Corbett Literature Festival Unites Nature Voices
The inaugural Corbett Literature Festival concluded on October 8 at The Golden Tusk, following three days of conversations on wildlife, rivers, folk music and the future of one of India’s best-known wildlife landscapes. Titled “3 Days in the Wild”, the festival ran from October 6 to 8 on the banks of the Kosi River, bringing together more than 30 writers, conservationists, historians, photographers and storytellers for over 20 sessions across three venues: The Golden Tusk, The Riverview Retreat and Aahana Resort & Spa. Supported by the Uttarakhand Forest Department, Corbett Tiger Reserve and Uttarakhand Tourism, the programme included masterclasses in wildlife photography and filmmaking, guided nature walks, and cultural evenings celebrating Uttarakhand’s music, food and storytelling.
The opening day explored Jim Corbett’s legacy, conservation, Garhwali folk music and experiences from the forest frontline. Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal stressed that conservation could not be separated from the welfare of communities living around forests. Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu said the festival would broaden the way the world viewed Corbett. The second day began with a bird and tree walk, followed by sessions on Himalayan ecology, Pahadi food, wildlife photography and responsible tourism. Speakers emphasised that Corbett’s identity extended beyond its tigers, highlighting farmers, pastoralists and tourism businesses dependent on the Kosi and Ramganga watersheds. The final day featured a wildlife photography exhibition at Jungle Grill, curated by Sriroopa Raheja Bajaj, alongside discussions on natural history, rivers and nature writing. Bollywood playback singer Jubin Nautiyal made a special appearance, supporting the festival’s focus on wildlife and forest conservation. He praised forest staff for their imagery of Corbett and welcomed the public response, saying he was encouraged to see people standing up for “things that really matter, which will actually matter in the long run”. Anirudh Lakhotia, Director of Ivory Destinations, which owns The Golden Tusk, described the festival as deeply personal to his family, whose hospitality journey in Corbett spans decades. He called Corbett “the perfect backdrop for conversations about nature, wildlife, the Himalayas and Uttarakhand’s culture”. Corbett Tiger Reserve Field Director Saket Badola, whom Chief Wildlife Warden Neena Grewal credited with initiating the festival, said the first edition demonstrated how a literary perspective could offer a fresh view of a destination. Organisers plan to make the festival a recurring platform, with smaller events throughout the year. The three-day event concluded with a gala dinner, live music and live painting.
