Jim Corbett: The Land of Roar, Song & Trumpet

Jim Corbett National Park, the oldest national park in India, was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, it was named after the renowned conservationist Jim Corbett, who played a pivotal role in its creation. This park was the first to be included in the Project Tiger initiative, aimed at preserving the majestic tiger population.

A Legacy of Conservation

From its inception, Jim Corbett National Park has carried a legacy of wildlife protection and ecological significance. Not only is it the most prestigious national park in India, but it also holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Project Tiger, launched here in 1973. The park’s primary mission has always been to provide a sanctuary for India’s national animal—the royal and endangered Bengal tiger—safeguarding this iconic species for future generations.

Situated across two districts, Nainital and Pauri, Jim Corbett National Park spans an area of 521 sq. km. Along with the adjoining Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, it forms the expansive Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, covering over 1288 sq. km.

The park's unique geographical location between the Himalayas and the Terai region, combined with its network of streams, rivers, and ridges, offers a remarkable variety of landscapes. This diverse environment, ranging from wet to dry areas and from plains to mountains, supports a rich array of plant and animal species. The most famous residents include the Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant. With around 600 species of birds, Corbett is one of India's richest avian habitats.

The park's habitats - mountains, sal forests, chaurs, khair-sissoo forests, and river ecosystems - each harbour a distinct collection of plant life. Over 600 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, bamboo, grasses, climbers, and ferns have been cataloged in Corbett, with sal, khair, and sissoo trees being particularly prominent.

Uniquely, Jim Corbett National Park is the only national park in India that offers a complete jungle experience by allowing visitors to stay within the park. Guests can choose to stay in forest rest houses (FRH) deep inside the tiger reserve or opt for accommodations outside the park, near the banks of the Kosi River. This setup allows for immersive experiences, whether through staying in the wilderness or enjoying day safaris in the Bijrani and Jhirna zones.

What Makes the Bijrani Safari Zone a Favorite Among Tourists?

Among the various zones of Jim Corbett National Park, Bijrani stands out for its breathtaking scenery and accessibility. Located just a kilometer from Ramnagar, the Bijrani entrance welcomes visitors into a landscape dotted with open grasslands, dense sal forests, and winding forest tracks. This diversity not only promises a picturesque safari but also increases the chances of spotting wildlife, from herds of deer grazing in the meadows to the elusive Bengal tiger camouflaged amidst thick undergrowth.

The open vistas of Bijrani are especially appealing to photographers and birdwatchers. Here, sunlight filters through the tall trees, creating perfect conditions for capturing that golden-hour shot of elephants wading through a forest stream or a flock of parakeets flitting across the canopy. With its easy access, varied terrain, and abundance of flora and fauna, Bijrani has quickly become a preferred spot for both first-time visitors and seasoned wildlife enthusiasts alike.

For those planning a visit, Jim Corbett National Park booking options include a range of packages, with Corbett safari prices varying based on the tour package and the chosen safari zone. Dhikala booking, in particular, is popular for its comprehensive wildlife experience. Exploring this iconic park offers a chance to witness nature in its most pristine form, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Why Dhikala-Zone Is a Special Place to See Wildlife?

The Dhikala Zone is the most popular and often selected safari zone by visitors among the other zones available. Famous for its amazing biodiversity, Dhikala Zone makes your wildlife safari an extraordinary experience at Jim Corbett. This region is among the best in India for tiger sightings because it is home to a large number of Bengal tigers. Elephants, leopards, deer, wild boars, and a variety of bird species can also be seen by visitors in addition to tigers. This area is a birdwatcher's paradise because of the Ramganga Reservoir, which attracts a wide variety of migrating birds and waterfowl.

The Dhikala Forest Rest House offers guests the chance to spend time in the forest, making it one of the tourism zone's unique amenities. Situated in a prime location with a view of the Ramganga Reservoir, this historical rest house offers simple yet relaxing accommodations. Visitors that stay here can enjoy the jungle and the sounds of the wild surroundings. Safaris that depart from the rest home early in the morning or late in the evening increase the chances of seeing wildlife because these are the best times to see animals in their native habitat.

Jim Corbett Safari will always be your most amazing experience of life, the thrill of sighting tigers in their natural habitat is something you don’t want to miss. You can have a glimpse of a very exciting journey of sighting the beautiful tigress Paarwali, this story will prepare you with more excitement, and it’s a must-read before you visit the park.

What Makes the Dhela Safari Zone Stand Out?

The Dhela Safari Zone has quickly become a favorite among visitors for several reasons. Introduced as part of the tiger reserve in 2014, it holds the unique distinction of being the only segment of Jim Corbett National Park’s buffer area open to tourists—making it an attractive option when other zones may be inaccessible.

It boasts remarkable biodiversity, offering a rich habitat for wildlife enthusiasts to spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and an impressive range of birdlife. Unlike some other zones, Dhela remains open to visitors throughout the year, so you can plan your jungle experience no matter the season. Conveniently located about 13 kilometers from Ramnagar, the zone provides easy access for those eager to set out on their next adventure amid the wild beauty of Jim Corbett.

Durga Devi Zone: A Paradise for Birdwatchers

For birding enthusiasts, the Durga Devi Zone stands out as one of Corbett’s hidden gems. Nestled along the park’s northeastern boundary, this region is renowned for its diverse avifauna, drawing nature lovers and twitchers from around the world. From elusive species like the Ibisbill and the Great Hornbill to vibrant Minivets and partridges, the area’s mixed riverine and hilly landscape creates ideal habitats for both resident and migratory birds.

The tranquil setting along the Ramganga and Mandal rivers encourages hours of quiet observation and photography. Its location, about 36 km from Ramnagar, keeps it relatively untouched and peaceful compared to other zones, making each safari feel like a personal adventure. For those looking to add rare sightings to their life lists, Durga Devi delivers a true ornithological feast—one that complements the thrill of tiger tracking with the soothing joy of birdwatching.

Jim Corbett Quick Facts

Area: 1318 sq km, including Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Latitude: 29.5486º N
Longitude: 78.9353º E
Nearest Town & Railway Station: Ramnagar
Nearest Airport: New Delhi

Park Opening and Zones

Jim Corbett National Park is organized into three zones for public wildlife sightings:

JHIRNA Range: Open throughout the year.
BIJRANI Range: Open from October 1st to June 30th annually.
DHIKALA Range: Open from November 15th to June 15th each year.
Corbett Landscape - Sitabani Forests: Accessible year-round.

Choosing the Best Season

Winter (November - March): Enjoy clear, pleasant days, with cooler nights. Early mornings can be foggy in December and January, making it a perfect season for bird-watching and spotting Tigers.
Summer (April - June): Experience warm days and cool nights, the best time for observing wildlife, particularly elephants and tigers.

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