Jim Corbett National Park, a project for Tiger Reserve lies in the state of Nainital District of Uttarakhand State. It is the first-ever and the most prestigious National Park of India, formerly it was known as “Hailey National Park” established in the year 1936.
The stunning landscape of Jim Corbett is well known and remarkable for its tiger richness. The Park has been honored as the first place where Project Tiger was launched in 1973.
Jim Corbett spreads over an extent of 520 square kilometers, the whole area covers with hills, muddy depressions, riverine belts, parklands, and large lakes. The Park has a facility of overnight stay as well, and it is among the few tiger reserves in the country that allows overnight stays within the National Park.
You can explore nature and wildlife viewing in the park through an open four-wheeler Jeep, as well as on elephant back. It is a home for some rare species including Otters and rare fish-eating crocodiles. The national park is one of the most desirable destinations for wildlife enthusiasts.
Major Attractions in Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park has plenty to offers including sightings of tigers, elephants, and the most varied wildlife makes your visit mesmerizing.
The National Park has been divided into six tourism zones, that attract visitors all over the world every year. There are many major attractions and tourist places within the Park, when we speak about the most popular places in the Corbett, the Dhikala zone comes into your mind straight away. It is the largest and is highly recommended for wildlife buffs.
Another is the Bijrani zone, it is also quite popular among the tourists who visit the Park. This place is easily reachable from Ramnagar.
If you love bird watching, then Durga Devi is the perfect destination for you, it is another prominent zone is famous for bird watching.
Tourist Zones in Jim Corbett
Dhikala Zone
Dhikala Zone is very much famous for its natural beauty, it offers the best sight of exotic fauna. It is the largest and the most jungle-safari varied zone in the Jim Corbett National Park. The entry gate for this Zone is Dhangari, which is 18 km away from Ramnagar city.
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, it is strongly recommended to stay for a night inside the Dhikala Tourism Zone.
Bijrani Safari Zone
The entry gate for Bijrani Zone is Amdanda, which is just one kilometer from Ramnagar city, it is quite popular among tourists due to its abundant natural beauty and open grasslands. The Bijrani zone is enriched with a huge number of floral and faunal species.
There is a healthy competition always going on between Birjani and Dhikala zone, though tourist’s preferences are different the place is the natural habitat for animals and is a must-have experience.
Durga Devi Zone
The place is perfect for Bird watching, Durga Devi zone is located on the north-eastern boundary of the Jim Corbett National Park. The entry gate is Durga Devi and it is located just 36 km from Ramnagar city. The zone boasts of its most beautiful landscape.
If you prefer tiger sighting, then Durga Devi is not a place for you. It does not offer a terrain with wide views like other zones like Dhikala and Bijrani zone.
Jhirna Safari Zone
Jhirna zone is open for tourists round the year, it is one of the important tourist zone located at the Southern corner of the Jim Corbett National Park.
Dhela Gate is the entry point for this zone, which is located around 15 km from Ramnagar city. The woods are lovely, dark, and deep indeed. Jeep and elephant safari are available at the Jhirna zone.
It is the best zone for morning safari, and pre-booking is recommended for a Safari in Jhirna Range.
Dhela Safari Zone
The Dhela Safari Zone spread over 1173 hectares; it is a new eco-tourism zone in Corbett National Park included in the tiger reserve zone in November’2014.
This is the only area in the reserve’s buffer zone open to tourists in Corbett Tiger Reserve, throughout the year. The zone is retaining the attention of a large number of tourists because of its wealthy flora and fauna.
The entry gate is Dhela itself and is located at an approximate distance of 13 Km from Ramnagar city.
Sitabani Buffer Zone
Sitabani Forest zone is called the landscape area of Jim Corbett National Park, it is best known for the nature walks and visiting popular attractions. Though, the Sitabani Zone doesn’t fall under the Corbett Tiger Reserve area.
A must-visit place for you, if you are in love with a peaceful environment of natural beauty.
Some Tips for Tourists
If you are a first-time visitor to the Corbett National Park, please keep in mind the following:
- Be a responsible tourist and adhere to the guidelines of the Jim Corbett National Park.
- There is no fuel station beyond Ramnagar city. So, make sure you refuel your vehicle before entering Jim Corbett Park.
- Track driving is not permitted and gates are closed by evening.
- Jim Corbett is not a Zoo, it is a national park and a tiger reserve, so don’t expect wildlife everywhere and every time, they move freely inside the park.
- During monsoons, only the Jhirna Safari zone is open for tourists. Though, the arrival of tourists is less during the monsoons. Hence, one can enjoy the calmness during the monsoon more than any other season.
How to Reach Jim Corbett
Ramnagar city is the best and the nearby approach to the Corbett National Park, which forms the headquarters of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Despite being a small city, Ramnagar is well connected by road and rail network with major cities of the country including Delhi, Moradabad, Nainital, and Bareilly. After reaching Ramnagar, it takes only half an hour to reach Jim Corbett National Park.
The Park is 15 km away from Ramnagar Railway Station.
By Air
The nearest domestic airport to Corbett National Park is 50 km away from Corbett National Park at Phoolbagh, Pantnagar.
By Train
Ramnagar is the only nearest railway station to Jim Corbett National Park. You can get a direct train to Ramnagar from Delhi, Moradabad, and Bareilly.
Alternatively, you can reach up to Haldwani, Kashipur, and Kathgodam; then take a private cab or taxi to reach Jim Corbett Park.
By Road
If you prefer to reach the Park via road. Then you can get a state transport bus to Ramnagar, as it is well connected via road to Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, and Ranikhet.
