forms the rich vegetation and farmland of the Kumaun region. This is the source of life for the growing wildlife and forests of the entire Jim Corbett National Park.
The riverbed of Kosi is filled with boulders and its flow is often erratic. Water flows in torrents during monsoon in this river, making it a marvellous tourist destination. The water of the river is very pristine and calm once the monsoon ends. You can bask in the sun by the riverside, take a stroll in the adjacent areas, catch a glimpse of various migratory birds that come to the valley round the year. Overall, this is a perfect place for a vacation in the lap of nature.
-Via bus: Dehradun airport or the Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport to Kosi river which is located at around 1440km from here. If you avail of the Uttarakhand state transport bus facilities, it will take around a day to reach the riverine area of Kosi. You can also reach the Kosi river site from Delhi airport where the number of state transport buses is higher compared to the Dehradun facility.
-Via car/taxi: Multiple private vehicle agencies offer long permit tourist cars to Kosi river. It is best to book the car from the airport in advance. The journey time will be around 20 hours from Dehradun airport to the Kosi. Many inter-state cab agencies offer transportation to Kosi from Delhi airport.
-Winter: Anytime from November to February is the best time to visit the Kosi River Valley, Jim Corbett National Park and its adjacent areas. This time the weather witnesses a deep nip in the air yet remains very pleasant. You can reach the river quite close and roam around the riverbed on foot in several locations as the amount of water dries up during this time. A lot of tourist footfall is witnessed during this time of the year.
-Monsoon: From June onwards, monsoon arrives here giving the Kosi one of its dangerous yet gorgeous avatars. The river in full thunder gushes through the rocky terrain. Sometimes, the fierce stream causes a little destruction on its path. It is a beautiful sight to witness for tourists from a distance. Once you visit the riverside, you shall hear the noisy gurgling of the water crossing the valley at an immense pace. Undoubtedly, this is a major attraction for many adventure tourists.
-Summer: In summer, Kosi River valley can be really pleasant. The temperature here doesn’t give you pain during travelling. The river carries a steady flow of water. You can deepen your feet in the shallow water areas and enjoy some angling activities.
-Location: The location of the Kosi River is the southeastern periphery of the Jim Corbett National Park. It flows from Mohan to Ramnagar to Dhikuli in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The river does not enter the boundary of the national park, rather it crosses several important ranges of the sanctuary.
-Stretch of the river: The total stretch of Kosi River is around 170km starting from its origin to its culmination.
-Distance from nearest Airport: Dehradun airport is the nearest facility to the Kosi River Valley and Jim Corbett National Park. It is located around 155km on National Highway 34. Indira Gandhi International Airport is the second nearest airport here, located around 244km from here.
Kosi River is home to hundreds of fish species found in the Ramganga River. Owing to the presence of a huge number of fish in the river, a lot of migratory birds come here for prey. You can bask in the sunlight here along the riverside once the prime rainy season is gone and the river flows at a steady pace.
You will not feel bored while pursuing your fishing skills here as the breathtaking surroundings will keep you captivated. You can also pen some poetic lines as you wait for your day’s catch sitting on the riverside boulders.
Kosi River offers ample opportunities for tourists who are passionate about various adventure sports like river rafting among others. The white water river rafting in the Kosi can only be possible during the rainy season when the river gushes in its full force with a huge amount of water on its riverbed.
The geographical location of the river and its surroundings make it an ideal natural river rafting spot. The Kosi white water river rafting is considered one of the best rafting places in the country. The rafting sessions here are usually 30 minutes. The rafting sessions of Rapid II and III take place between July to September every year.
The rafting sport here can be pursued by both beginners and professionals. However, the river is closed during bad weather conditions when the region witnesses huge showers on certain days during monsoon.
There are multiple places to eat around the Kosi River and Jim Corbett National Park areas. Some of them are:
1. Barbecue Cafe: One of the finest places for grilled items, Barbecue Cafe is located in Dhikuli village at Ramnagar. Grilled fish, paneer, chicken and various authentic Indian dishes and comfort food are available here at a reasonable rate. A meal for two would cost around Rs 1200. The restaurant remains open from noon to 10 pm.
2. The Grill Kebab Treat Restaurant: This restaurant is located in Garjia, Jim Corbett National Park. The place serves Indian and Asian cuisines. Also available are an array of vegetarian dishes. A meal for two would cost around Rs 1000 at this restaurant that specialises in mouth-watering kebab dishes. The place remains open from 11 am to 10 pm.
3. Village Vatika Restaurant: This place is known as “snacks after safari” to a lot of tourists visiting the Kosi River Valley or Jim Corbett National Park areas. Various appetizers, finger foods, and grilled items are available here. Vegan-friendly options are galore too. The place remains open from 8 am to 10.30 pm for all breakfast, lunch and dinner options. A meal for two at Village Vatika Restaurant will cost you around Rs 800 to Rs 1000.
4. Panorama Restaurant: Panorama Restaurant, located in Dhikuli, Ramnagar, is famous among international tourists for its lip-smacking Italian, Chinese and contemporary Indian dishes. Various steak items are also available here. A meal for two is priced at Rs 1300 at this restaurant that remains open from noon to 9.30 pm.