Get Closer to Nature: Unforgettable Jungle Safaris in Jim Corbett

 Are you considering a trip to Jim Corbett National Park in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India? This park is renowned for its incredible wildlife and is a must-visit destination in India. Including Corbett National Park in your travel plans is a fantastic idea, and we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to assist you in organizing an ideal visit to Jungle Safari in Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett National Park India

One of the best national parks in the world, the first national park of India, and the oldest national park in India, Jim Corbett National Park is blessed by mother nature.

Undoubtedly, the national park stands as one of India’s premier destinations catering to wildlife enthusiasts and admirers of nature. Corbett Tiger Reserve plays a vital role in the Project Tiger initiative, a widely recognized endeavor for wildlife preservation. Furthermore, it holds a distinguished position as one of India’s leading tiger reserves, boasting the largest population of Royal Bengal Tigers (approximately 250 tigers in Jim Corbett National Park), thereby increasing the likelihood of captivating tiger encounters. Need more incentive to explore this sanctuary of untamed beauty?

History of Jim Corbett National Park

Founded in 1936 by Edward James Corbett, a British-Irish hunter and naturalist born in India, the park was initially named Hailey National Park. Its primary aim was to safeguard the endangered Bengal tiger. Remarkably, Jim Corbett National Park holds the distinction of being the oldest national park in Asia. Post-Independence, it underwent a name change to Ramganga National Park, reflecting the river that courses through its expanse. In 1955, it was rightfully rechristened as Jim Corbett National Park to pay homage to the esteemed Sir Jim Corbett.

In 1974, the Corbett Wildlife Sanctuary was chosen as the site for the initiation of the renowned Project Tiger, a significant wildlife conservation effort. Subsequently, the Kalagarh forest division, along with the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, was incorporated into the reserve’s expanse.
Today, Jim Corbett is one of the 13 protected areas covered by the World Wildlife Fund under the Terai Arc Landscape Programme (TAL).

Location of Jim Corbett National Park

Nestled gracefully along the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett finds its home in the Nainital (Pauri Garhwal) District of Uttarakhand state in Northern India. The town of Ramnagar, situated in close proximity, serves as the primary access point to the Corbett Tiger Reserve, earning its reputation as the gateway to this remarkable sanctuary.

How to Reach Jim Corbett

Ramnagar stands as the closest town to Jim Corbett. The distance between Jim Corbett National Park and Delhi measures about 272 km, a journey of approximately 6 hours. Ramnagar is readily accessible through both rail and road routes from New Delhi.

For those opting for a self-driven journey, the drive to Corbett via NH9 from Delhi offers a seamless experience. Alternatively, if driving isn’t your preference, you can opt for the UPSRTC bus departing from Delhi or catch the Ranikhet Express Train from New Delhi Railway Station, which arrives at Ramnagar Railway Station. From there, arranging a local taxi or cab from the railway station or bus stand to your chosen resort is a convenient option.

Safari Zones in Jim Corbett

To streamline the tourism activities inside the tiger reserve area, Corbett National Park is divided into six ecotourism zones:

1. Dhikala
2. Bijrani
3. Jhirna
4. Dhela
5. Durga Devi
6. Sonanadi

Dhikala, a premier zone within Jim Corbett, welcomes only those tourists who lodge in a forest rest house within its confines. Residents of Dhikala can enjoy both canter and elephant safaris. This zone is renowned for its stunning panorama, which encompasses dense Sal forests, verdant grasslands, meandering valleys, and the diverse waterways of the Ramganga River.

Following closely after Dhikala in acclaim, the Bijrani zone is a rival that falls no short of Dhikala’s splendor. This zone, teeming with tigers, showcases exquisite Sal forests and expansive grasslands. Bijrani offers the choice of both jeep and elephant safaris.

Jhirna, a zone incorporated into Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1994, exclusively provides jeep safaris. Its topography is characterized by deciduous woodlands intermingled with lush open grasslands.

The Garjia Zone, accessible through the Amdanda Gate, features a tapestry of Sal forests and grasslands, creating a habitat abundant with tigers. The adjacent grasslands, including Machaan Chaur, Badhai Chaur, and Ringora Chaur, further enhance the zone’s natural beauty.

The most recent addition, Dhela, joined Corbett Tiger Reserve in 2014. This zone boasts a wealth of flora including Sal, Rohini, Haldu, Bahera, and Kusum forests, as well as a variety of fauna such as tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and an extensive array of bird species.

Durga Devi, a hill safari zone, is celebrated for its substantial population of wild elephants and otters near Domunda Bridge. The rivers Ramganga and Mandal contribute to Durga Devi’s scenic allure, while the rivers themselves house the Mahseer fish species.

Pakhro, an enclave carved out of the Kalagarh Forest Division, became a part of Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1991 under the Project Tiger and Project Elephant initiatives. Located to the north of the Pakhro river, this zone is characterized by dense Sal and rich bamboo forests, thriving wildlife including Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards, sambar, cheetal, and reptiles, along with captivating bird species. Access to these zones is available through the Durgadevi Gate, Kalagarh Gate, and Vatanvasa Gate.

The Sonanadi Zone, accessible through the Durgadevi Gate, Kalagarh Gate, and Vatanvasa Gate, lies to the north of the Sonanadi River and boasts remarkable natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The Sitabani Forest Zone, positioned outside the Corbett Tiger Reserve as a buffer zone, is celebrated for its dense woodlands, meandering rivers and streams, and ancient temples. While tiger and leopard sightings are less frequent here due to its buffer status, elephants, sambar deer, and Nilgai are commonly spotted. Bird enthusiasts will find solace in Sitabani, with its impressive collection of around 600 bird species. This unique zone allows exploration not only through jeep and elephant safaris but also on foot or in one’s own vehicle.

Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett

Corbett National Park offers a joyful experience regardless of the season, each possessing its own unique allure and characteristics.

Winter and Spring (from mid-November to mid-June) stand out as the prime periods for a Corbett visit. During this time, all zones welcome visitors, the climate is delightful, and safaris at Jim Corbett are a true pleasure.

The park experiences partial closure in the monsoon season (from July to September), with access limited to the Jhirna and Dhela zones, as well as the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Safari at Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett offers jeep safari tours and canter safari tours, both operating in two shifts – morning and evening – within each zone. The number of jeeps in each shift is limited.

A safari jeep has a capacity for a maximum of 6 adults and 2 children, not including the driver and guide. Elephant rides are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

The canter safari, conducted on an open bus, accommodates 16 seats, and it’s advised to secure your seat well in advance. Ensure to reserve your canter safari seat on the same day you make your booking for the Dhikala Forest rest house.

Entry timings for safari change with the season.

Winter Safari Timings:

Entry Exit
Morning Safari – 07:00 am Morning Safari – 10:00 am
Evening Safari – 02:00 pm Evening Safari – 05:30 pm

Summer Safari Timings:

Entry Exit
Morning Safari – 06:00 am Morning Safari – 09:30 am
Evening Safari – 03:00 pm Evening Safari – 06:30 pm

How to Get Jim Corbett Safari Permit and Manage Jim Corbett Bookings

To enter Corbett Tiger Reserve for a Jungle Safari in Jim Corbett, obtain a day permit at the zone’s entry gate. For stays in Forest Rest Houses, get permits at the park office in Ramnagar. Pre-booking is available online. Remember, fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Bring photo ID (e.g., driving license, voter ID) and complete personal details. Foreign nationals need their passports. Check tariff details online for safari and accommodation rates.

Accommodations in and around Jim Corbett

Please note that to experience a canter safari in the Dhikala zone, you must lodge within the Dhikala zone itself. There are both government-run and private camping facilities within the park for those who seek to immerse themselves in the wild and natural surroundings.

For travelers who prioritize luxury and comfort, there is no need for disappointment, as there are exceptional luxury resorts, hotels, and unique lodgings available in and around the national park.

Best Resort to stay in Jim Corbett

Vatsyayana Resort is one of the best resorts to visit  in Jim corbett it is all about an authentic rustic and nature experience. A great place to stay for families with kids. Exceptional is the word!

Things to do in Jim Corbett

A trip to Jim Corbett is incomplete without embarking on a safari adventure. Inside the national park, you can choose from Elephant Safari, Canter Safari, and Jeep Safari. While Elephant Safari is a delightful option for kids, please note that tiger sightings are less likely. If spotting tigers is your aim, Jeep Safaris are your top choice, granting access to otherwise unreachable areas and zones within the reserve.

Beyond the captivating wildlife experiences, an array of thrilling activities awaits you at Jim Corbett, including trekking, mountain biking, rock climbing, bird-watching, nature walks, river crossings, fishing, rappelling, river rafting, and much more. For an exceptional trekking experience, the Sitabani area is particularly enjoyable.

Places to Visit around Jim Corbett

Situated merely a 45-minute drive away from Corbett, the Corbett Museum in Kaladhungi offers a worthwhile visit, particularly for families with children. Once the residence of Jim Corbett, a legendary hunter, the museum now presents his personal belongings along with captivating insights into the flora and fauna cherished by Jim Corbett. This venue serves as an excellent hub for discovering intriguing facts about Jim Corbett National Park.

Fun Fact: Jim Corbett authored several books, with “Man-Eaters of Kumaon” standing out as the most renowned. This work was even adapted into a Hollywood movie, titled “Man-Eater of Kumaon.”

Embarking on a brief 2-kilometer hike from Nainital road leads to the picturesque Corbett Falls, nestled amidst woodland. This enchanting waterfall serves as a wonderful stopover en route to the Corbett Museum.

A true gem alongside the River Kosi, the Garjiya Temple holds a statue of Vishnu carved from a unique and rare stone dating back to the 9th century. Local lore suggests that visiting the temple on Kartik Poornima grants the fulfillment of wishes.

With the serene Kosi River meandering nearby, Nainital lies a mere 65 kilometers away from Jim Corbett. If you find yourself with extra days to spare, adding Nainital to your itinerary can be a delightful extension.

Hope our complete guide to Corbett Tiger Reserve helps you plan a perfect trip to Jim Corbett with family.