JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK – A Mysterious Wildlife Destination
Jim Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park is a known Tiger Reserve situated within the Uttarakhand state of India which was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. It’s the oldest National Park in Uttarakhand and Tiger Reserve firstly launched here in 1973.
Jim Corbett National Park is named after James Edward Corbett who was a British hunter, naturalist and later became a wildlife conservator. As per story told by villagers he was a respected man amongst the villagers. He was holding a rank of Colonel in British army and posted in India to hunt the man eater tigers in different part of British India. He is an author of some booking explaining his experience of hunting.
This park is natural habitat of tigers and elephants and also a home of more than 600 species of Birds, four or five species of Deer and other animals. Park spread over 520 square kilometers, comprising hills, river, lakes and grasslands. If you are a wildlife lover and want to explore jungle then Corbett could be a perfect destination for you. Within the Corbett National Park, you’ll find different species of birds and animals. The common birds you may see in this region of forest are Hawks, eagles, kites and vultures.
WILDLIFE IN JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
Flora: Corbett National Park is roofed with 75% of Sal forest and other five hundred species of plants like grass, ferns, climbers, herbs, shrubs, trees and bamboos.
Fauna: 50 species of mammals, 580 species of birds and around 25 species of reptiles are found within the Corbett forest. Besides of Tigers, the commonest animals like Leopard, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Jaguar, Wild Dog, Hyena, Ghoral, Himalayan Black Bear Rhesus Monkeys, Jackal, Spotted Deer, Himalayan Palm Cat, Indian Gray Mongoose, Otter, Black Napped Hare, and Porcupine are the other animals resides within the reserve. Reptile can also be seen on the shores of the Ramganga River. Here, you may also see reptilian species like Long Snouted Gharial, Fish-Eating Crocodile, Mugger crocodile etc. Bird watching at the Kosi River is going to be an exquisite experience for bird lovers and to click some beautiful photographs.
SAFARI ZONE OF JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
Tourist zones are divided in Buffer and Core Zones for promoting the wildlife tourism in Jim Corbett National Park. Here, tourist can see and experience the ecosystem and wildlife of animals and birds. Corbett National Park is divided into different zones and few famous tourist zones are mentioned below.
Dhikala Zone: It is the largest and core zone of Corbett National Park and offer you the maximum possibility of sighting wild animals. You will be a part of the surrounding where you will find chirping birds and dense forest covered by numbers of flora. The entry gate is located at a distance of approx. 18 kilometers from the nearest city Ram Nagar. Dhikala is highly recommended and preferred tourism zone among tourists enthusiastic to experience the real wildlife of Jim Corbett National Park.
Bijrani Zone: This is famous and preferred zone of the forest and closest to the Ram Nagar city which is just approximately 2 to 3 kilometers away. Here, you can experience the flora, fauna and open grassland in the park.
Jhirna Zone: Jhirna is another tourist zone which is open for tourist round the year. It is located 17 kilometers from the Ram Nagar City and also considered a good zone for sighting.
Dhela Zone: Dhela is another gate to enter the Jim Corbett National Park. It is also open throughout the years for tourists. This is the zone that is approx. 14 Kilometers away from the Ramnagar City and rich in the presence of Flora and Fauna.
Durga Devi Zone: Duradevi is a birds’ heaven in Jim Corbett National Park and you may find birds of different species. If you love birds it’s a perfect place to sight them. This gate is 35 Kilometers away from Ramnagar city.
Sitabani: Sitabani is another buffer zone of Jim Corbett National Park where you may find some wild animals and nature rich surrounding. This zone is surrounded by Kumaon hills and sale tree. It’s a buffer zone open round the year for tourists.
Haldiparao Zone:Entry for Haldiparao zone (Kalagarh Range) is via Vatanvasagate which is 40 kilometers from Kotdwara and located near the bank of Palain River. This is a new gate and wildlife sighting possibilities are slightly higher than any buffer zone of Jim Corbett National Park.
WILDLIFE SAFARI IN JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
Corbett National Park offers yous afari options like jeep safari, elephant safari and canter safari to explore wildlife in the forest. Safari is available at Dhikala, Dhela, Bijrani, Jhirna, Sitabani, Durgadevi and Halduparaozone.
Elephant Safari: Elephant safari could be a great fun and starts from Durgadevi gate the North-Eastern Side of the reserve and ends at Halduparao the north-western boundary. It covers the Bijrani region of the park.
Elephant Safari Timings
Morning – 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Evening – 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Jeep Safari: Enjoy the wildlife and different species of flora and fauna of the Corbett National Park by doing jeep safari. It’s fast, Convenient and cozy mode to explore this jungle. It starts from Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna,Dhela, Durgadevi, and Sitabani zone.
Jeep Safari Timings
Morning – 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Evening – 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Core Zone Safari (Dhikala): Dhikala is that the core zone of the forest. Staying in a resort inside the Jungle is the only choice to explore the center of jungle. You may also take 4-5 hours extensive safaris which will provide you a wonderful experience of Dhikala Core Zone.
Dhikala Safari Timings
Morning6:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening – 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Please Note: Safari Timings and availability may vary depending on season and weather conditions.
PLACES TO VISIT IN JIM CORBETT
Corbett Waterfall: Corbett Water fall is the main attraction for travelers. It is located 25 Kilometer away from the Corbett National Park and on the way to Nainital. You are advised to see this waterfall from a distance as it’s not safe to go closer due to Crocodiles and snakes near the water fall.
Garjia Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Garija another name of Goddess Shakti or Durga. It’s located near Koshi River on an outsized Rock.
Corbett Museum: Corbett Museum is dedicated to James Edward Corbett and located at Kaladhungi within the Nainital district. It is a bungalow converted to a museum and showing the belongings of wildlife conservationist James Edward Corbett. You can see his belongings, memories, letters, antiques and a few rare photographs at this museum.
Kosi River: It is a picturesque and delightful location to enjoy the riverside and hills at backdrops.
Sitabani Temple: It is a temple located within the Sitabani Jungles of the National Park. It’s dedicated to Goddess Sita and known for its architecture and religious beliefs.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT JIM CORBETT
The weather is moderate with a temperature of 5°C to 30°C during the winter and go up to 40°C during summers. Winter mornings are generally foggy and Monsoons receive heavy rain within the Corbett National Park. The best time to travel is from Mid-November to Mid-June.
HOW TO REACH
Ramnagar is that the nearest city to Corbett park which is easily connected through road, rail and Airways. Ramnagar is the nearest railways station and Pantnagar is the closest Airport.
By Air: Nearest Airport is Pantnagar and Delhi. You can book a cab or taxi to reach the Jim Corbett National Park.
Railways: Ramnagar is the nearest railway station connected by trains from various cities of India including Delhi and Mumbai. Railway operates some direct trains from Delhi to Ramnagar including Ranikhet Express, Corbett Link Express and Kathgodam Express.
Roadways: Nearby city Ramnagar is connected by amazing road network to all main cities of India and situated at a distance of 260 Kilometers from Delhi.
DISTANCE FROM THE CLOSEST CITIES
Delhi to Ramnagar – 260 KMS
Nainital to Ramnagar – 62 KMS
Dehradun to Ramnagar – 232 KMS
Lucknow- to Ramnagar – 436 KMS
TRAVEL TIPS:
Safari Booking in Advance: Jungle safari need to be booked well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as there is limited availability of jungle safari, and you may not be able to book at a time.
Entry Permits: Entry permit need to obtain well in advance and carry a valid ID proof to enter into the park.
Accommodation: Choose accommodation options within or near the park, as this will save travel time and increase your chances of wildlife sightings. But you may choose accommodation according your budget.
Pack you bag: Neutral color and comfortable cloths along with essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and binoculars should be there in your packing list.
Timing Matters: Early morning or late afternoon safari is best when animals are most active. You may also hire a knowledgeable guide who can provide insights into the park’s flora and fauna.
Weather Forecast: Weather forecast need to be checked before you start your trip and pack accordingly, especially during monsoon as weather plays a vital role in sighting of wildlife animals
Follow Park Rules: Please follow the park rules and guidelines as, including speed noise restrictions and no smoking in the park. You are advised to maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid making loud noise or sudden movements. Don’t step out from safari vehicle.
Cameras: Bring a quality camera to capture wildlife images for your references and collection as a memory.
Medical Kit: you may also carry a basic medical kit for an emergency and keep a note of emergency contact numbers and local authorities’ information.
SPECIAL REQUEST:
Please help wildlife area and surroundings litter free and dispose of your trash responsibly and do not litter in the park. You are also requested to respect culture and traditions of the surrounding local communities.
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