Jim Corbett National Park

Introduction of Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park, the pride of Uttarakhand, that is named after the legendary conservationist and naturist Jim Corbett is a land of contrasts. With wild and open grasslands, a rich heritage and rare wildlife, Jim Corbett National Park will touch your soul. Established in 1936, this National Park holds special importance as it is India’s first National Park. Located at the foothills of the gigantic Himalayas, across the hill station of Nainital this Park is a huge tract of untamed landscape with huge diversity and richness stretching across 1318 square kms. Its landscape is unique and picturesque as it is spread over Almora, Nainital, and Pauri Garhwal. Jim Corbett National Park doesn’t have just places, it has special locales that are set apart from the mundane or the ordinary. This could be due to their setting, history, landscape, or all this combined. Let’s explore more about this magnificent landscape!

How to Reach

By Train –Jim Corbett National Park has nearby stations in Ramnagar, which is just 12 km away from the park. This station is connected to all major cities of India like Moradabad, Delhi, Bareilly, and Nainital. From Ramnagar, it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the Park via road.
By Road – There are good road links to the park, that connects the Park with all major cities. The state Government of Uttarakhand has frequented Government buses at regular intervals from cities like Moradabad, Delhi, Haldawani, and Nainital, through which you can reach the Park directly.
By Air – The nearest domestic airport to the park is Patnagar Airport, which is approximately 1.5 kms away by road from the park. You can reach this airport from Delhi through Jagson Airlines. The Indra Gandhi Airport at New Delhi is the second nearest airport and is about 274 kms away from the park.

Things to do

The first National Park of India offers endless options for tourists to get around and explore the unexplored. Whether it is a gentle walk with your mates witnessing the Park’s flora, or an action filled adventure with the safari rides, this Park provides an opportunity for you to connect with nature the way you intend to. The best part of this park is the night accommodation that is facilitated by the forest department.

Jeep Safari

Jeep safari is a boon, to experience the wildlife of the park in its natural habitat.The forest’s lust green views cut across rivers, streams, and waterfalls is a must have experience. Jim Corbett National Park is divided into different safari zones, which can be traversed by safari rides.

Dhikala Zone – This is the most famous among all the tourist zones of the park. Dhangadi gate is the entry gate and is located 32 kms from Ramnagar. This zone is open for tourists from 15^th November to 15^th June. This zone can be traversed on a day safari. This zone is also known for its rich bird diversity. Situated across the periphery of Patil Dun valley,this zone carries rich flora and fauna. Its grasslands, dense forests, and Ramganga river is sure to instigate a sense of amusement in you. 32 Dhikala FRH, Gairal FRH, Sarpduli FRH, and Sultan FRH are the forest rent houses.

Bijrani Zone –This zone is open for tourists from 15^th October to 30^th June and can be traversed in a day jeep safari that can accommodate up to 30 people. This is the second popular zone after the Dhikala zone and is enriched with tigers. This zone is known for its own quiet and calm environment with wonderful landscape. This zone is a beautiful blend of dense forests like Sal and grasslands. BIJRANI FRH, MAILANI FRH are the forest rent houses.

Jhirna Zone – This zone is open for tourists throughout the year and can be traversed in a day jeep safari. This zone was included in the park later in 1994 and has been the most popular among wildlife lovers. Wild bears and majestic tigers are the major attractions of this zone. Other popular animals of this zone are sambhar, elephants, and various species of deer. These are accompanied by a wide species of birds. Jhirna FRH, Dhela FRH are the accommodation houses.
Dhela Zone –This zone is open for safaris throughout the year. Day jeep safari is available and there can be a maximum of 15 jeeps per shift. This zone has no Forest Rent House. Widespread across 1173 hectares, this zone is extremely rich in flora and fauna. Its flora is enriched by mixed forests like Rohini, Sal, Bahera, Haldu, Kusum vegetation, and fauna of leopards, tigers, sloth bear, Asian elephants, and King Cobra.

Durga Devi Zone – This zone is open for visitors from 15^th November to 15^th June. Day Jeep Safaris are offered with 11 jeeps per shift. This zone is a paradise for nature lovers and is situated across the Northeast periphery of the Park’s Forest. Along with the flora and fauna, this zone is rich in water bodies with Mandal and Ramganga river. This zone is more popular among bird lovers.Gray Headed Fishing Eagle, slaty blue flycatcher, Maroon Orile, Long Tailed Broadbill, Black chinned Yuhina, bar tailed tree creeper are the popular species of birds, alongside a plethora of others. Lohachaur FRH is the Forest Rent House.

Sitabani Forest Zone –The entry gate is near Teda village, that is approximately 4 kms from Ramnagar. Day jeep safari and day elephant safari areoffered, and the zone is open for safari ride throughout the year. This zone is located outside the territory of Corbett Tiger reserve.Private vehicles of tourists are allowed in this zone and private hotels and resorts are available for accommodation.The landscape of this zone consists of dense forest, river streams, and herbivore animals like deer, elephant, sambar, Nilgai, and others.

Safari Timings and Price

Jeep Safari

Jeep safari is rated at INR 5000 per jeep for Indian nationals. A maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (between 5 to 12 years) are allowed per jeep.
INR 10000 for foreign nationals.
Morning safari starts at 6 AM and ends at 9 AM. Evening slots start at 3 PM and ends at 6 PM.
Canter