If you’re planning phato safari booking (also searched as phanto safari booking), this quick guide will help you do it right & clear pricing ranges, the exact gate to report at, and what to expect inside the forest. Phato (often spelled Phanto) is a jeep-only eco-tourism zone adjoining Corbett. A registered guide is compulsory, and safaris run in two daily shifts (morning and evening), subject to season and road conditions.
What & Where is Phato?
Phato sits next to the Corbett landscape and is commonly searched as phato zone jim corbett. Entry for tourists is by registered gypsy with a licensed guide; private cars aren’t used for the trail. Think quiet sal forests, waterholes, elephants and ungulates, and the photogenic “pink” waterhole that shows up in good light.
Morning vs Evening: Which safari to choose
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Morning: Cooler air, soft light, fresh tracks, better bird activity. Great for photographers.
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Evening: Golden light, rising activity near waterholes, comfortable start time for families.
If you’re short on time, pick the slot that fits your reporting time best; consistency and silence often matter more than the slot.
Pricing Snapshot (quick range)
Expect a total per jeep (permit + gypsy + guide + taxes) to fall in a practical range for Indian tourists. It varies by season, and add-ons (hotel pickup, etc.).
Tip: Split the jeep among up to 6 guests to reduce per-person cost.
Permits & Availability
phato safari permit slots are limited per shift. Keep these handy:
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IDs: Indians: valid govt photo ID. Foreign guests—passport details.
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Group size: Typically up to 6 tourists per jeep + driver + guide.
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Kids: Allowed with a seat; carry a light jacket in winter.
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Foreigners: Carry passport originals; confirm fee components and payment mode in advance.
For last-minute plans, check phato safari availability on your preferred dates before fixing hotels.
Reporting Point: Maldhan (Mohan Nagar) Gate
Boarding is from Maldhan (Mohan Nagar), roughly 25–30 km from Ramnagar depending on your route. Arrive 30 minutes early for ID checks, guide meet-up, and permit verification. In winter, plan more buffer for fog and slower drives.
Pink Waterhole (aka “Phato Pink Lake”)
Locals call it the phato pink lake: a waterhole whose surface can look pinkish due to natural growth (algae/moss) and the way light hits it. You’ll appreciate it most under clean daylight and calm water. Please keep voices low and don’t crowd the edge.
What to Carry (season-wise)
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Winter (Nov–Feb): Warm layer, beanie, gloves, thermos, lip balm.
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Summer (Mar–Jun): Cap, sunglasses, SPF, 1–2 liters water, breathable clothing.
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Monsoon shoulder: Light rain jacket, dry pouch for phone/camera.
Round the year: binoculars, spare battery/card, and neutral-colored clothing.
Safety, Etiquette & Photography
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Keep silence at sightings; follow your guide’s instructions.
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Do not step off the track; don’t feed or call animals.
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No flash with wildlife; shoot at higher ISO instead.
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Carry back all waste; leave the forest cleaner than you found it.
How We Operate
We arrange registered jeeps and licensed guides, maintain transparent pricing, and issue GST invoices on request. You’ll get reporting details, a checklist, and support on call/WhatsApp so your phato jeep safari booking feels simple and trustworthy.
FAQs
1) Is Phato inside Corbett?
It’s an eco-tourism zone adjoining the Corbett landscape; visitors book jeep safaris with a mandatory guide.
2) Can I take my private car?
No. Tourists enter on registered gypsies with a guide.
3) How long is the safari?
About 3 hours per shift, seasonally timed around sunrise/sunset.
4) What IDs are needed?
Indians: any valid govt photo ID. Foreigners: passport. Carry originals.
5) Which months are best?
Nov–Feb offers crisp light and pleasant weather; summers are great for waterhole activity. Always check road/weather updates before booking.
