Discover the Thrills of Jim Corbett National Park
Into the Wild: Discover the Thrills of Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is the oldest and most famous national park in India, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and later renamed after the legendary conservationist and hunter-turned-naturalist Jim Corbett. The park spans over 520 square kilometers, encompassing a diverse landscape of dense forests, grasslands, rivers, and hills. It is most renowned for being the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger in 1973, making it a crucial habitat for the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger.
Apart from tigers, Corbett is home to a wide array of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer (chital, sambar), wild boars, and a variety of reptiles. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 600 bird species recorded, such as eagles, vultures, kingfishers, and parakeets. Corbett is divided into multiple zones, each offering a different experience:
•Dhikala Zone: The largest and most popular for tiger sightings and picturesque landscapes.
•Bijrani Zone: Known for its lush green forests and high wildlife visibility.
•Jhirna Zone: Open year-round and rich in flora and fauna.
•Dhela Zone: Known for a variety of animals, particularly elephants.
•Durga Devi Zone: Ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Visitors to Corbett can embark on Jeep safaris, canter safaris, and elephant safaris, offering an up-close and thrilling experience of the park’s rich biodiversity. With its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, Jim Corbett National Park offers an adventurous and immersive journey into India’s natural wilderness.
By Air
Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport in Uttarakhand.
By Train
Nearest railway station is Ramnagar railway station in Nainital.
By Road
Jim Corbett National Park is well connected by road from major cities like New Delhi, Dehradun, and Nainital.
Arrival at Pantnagar airport / Ramnagar railway station, transit to Jim Corbett, Garjiya Devi Temple, evening at leisure.
Jeep safari in Dikhala Zone, explore park’s wilderness, photography.
Early morning jeep safari, Corbett Waterfall, evening safari (optional) / leisure.
Early morning bird-watching, depart back for Pantnagar airport / Ramnagar railway station.
How do I reach Jim Corbett National Park?
•By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (80 km), with regular flights from Delhi.
•By Train: The nearest railway station is Ramnagar (12 km from the park), well-connected with major cities like Delhi.
•By Road: Jim Corbett is about 250 km from Delhi
What wildlife can I expect to see in Jim Corbett?
The park is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer (chital, sambar), wild boars, reptiles, and a rich diversity of bird species. Tigers and leopards are elusive, but there’s a good chance to spot them in zones like Dhikala and Bijrani.
Are permits required to enter the park?
Permits are required for all safaris and can be obtained at the entry gates or online. It’s recommended to book in advance due to the park’s popularity.
How many safari zones are there in Jim Corbett National Park?
The park is divided into six main zones:
1. Dhikala (famous for tiger sightings and scenic views)
2. Bijrani (lush forests and wildlife visibility)
3. Jhirna (open year-round)
4. Dhela (rich in flora and fauna)
5. Durga Devi (ideal for birdwatching)
6. Sitabani (buffer zone for forest walks and temple visits)
How much do the safaris cost?
The cost of a Jeep Safari for up to 6 people is approximately Rs.4000 – Rs.6000 per Jeep, including vehicle, driver, guide, and entry fees. Canter Safari costs around Rs.1500 – Rs.2000 per person.
