Introduction

Brief History and Significance

Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. Renamed in honor of the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett.
Spanning over 520 square kilometers, Corbett is a mosaic of meadows, rivers, marshes, and dense sal forests. It is the first park to come under Project Tiger in 1973. The park is home to a rich variety of fauna including Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, barasinghas, gharials, and over 600 species of birds. The Ramganga River flows through the park, sustaining its diverse ecosystems and offering scenic beauty.

Location and Accessibility

Corbett is divided into several zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Garjiya, Dhela and Durga Devi each offering unique landscapes and safari experiences. The Dhikala zone, in particular, is renowned for its panoramic views and high chances of tiger sightings. The forest rest house in Dhikala is one of the most sought after accommodations in India. It is one of the very few places in India where one can stay inside the core area of the park.

A safari jeep in the landscape of Jim Corbett National Park

Booking a Safari at Jim Corbett National Park

Tips for Securing Your Safari Slots

  • Booking a safari involves selecting the desired zone and type of safari, followed by making a reservation through the official website or authorised agents. It's advisable to book as early as possible since slots fill up quickly.
  • For the Dhikala Zone one needs to have a night stay permit as well for regular jeep safaris. Without the night stay permit one can only do canter safari in Dhikala.
  • For other zones one can do regular morning and evening jeep safaris without the need to stay in a forest resthouse. However, each zone has dedicated forest resthouse which can be booked in advance and it’s a great experience.
  • For a hassle-free booking experience, consider contacting Tigerwalah. Our specialised team assists you with all the arrangements, ensuring your safari experience is seamless and enjoyable.

    • Tips for Securing Your Safari Slots

    Book Early: Safari slots are limited and highly sought after, especially Dhikala — book as early as possible.
    Be Flexible: If your preferred zone or time slot is unavailable, consider other options.

A view of a safari trail in Jim Corbett National Park

Types of Safaris at Jim Corbett National Park

Jeep Safari

(Morning & Evening)

The most popular option, offering a close-up view of the park's wildlife and landscapes.

Canter Safari

(For Dhikala Zone)

A larger vehicle option that accommodates more visitors.

Key Zones - Top Attractions

Jim Corbett National Park is divided into several zones, each offering a unique experience.

Wildlife- Fauna and flora

Jim Corbett National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife, particularly the Bengal tiger, which is the park's main attraction. With around 250+ tigers, the park has one of the highest tiger densities in India. Apart from tigers, the park is home to leopards, elephants, wild boars, sloth bears and various deer species, including chital, sambar and hog deer. The rare mammals include Yellow throated marten, Himalayan Black bear, Fishing cat, Leopard cat, Indian pangolin and Himalayan Goral. The park's biodiversity also includes reptiles like the Indian python, king cobra and gharial, contributing to its ecological abundance. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers with over 650 species of birds. You can spot the Great Pied Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Spot bellied eagle owl, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Parrotbill, Ibis-bill, green magpie, Great barbet, Blue-throated Barbet and many other Himalayan birds.

The park's flora is equally diverse, with a mix of deciduous forests, riverine belts and grasslands. The deciduous forests are primarily dominated by the Sal tree, which covers a significant portion of the park. These forests are interspersed with a variety of other tree species such as Khair, Sissoo and the occasional Chir Pine trees at higher elevations. The riverine areas are characterised by a unique combination of bamboo and elephant grass.

Gallery: Moments in Corbett

Key Wildlife of Jim Corbett

Major Predators

  • Bengal Tiger
  • Indian Leopard
  • Sloth Bear

Large Mammals & Herbivores

  • Asiatic Elephant
  • Sambar Deer
  • Spotted Deer (Chital)
  • Wild Boar

Key Bird Species

  • Great Pied Hornbill
  • Pallas's Fish Eagle
  • Blue-throated Barbet
  • Over 650+ other species

Reptiles

  • Gharial
  • Indian Python
  • King Cobra

Dominant Flora

  • Sal Tree
  • Khair & Sissoo
  • Bamboo & Elephant Grass
  • Chir Pine (at height)

Rare mammals

  • Himalayan Black Bear
  • Yellow throated marten
  • Leopard cat
  • Himalayan goral

Accommodation Choices

  • Stay inside the wild heart of Corbett with forest rest houses in every core zone. Dhikala FRH remains the crown jewel, loved by travellers across the park.
  • Prefer comfort closer to civilization? Choose from a range of budget-friendly stays to plush luxury hotels just outside the park gates.

A misty morning in Jim Corbett National Park during winter

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Highlights and What to Expect
  • Winter (November to February): Ideal for a beautiful experience of the forest and the winter lights. Good sightings of elephants, tigers and other wildlife. Best for birdwatchers because of the migratory birds.
  • Summer (March to June): Best time for big mammals especially tigers and elephants. Water scarcity forces the animals to concentrate near the water resources and large herds of elephants migrate to Jim Corbett National Park from Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
  • Monsoon (July to October):The park is closed, but the three zones are open and offer chance of exploring the lush green beautiful forest.
Recommendations for the Ideal Visiting Months

For a comprehensive experience, visiting between November and April is recommended as the weather remains cool and wildlife sightings are excellent.

How to reach Jim Corbett National Park?

✈️ By Air

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 80 km away.

🚆 By Rail

Ramnagar (RMR) is the closest railway station, just 12 km from the park entrance.

🚗 By Road

Well-connected by road from major cities like Delhi (260 km) and Nainital (60 km).

Safety Guidelines and Etiquette in the Park

Follow the Rules

Always adhere to park guidelines and listen to your guide.

Do Not Disturb Wildlife

Maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid making loud noises.

Leave No Trace

Ensure you don’t leave any litter behind.

From the thrill of spotting a Bengal tiger to the serene beauty of its landscapes, every moment spent at the Jim Corbett National Park is a step closer to nature. As you plan your visit, remember to respect the park’s guidelines, ensuring that this pristine wilderness remains protected for generations to come.

Jim Corbett Packages and Tour Options

Numerous tour operators offer a range of packages to suit different preferences and budgets. These packages often include accommodation, safaris, meals and transportation. At Tigerwalah, we specialise in providing the best tour packages that align with your budget and time constraints. We offer customised packages, ensuring that every aspect of your Jim Corbett trip is well-planned and catered to your specific needs.

Book Your Adventure with Tigerwalah!

Planning Your Visit & FAQs

Essential Items for a Safari

  • Binoculars and Camera with telephoto lens.
  • Sunscreen and Insect Repellent.
  • Hat and Sunglasses.
  • Comfortable Clothing and Footwear.
  • Reusable water bottle - avoid single-use plastic at all costs
  • Dust/ heat protection buffs for face, neck and hair
  • A good guidebook always comes in handy
  • A tripod or a monopod
  • Patience

Travel Tips and FAQs

Do I need a guide?

Yes, a guide is mandatory for all safaris.

Can I walk in the park?

Walking safaris are only allowed in the Sitabani zone.

What are the park timings?

The Park timings can vary depending on the season and the zones, so confirming the details before your visit is better.

Get In Touch

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Contact Information

Location icon 42 Emilia B2, Hamelia Street, Vatika City Sector 49, Sohna Road, Gurugram 122018

Phone icon +91 9871431155 WhatsApp icon +91 8989416930 Email icon info@tigerwalah.com

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