Jim Corbett National ParkThe oldest national park in India, it was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. Renamed after the famous conservationist Jim Corbett in 1955, it is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. As the first park under Project Tiger, it is known for its diverse ecosystem including the majestic Bengal Tiger.

While the tigers are undoubtedly the main attraction Corbett National ParkThe area is home to a colorful palette of wildlife that is less explored. In fact, many other birds are abundant here, including the cinereous vulture, pink minivet, spot-bellied eagle owl and lesser fish eagle. Rich in its avifauna, Corbett has about 600 species of Indian and migratory birds. You can also find night birds, water birds, grassland birds and woodland birds. Apart from bird watching, you can also visit various other sites in the national park.

Best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park

Winter begins in India in November, and by December it starts getting cold. Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. The pleasant climate not only enhances your safari experience but also allows comfortable stay and exploration around the park.

Safari Zone inside Corbett

Jim Corbett is divided into several areas, each area offering a unique experience:

Dhikala Zone: Known for its vast grasslands and diverse wildlife, this is the most popular region. It is best to book your safari in advance, as it can get crowded.

Bijrani Zone: The area is famous for its natural beauty and high chances of tiger sightings. A morning safari here is especially rewarding.

Jhirna Zone: Open throughout the year, the area offers a more relaxed environment with a variety of wildlife including elephants and deer. The Jhirna area has open grasslands and bushes, and is quite different from other areas of Corbett.

Lump Zone: A relatively new area, Dhela is known for its biodiversity and is perfect for those seeking less business experience.

Kota Tourism Area: This is a recent expansion of the park. Set within the Ramnagar forest division, this new addition was officially inaugurated on March 22 last year and has rapidly gained popularity.

Gargiya Zone: Located close to Ramnagar city, this area is sparsely populated with tigers, but can sometimes be a good spot for sightings. The gateway to the Garjia area is Ringora Gate, about 3 kilometers from Ramnagar town.

Durga Devi Safari Zone: This part of the forest is famous for its stunning landscapes, lush forests and diverse wildlife. With a variety of avian species, it is also perfect for bird watchers. The area also has diverse wildlife including the majestic tiger.

Booking your safari

The safari can be booked online through the official Jim Corbett website. Choose between a jeep or a canter safari, jeeps offer a more intimate experience. Make sure you book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and area. Jeep safari is priced at Rs 7500 per jeep (maximum 6 persons and 1 child (female/female – 5 to 12 years) are allowed in one jeep). You can also take a Dhikala Canter Safari ride, which costs Rs 2500 per person (the canter has 16 seats).

Also read: Book your wildlife safari: opening dates of national parks of India

How to reach Jim Corbett National Park?

By Road: 7-8 hours drive from Delhi via Noida, Kashipur and Ramnagar.

By Train: Take a train to the nearest railway station, Ramnagar, which is connected to major cities like Delhi, Varanasi, Haridwar and Lucknow.

By Bus: Reach Ramnagar by bus from Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun etc.

By Air: Fly to Pantnagar, then drive 2 hours to the park.

Also read: SC bans tiger safari in core areas of Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand

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