About Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park of india which was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It was named after Jim Corbett, a british indian hunter, author and wildlife conservationist who played a key role in its establishment. The exhilarating Jim Corbett National Park lies in two districts – Nainital and Pauri – of one of the most beautiful and picture perfect hill states of India- Uttarakhand in northern India. Covering an area of about 521 sq. Km consisting of the virgin streams, vibrant rivers and enthralling ridges crisscrossing the terrain, presenting Corbett with a noteworthy assortment of landscapes.

The most notable natural wonders you'll see are- the rare Bengal Tigers, Crocodiles and Leopards. But the wonders of Jim Corbett do not end here, other wildlife attractions in the park are Otters, Hogs, Boars, Sambas, Langoors, Gorals, Sloths and Pangolins. Other than these there are more than 585 bird species, 33 reptile species, 37 dragonfly species, 7 species of fish and 7 amphibian species in this Nation Park. Jim Corbett National Park is one of the majestic place for the Nature and Wildlife lovers, situated on the bank of Ramganga River. Elephant Safari and Jeep Safari are the most favourite activities.

Tiger

Different Entry Zones For Safari

jhirna

Jhirna Gate is also known as Khara Gate is the most famous entry gate of Corbett National Park as it remains open for visitors the whole year. Located at 20 km from Ramnagar city. Jhirna tourism zone offers some exclusive tiger and sloth bear sighting along with the spectacular view of the landscape which is pretty rich in wildlife consisting of a large Grassland (Chaur) known as the Laldhang Chaur.

bijrani

Aamdanda gate is the entrance to the Bijrani zone, which is located at the distance of around 1 km from the Ramnagar city. There is a buffer zone of 5 km after entering the gate, which you have to cross to get into the core zone. Along with the big cats like Bengal tigers and leopards, several types other animals like wild elephants, black bears as well as different types of deer and antelopes namely Chital, Sambar, Hog Deer are found in this zone.

dhikala

Staying at Dhikala is an experience every wildlife enthusiast looks forward to. Dhangari gate is entrance for Dhikala zone. Dhangari gate is located 18 kms away from Ramnagar while Dhikala Tourist Complex is located 31 Kms inside the Dhangari Gate. Dhikala tourist complex overlooks Ramganga Reservoir and is a perfect place to observe Crocodiles and Gharials basking in the banks of Ramganga.

durga devi

Durga Devi gate is the main entry point to enter Durga Devi Range of Corbett Nationa Park. Located at 28 km from Ramnagar town near the Ramganaga river, is famous for bird watching and fishing 'Mahasheer', a large fish species. Mandal and Ramganga river in this forest attracts wild elephants, leopards and Tigers.

Garjiya

Garjia zone is new safari zone being added which is now available of wild life lovers for enjoying safari. This zone is famous for different type of flowers and faunal species. This zone is popular for its wonderful and it is very cool and calm place. There are 600 species of resident and migratory birds, which makes it just right of birdwatching tour too. After Dhikala, Garjiya zone offers best safari possibility in Jim Corbett National Park. Garjiya zone is approximately 12 km from Ramnagar City.

dhela safari zone

Dhela is a new eco tourism zone in Corbett National Park included in tiger reserve zone in November 2014. The zone is retaining the attention of large number of tourist because of its wealthy flora and fauna, open throughout the year, located at an approximate distance of 13 Km from Ramnagar City.

How To Reach And Distance From Major Cities

Jim Corbett National Park is one of India's finest wildlife destinations in India. The Corbett is 260 kilometers away from Delhi, the capital city of independent India. The small town of Ramnagar forms the headquarters of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Ramnagar is well connected by rail or road to Delhi, Moradabad, Bareilly and Nainital. Uttarakhand State transport buses ply at a short interval of time from Delhi, Moradabad, Haldwani to Ramnagar.

By Air

Jim Corbett National Park doesn't have an airport. Phoolbagh and pantnagar is the nearest airport which is approx 78 kilometers away from the national park. Flights from Delhi and Lucknow stays available for Pantnagar twice in a week. So, tourists can arrange accordingly. Taxis are easily available from Pantnagar to Jim Corbett. Delhi which is 260 km away has the domestic as well as international airport for the people travelling from abroad.

By Road

Jim Corbett National Park is well connected by road to major cities of India. Jim Corbett is five and a half hours away from Delhi. The National Park is located at 15 Kms from Ramnagar town and 433 Kms from Lucknow via Bareilly. Route: Delhi - Hapur - Gajraula - Moradabad - Kashipur - Ramnagar - Corbett

By Rail

Ramnagar (15 Kms) is the nearest railway station to Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve. It is well connected to major stations of India including New Delhi. Ranikhet Express is one of the trains that operate daily from Delhi railway station to Kathgodam. Bus or taxi is easily available from the Ramnagar railway station that takes you to Jim Corbett National Park. You can check out for Corbett Link Express and Kathgodam Express also.

Distance Chart from Different Major Cities

Cities Distance
New Delhi to Jim Corbett 260 Kilometers
Nainital to Jim Corbett 65 Kilometers
Ranikhet to Jim Corbett 93 Kilometers
Agra to Jim Corbett 340 Kilometers
Dehradun to Jim Corbett 250 Kilometers
Haridwar to Jim Corbett 180 Kilometers
Rishikesh to Jim Corbett 210 Kilometers

Safari Timing

Safari Season Summer Season Winter Season
Morning Time 6:00 AM To 9:00 AM 7:00 AM To 10:00 AM
Evening Time 3:00 PM To 6:00 PM 2:00 PM To 5:00 PM

Corbett Weather and Best Time to Visit

Corbett National Park opens from mid-November to mid-June. The Jhirna zone of Corbett National Park remains open throughout the year. Birjani zone opens from mid October to mid June and the main core area Dhikala opens from 15th of November. The park closes partially during the period of monsoon. Most of the roads in Birjani and Dhikala are muddy during monsoon. The gates remain close after sunset and no nocturnal driving is allowed.

MAIN VISITING SEASON IN JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
Winter (October - February)

It is the best time for Bird watching. Bird lovers are advised to visit during the winter season to get glimpses of varieties of birds. It is also the preferred season for the sighting of tiger. The chances of natural sight of tiger are high during this time of the year. During this season the 5° C. but the day time are pleasant and balmy. The night can get pretty cold. Thus it is the best time to enjoy cold nights. Animals are easily spotted during this period as they come out to laze around in the sun.

Monsoon (July - September)

It is the best time for those who want to avoid crowd. The flow of the crowd declines due to the monsoon season. It is the best for some great experience for trekking lovers. The monsoon prevails from mid June to October. The temperature drops during this time and the weather is sustains a pleasant aura. The rainy season is the mating time of the animals and the park remains closed for tourists keeping that in mind. Also the risks of soil erosion and land slides can prove to be harmful. This is the best time to enjoy flora in Corbett national Park. The place becomes magnificent with greenery and vegetation.

Summer (March to June)

The summer season prevails from the month of March till mid June. The temperature during this time becomes very scorching. The day time can get very hot, up to 40° C mark. The inhabitants and animals suffer the wrath of the rising heat of the sun during this time. This is the best time for sighting of animals. Mostly a hot wind blows throughout the day time during summers. And a thick cloud of dust covers up the region, penetrated by occasional thunderstorms. This season is considered as the best time form river rafting. River rafting enthusiast can opt for this time period to visit.

DIFFERENT ZONE OPENING TIME

Zones Opening Time
Dhikala Zone 15th November to 15th June
Bijrani Zone 15th October to 30th June
Durgadevi Zone 15th October to 15th June
Jhirna Zone Throughout the year
Dhela Zone Throughout the year
Garjiya Zone Throughout the year

Activities

Jungle Safari

One of the most preferred activities for which tourists come to Jim Corbett is the Jungle Safari with options like Elephant Safari, Jeep Safari and Canter Safari. Tourists are offered jeep rides traversing through the jungle where they could spot wild animals like elephants, deer, langurs, leopards, crocodiles any many more. If one is lucky enough, the king of the jungle, the Bengal tiger could make a royal entrance. For more adventurous travelers, elephant safari is an option.

Wildlife Photography

Corbett National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. All you need is a digital camera and one can capture stunning photographs of variety of flora and fauna in wild. Although for capturing a perfect shot of the tiger, one has to have enormous patience.

Fishing

The catchment area offers Ramganga River offers various opportunities for catching fishes. Quite a few licensed fishing camps are set up on the banks of the river for angling especially catching Mahseer fishes.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is an adventure sport where the adventurers climb up and cross a rock formation. The adventure freaks undertake rock climbing to reach the uppermost point the rock without falling down. When a tourist is in Corbett, apart from animal and bird watching, he can try this exhilarating sport of rock climbing. Autumn and summers are the best times for rock climbing in Jim Corbett National Park. This region also has a number of Rock Climbing clubs that offer training and assistance.

Fishing & Angling

Corbett National Park is no less than an amazing place for those who love fishing and angling. Ramganga and Kosi rivers offer an ample of opportunities for this recreational adventure. In Corbett, a freak of fishing can easily find Goonch, Silver and black Mahseer. Although, fishing is not permitted inside the park premises, one can enjoy this game in the nearby areas of the park.

Stay and Food

Since Corbett National Park is a Tiger reserve, restaurants are not permitted inside the protected area. One can find plenty of eating options outside the protected zone. Resorts have in-house restaurants and bar that serve all kinds of delectable cuisines from North Indian, Continental, Chinese, Mughlai and much more. Apart from this one can also try the local Kumaoni dishes.

Corbett Tiger Reserve provides forest lodges to stay inside the Jungle that are organized by the management of the National park itself. But forest lodges are very few, not accommodate more than 50 to 60 persons in a single day. Forest lodges facilities and amenities are also very basic. That’s why almost 95% visitors stay outside the entry gate resorts, hotels and enjoy the day visit wildlife safari. For these hotels and resorts we suggest you to check our “Hotels and resorts” section.

What to Pack for a Wildlife Park Visit?

  • Camera and Camcorder
  • Binoculars
  • Flashlight
  • Spare Batteries
  • Electrical converter and plug adapter
  • Suntan lotion and insect repellent
  • Spare glasses (due to dust, avoid contact lenses)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Personal medications
  • First Aid Kit
  • Lightweight clothing (no bright colors) and shoes
  • Sweater or fleece for early morning and evening
  • Waterproof jacket (if you're on safari during the rainy season)
  • Swimsuit
  • A good book to enjoy between drives
  • Wet Wipes
  • Spare plastic zip lock bags

Places to Visit

There are 27 tourist spots in and around Corbett National Park where travellers can spent their leisure time. Below are all the sightseeing options which you must visit and plan your itinerary accordingly. Explore the perks of visiting Corbett National Park through this well-researched list, learn about the most happening places, things to do, famous picnic spots for a memorable vacation in Corbett National Park.

kyari camp
Kyari Camp

Wildrift Camp Kyari is located in small Kumaon village, Syat. On the foothills above Kotabag at the boundary of Jim Corbett Park. Guests have the opportunity to have body surfing over village canal, swim in the river pools, rock climbing or rappelling down a waterfall.

kyari camp
Kalagarh Dam

Kalagarh Dam is an embankment dam built on Ramganga River, a tributary of holy river Ganga. This dam is also known as Ramganga Dam and is built by the UP Irrigation Department. The Kalagarh dam is situated 3 km upstream of Kalagarh in Pauri Garhwal. It is located on the periphery of Corbett National Park.

kyari camp
Sunrise Point

The highest peak in the park provides a perfect vantage point to have a panoramic view of both Kosi and Ramganga rivers along with the encompassing area of Bhuwankhal village (located nearby). You would also get a feel of British architecture through an old bungalow (residential building) situated near the park.

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