Jim Corbett: The Land of Roar, Song & Trumpet

Nestled in the picturesque Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park holds a revered place in India's conservation history as its oldest national park. Spanning approximately 1,318 sq km, including a core area of 520.82 sq km and a vast buffer zone, Corbett is a mosaic of dense sal forests, grassy plains, riverine belts, and hilly terrains. This diverse landscape, fed by the Ramganga River, creates an exceptionally rich habitat, making it one of India's most sought-after destinations for tiger safaris and a comprehensive wildlife viewing experience. Its significant role in launching Project Tiger in 1973 further solidifies its status as a cornerstone of wildlife conservation in India.

A Legacy of Conservation

Jim Corbett National Park's legacy as a conservation pioneer dates back to 1936, when it was established as Hailey National Park, making it the first national park in mainland Asia. The visionary behind its creation was none other than Jim Corbett, a renowned British hunter who transitioned into a passionate naturalist and conservationist. His deep understanding of the Kumaon region's wildlife and his dedication to protecting endangered species, especially the Bengal tiger, were instrumental in the park's formation.

In 1957, a year after his passing, the park was fittingly renamed Jim Corbett National Park in his honour. Its historical significance was further magnified in 1973 when it became the first park in India to come under the ambit of Project Tiger, a landmark conservation initiative launched to protect the dwindling tiger population across the country. This marked a paradigm shift from solely controlling hunting to comprehensive ecosystem preservation.

Corbett's history is steeped in efforts to balance human interaction with wildlife protection. Early measures focused on regulating timber extraction and preventing poaching. Today, it stands as a testament to successful wildlife management, providing a secure haven for its diverse fauna and flora, and inspiring generations of conservationists worldwide.

Topography, Flora & Fauna

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.

Flora: The park's vegetation is a captivating mix influenced by its varied topography. The park's habitats - mountains, sal forests, chaurs, khair-sissoo forests, and river ecosystems - each harbour a distinct collection of plant life. Dense sal (Shorea robusta) forests dominate large areas, particularly in the hilly regions, interspersed with various other tree species like haldu, peepal, rohini, and mango groves. The famous 'chaurs' (grasslands), like the Dhikala Chaur, are crucial open areas that serve as vital grazing grounds for herbivores. Riverine belts along the Ramganga add to the diversity with species like shisham and khair. Over 600 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, bamboo, grasses, climbers, and ferns have been catalogued in Corbett.

Fauna: Corbett is most celebrated for its healthy population of Bengal tigers. It's also home to a significant population of Asiatic elephants. Other prominent mammals include leopards, sloth bears, and Indian wild dogs (dhole). Herbivores are abundant and include various species of deer such as sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), hog deer, and barking deer. A true paradise for birdwatchers, Corbett boasts over 600 species of birds. The Ramganga River is home to gharials and mugger crocodiles, along with various snakes and lizards.

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.

Best Time to Visit & Weather

Optimal Tiger Sightings: March to June (Summer)
For the highest probability of tiger sightings, the summer months are ideal. High temperatures force animals to congregate around remaining water sources, and sparse vegetation improves visibility.

Pleasant Weather & Diverse Wildlife: Mid-October to February (Winter)
For a comfortable climate and lush landscapes, winter is excellent. The weather is cool and pleasant, and the park is vibrantly green, making it a fantastic time for birdwatching.

Monsoon: July to Mid-October (Partial Closure & Rejuvenation)
Most core zones are closed as the monsoon rejuvenates the forest. Certain zones like Jhirna and Dhela remain open, offering unique monsoon safari experiences.

Safari Options at Jim Corbett

Jeep Safaris (Day Safaris): The most popular way to explore, open-top 4x4 jeeps take you into designated zones like Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, etc. Safaris are conducted twice daily, and advance booking is highly recommended.

Canter Safaris (Dhikala Zone): The only way for day visitors to explore the Dhikala zone. Large, open-sided buses (canters) accommodate more tourists and provide a higher vantage point for wildlife viewing across the vast grasslands.

Safari Zones of Jim Corbett

Dhikala Zone: The largest and most popular zone, famous for its vast grasslands and high density of tigers and elephants. Day visits are by Canter Safari only.

Bijrani Zone: Known for diverse topography and excellent tiger and elephant sightings. Easily accessible from Ramnagar.

Jhirna & Dhela Zones: Open year-round, these zones feature open grasslands and forests, offering good sightings of sloth bears and elephants.

Durgadevi, Garjiya, Phato & Sitabani Zones: These zones offer varied landscapes, from hilly terrains ideal for birdwatching to serene buffer forest areas.

Why Dhikala Zone is a Special Place to See Wildlife

The Dhikala Zone is the most popular safari zone, famous for its amazing biodiversity. This region is among the best in India for tiger sightings and is also home to elephants, leopards, deer, wild boars, and a variety of bird species. 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 unique chance to stay inside the forest. Situated in a prime location with a view of the Ramganga Reservoir, this historical rest house provides simple yet relaxing accommodations, allowing visitors to enjoy the immersive sounds of the wild.

Jim Corbett Quick Facts

Jim Corbett National Park offers an unforgettable journey into India's pioneering wilderness, promising thrilling tiger encounters and a deep connection with nature. Book your Jim Corbett safari with Tigerwalah today and embark on an adventure into this iconic land of roar and trumpet!