Jim Corbett National Park Travel Essentials

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Best Time: Mid October to Mid June Read More

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Corbett National Park

"Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger"

Jim Corbett National Park Tourism

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park set amidst the foothills of the Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Known for housing the endangered Bengal tiger, Corbett National Park is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Famous for its wildlife safaris, Jim Corbett National Park has multiple resorts set on the riverside. Home to more than 650 species of rare and migratory birds, it is a haven for bird watchers. The most popular attraction at Corbett National Park is Dhikala, a forest lodge located on the border of Patil Dun Valley, which is known for the stunning location and rich wildlife.

Only 180 vehicles are allowed to enter the national park in a day. Jim Corbett National Park remains closed from July to October during the monsoons. However, Jhirna, Dhela and Sitabani tourism zones remain open for tourists throughout the year. Safaris are organised in all the zones by two shifts by the forest officials in all the zones.

The Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and is named after Jim Corbett who is a famous hunter and naturalist. It was the first place where Project Tiger was launched in 1973. The park is spread over an area of more than 500 sq km and is divided into 5 zones: Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Domunda and Sonanandi to promote tourism.


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Wildlife Safari in Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park offers jeep safaris, elephant safaris and canter safaris.

Jeep Safari is the most popular one for spotting the wilderness in an open four-wheeler. It is allowed in all the five tourism zones - Bijrani, Jhirna, Durgadevi, Dhela and Sitabani. A jeep safari can carry 6 adults and 2 children along with the driver and a guide. 
Price: Indian: INR 4500 per jeep, Foreigner: INR 9000 per jeep
Timings: 6:00 AM - 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Canter Safari is the only option for exploring the Dhikala tourism zone which is inhabited by the most number of Bengal tigers. Canter safari, which is conducted in two shifts, is the best option if you are travelling in a group of 11-12 people. Canter is an open-air vehicle, but much larger than jeeps.

Price: Indian: INR 1500 per person, Foreigner: INR 3000 per person
Timings: 6:00 AM - 11:50 AM and 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

The tickets for the safari has to be booked 45 days in advance by Indian and SAARC visitors while foreigners have to book it 90 days in advance. Passport details are required to make bookings for foreign tourists.

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Permits for Corbett National Park

In order to enter any part of the Corbett National Park, a permit needs to be obtained from the forest department of Uttarakhand government.

Permit for the day safari
can be obtained directly at the entry gate of the zone you want to visit.

For staying at one of the forest rest houses located inside the national park, the permit is available at Corbett reserve park office reception in Ramnagar city.

These permits can also be booked online in advance but those are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Tourism Zones in Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is segregated into five tourism zones. These are the buffer/core zones where wildlife safari is allowed:
  • Bijrani zone, located at 1 km distance from Ramnagar is a beautiful zone with loads of lush greenery.
  • Open all throughout the year, Jhirna Safari Zone is located at a 16 km distance from Ramnagar. It is open for tourists throughout the year.
  • Dhela Safari Zone is the only zone in the buffer area open for tourists. The lush greenery and the rich biodiversity of this zone attracts a lot of attention of the tourists. Also, the distance between the zone and Ramnagar is approximately 13 km.
  • Dhikala Zone is the richest zone in biodiversity, which is located 18 km away from Ramnagar. Plan a night stay in the zone to accentuate your adventures.
  • Mainly known for bird watching, Durga Devi Zone is located at a 36 km distance from Ramnagar.

Flora

Sal forests dominate Jim Corbett National Park, covering more than 75% of the reserve area. Among the most dominant species in trees are Sal, Khair and Sisso. Bamboo forests (led by Male Bamboo) also dominate some areas. The only conifer tree you will find is that of Chir Pine. Though a lot more species have contributed to the immense diversity of flora in this reserve, they are found but sparsely.

The mesmerizing and luscious green coverage of Jim Corbett is credited to the flowering trees which can be found in huge numbers. Some of the more prominent names include Kachnar (white tom pink flowers), Semal (huge red blossoms), ‘flame of the forest’, Dhak(bright orange), etc.

Fauna

Jim Corbett has always been a favourable habitat for fauna, especially home to a significant population of endangered and critically endangered species of animal including Asiatic elephant and Ghariyal, respectively. The star attraction of this reserve that lures thousands of tourists throughout the year for an exciting jungle safari is the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. However, other species like Asiatic Black Bear, Hog Deer, Walking Deer, Sambar, Sloth- to name a few also flock every nook and corner of Jim Corbett.

The wildlife reserve serves as a paradise for bird lovers as an astounding 600 species of birds find a home in Jim Corbett. Great pied hornbill, white-backed vulture. Peacocks, Hodgson’s bushchat, orange-breasted green pigeon, Pallas fish eagle, golden oriole, fish owl, Indian Pitta are among the most prominent birds that can be found here. Apart from animals and birds, Jim Corbett National Park also houses endangered reptiles, Mugger Crocodiles, King Cobra, etc.

History of Corbett National Park

In as early as 1907, the British administration of colonial India came up with the idea of setting up a game reserve in this part of the country. Jim Corbett, the famous wildlife conservationist and author, assisted the British government in delimiting the area during the 1930s. In 1936, a wildlife reserve area known as Hailey National Park (covering an area of about 300 sq.km) was set up in this region. It was not before 1955-1956 that this reserve area was renamed as the Jim Corbett National Park, as a mark of tribute to Jim Corbett and his relentless service aimed towards the conservation of wildlife.

Jim Corbett National park was selected as the location to launch a prestigious wildlife conservation campaign - Project Tiger in 1974. The entire area of Sonandi Wildlife Sanctuary, under Kalagarh forest division, was added to its immediate boundary in 1991. This reserve is located in and administered from the district headquarters of Nainital in Uttarakhand.

Restaurants and Local Food in Jim Corbett National Park

The best option for food in Corbett tends to be the hotels and resorts here. They offer rich and delicious North Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, Continental, Kumaoni and local cuisine. Don't miss the Chicken, Kebab and other barbeque delicacies here. However, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited inside the park.

The local cuisine offers a number of delicacies with Bhaang Ki Khatai, Kappa (a green curry), Sisunak Saag (a dish prepared with green leafy vegetables and many local ingredients), Aloo ke Gutke (a Kumauni potato dish), Rus (a preparation of many dals) being just some of the popular items here.
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Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Chhoti Haldwani
Corbett Fall
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FAQs on Jim Corbett National Park

What are the places near Corbett national park?

The top places near to Corbett national park are Nainital which is 53 km from Corbett national park, Lansdowne which is located 41 km from Corbett national park, Almora which is located 70 km from Corbett national park, Auli which is located 126 km from Corbett national park, Pauri garhwal which is located 35 km from Corbett national park

What are the things to do in Corbett national park?

The top things to do in Corbett national park are Jungle Safari in Corbett National Park, Elephant Ride in Corbett National Park, Corbett Waterfall, River Rafting in Corbett National Park, Garjiya Devi Temple, Corbett Museum. You can see all the places to visit in Corbett national park here

How much does a package cost for Corbett national park?

The packages for Corbett national park start at INR 9000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the best way to reach Corbett national park?

Located at the Uttar Pradesh-Uttrakhand border, Jim Corbett is one of the most important national park located in the country. A large number of tourists widely travel to the place, and thus, the government has ensured better connectivity in the area by the developed means of transportation. Roadways, Railways, and airways, all options are preferred by the tourists coming down to Jim Corbett, and thus is the place a popular tourist destination.

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What is the local food in Corbett national park?

The best option for food in Corbett tends to be the hotels and resorts here. They offer rich and delicious North Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, Continental, Kumaoni and local cuisine. Don't miss the Chicken, Kebab and other barbeque delicacies here. However, non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited inside the park. The local cuisine offers a number of delicacies with Bhaang Ki Khatai, Kappa (a green curry), Sisunak Saag(a dish prepared with green leafy vegetables and many local ingredients), Aloo ke Gutke( a Kumauni potato dish), Rus ( a preparation of many dals) being just some of the popular items here.
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What is the best time to visit Corbett national park?

With temperate weather, Corbett lets you visit the Park all year long, but the best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is between November and February i.e, during the winter season when all the zones are open, and you can spot the most animals. Summers, though hot, isn't unbearable. It is the best time to spot most animals near water bodies. Monsoons (June- August) are likely not ideal since the park remains closed most of the time during these months.

Jim Corbett National Park Opening Dates:
All the five zones of Jim Corbett doesn't remain open at all times. The Jhirna Zone is open throughout the year, and you can find birds and occasionally tigers there as well. The Sitabani Zone is also open all year round. These zones have a drier area, with rocky plains that are easily navigable in the monsoon as well. The Dhikala Zone is the most coveted of them all, where you can find the highest number of tigers and cubs, but this zone is open only between 15 November and 15 June every year. Similarly, the Durga Devi Zone is also open only between November and June. The Bijrani Zone is open from October to June. This is because the three zones are hilly and have dense forests, which are at a higher risk for landslides. The roads to these zones are also blocked in the monsoon. Keep in mind that the Park closes at night, and you cannot camp inside the premises.

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Who should visit Corbett national park?

Families looking for a get-together, couples seeking a getaway, or just a bunch of keen youngsters wanting to witness the wildlife of the country, Jim Corbett satiates everyone's needs, thus ensuring no one is missed out on while visiting this place.

What is not so good about Corbett national park?

The resort is not open all throughout the year. The major parts of the resort are shut down in the monsoon months to help in the servicing and repairing of the roads of Jim Corbett. Also, the major stations and connecting nodes are all at least 50 km away, thus creating a bit hassle for the tourists.

What is famous about Corbett national park?

A beautiful place for one to visit to witness the beauty of flora and fauna at its zenith. One can spot rare tigers in the area. Also, its proximity to several major cities like Dehradun And Delhi help Corbett National Prak gather most of their tourists. 

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Popular Questions And Answers on Jim Corbett National Park

Q. Price of Corbett Tour Packages?

Holidify

5 years ago
You can check for prices on all the Corbett Tour Packages from the following link - https://www.holidify.com/places/corbett-national-park/packages.html
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Q. Is there a night safari in Jim Corbett?

Kumar Kislay

5 years ago
Some operators and resorts provide a night safari at Corbett National Park. Some of these are, Corbett Jungle Club Resort and Corbett Fun resort. You can book these in advance, and a trained driver a (Read More)nd a wildlife specialist will guide your trip to the Wildlife Park.
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Q. Is August a good season to go Jim Corbett?

Surbhi Parashar

5 years ago
The best time to visit Jim Corbett is from November to June. It is advisable not to visit Corbett during monsoon months because it is partially closed due to safety reasons.
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Jim Corbett National Park Reviews

Your rating

Ayush Baheti

5 years ago
- Book accomodation and safaris well in advance.
- In order to increase you chance of seeing a tiger, take on more than one safari. Morning safaris are generally said to give you higher chances of (Read More) spotting a tiger.
- There is minimal network coverage for mobile phones and internet.

Sanjana Chawla

5 years ago
Situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett is the oldest National Park in India. It is captivating and eye-catching in almost every way and the pleasant weather and the lush-green fore (Read More)sts keep you rejuvenated at all times. You can visit Corbett from a bus or by your own car from November to June. Jim Corbett has a lot of resorts and hotels that offer accommodation but if you want to have a first-hand experience and if you love adventure trips, then staying in Bijrani or Dhikala is the best option for you. They are located within the forests itself and booking for the safari and accommodation needs to be done in advance. Jim Corbett is famous for spotting the Bengal tigers and you can easily find several deers, crocodiles, elephants, monkeys and several species of reptiles too. going on two to three safari rides increases your chances of spotting the tiger and getting the best view. It is ideal to visit the jungle and go on an early morning safari as it's cooler in the mornings and animals can be witnessed more. Elephant safari rides are also fun as you get a wider and a better view from up there! Corbett fall, located a few kilometres away from the National park is also a great place to go to as the cold water and the liveliness of the place keeps you at ease and releases all the tiredness and stress. the Corbett museum is a good place if you wish to take home souvenirs or are interested in the documentaries and history of the park. The network connectivity in Corbett is not that great due to lack of towers so leave all your important work at home and come to this place with a free mind and without stress. You will love sipping on some tea with your feet dipped in the clean Kosi river or maybe enjoy a day with your friends doing river rafting in the chilled waters!

Manya Kapoor

5 years ago
Jim Corbett National Park lies in the Nainital district in Uttarakhand and is well known for its tiger richness. It is also a haven for the bird watchers and is known to protect the most endangered s (Read More)pecies. I strongly recommend this place for all those nature lovers who want some peaceful time away from the hustle bustle of the city. Jim Corbett is indeed one of the finest national parks of India with an extremely rich biodiversity. Recently it has attracted a large number of tourists owing to the growing number of expensive and world class resorts. It should definitely be in the bucket list of all travellers!
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