Enquire Now!
Jim Corbett National Park – A Traveller’s Guide 2022
Uttarakhand
Table of Contents
About Jim Corbett National Park
Tigers at Jim Corbett National Park
The Jim Corbett National Park has been front-running conservational reforms, since the passing of the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972. The biggest steps were taken to protect the nearly extinct species of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Types of Safaris at Corbett National Park
Canter Safari
Jeep Safari
Jeep tiger safaris in India, in the Corbett National Park are considered to be the best way to truly experience the flora and fauna of the landscape. You can choose a solo tiger safari tour or go with a small group in an open-air jeep. The safari experience happens throughout the day and lasts for about 3 hours on each occasion.
Core Zones | Entrance Gates (Full Safari) | Entrance Gate (Single Seat Safari) |
Dhikala Zone | Dhangari Gate | Dhangari Gate |
Bijrani Zone | Aamdanda Gate | Aamdanda Gate |
Jhirna Zone | Dhela Gate | Dhela Gate |
Dhela Zone | Dhela Gate | Dhela Gate |
Durga Devi Zone | Durgadevi Gate | Durgadevi Gate |
Sitabani Forest Zone | Bhandarpani Gate | Bhandarpani Gate |
National Parks are typically divided into multiple zones to make safari tours across it more convenient and easier to comprehend for tourists. You can access Kanha National Park through one of five gates – Dhangari, Aamdanda, Dhela, Durgadevi and Bhandarpani.
Owing to the sheet size of Corbett National Park, the six zones of the park are uniquely decided based on the experience you wish to have. Some zones are also closed off till the right season approaches, while a few are open throughout the year.
The Sitabani Zone is the only Buffer Zone of the work that allows complete access for private vehicles to enter the park. Apart from Core and Buffer, another prime zone is the Reserved Zone – This area of the park is closed off to tourists, as it focuses mainly on wildlife conservation and repopulation.
Zoning in: The Corbett National Park Experience
- Bijrani Zone: Considered to be the most popular zone in the park, it is here where a vast majority of wildlife sightings take place. The desert-like ambience is complemented by tall Sal trees and numerous streams and waterbodies.
- Dhikala Zone: Shutterbugs will love this zone for its picturesque setting and abundance of avifauna. The zone’s long stretch of land allows for a more detailed safari tour, albeit only on a canter.
- Jhirna Zone: A true nature enthusiast will love this zone simply for its biodiversity. It is home to another fearful species – the wild Himalayan bear. Jhirna is also favoured by tigers as a hunting ground, so there is a big chance for spotting a tiger in action, as the zone is open throughout the year.
- Dhela Zone: This zone is a botanist’s delight! With so much flora on display, it will take you more than a moment to let the beauty sink in. The widespread landscape makes the area very explorer-friendly, allowing for bicycle safaris to take place.
- Durga Devi Zone: The last, deepest lying zone of the park is one that makes for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. The area is untamed by man, almost entirely, giving it a truly wild and wondrous appeal. It is also the zone that plays host to aquatic wildlife.
- The park is situated by the foothills of the Himalayas, which offers shutterbugs a huge number of ways to capture the magic.
- Experience the calls of the wild and witness how beautiful and thriving the natural order of things is.
- A bird lover’s paradise – don’t forget to pack an extra pair of eyes.
- Live amongst the wild in specially designed jungle lodges.
- Take part in a plethora of activities that offer quite a challenge to thrill seekers.
Best Time to Spot Tigers at Jim Corbett National Park
- Visiting the park in winter (October – February): The entire park is open during this season and is also regarded by many tour operators as the ideal months to visit. This is mainly due to the fact that the flora and fauna of the park are in full display during the winters.
- Visiting the park in monsoon (July – September): This is a very romantic season in the National Park. Vegetation will be at its peak and some animal species will be in heat. It is not advisable to visit the park, especially due to the heavy downpour of rains and occasional soil erosion. However, the trekking zones are at their most challenging, which gives thrillseekers a reason to come visiting.
- Visiting the park in summer (March – June): If you pick a visit during the summer, be sure to carry sunscreen and enough water. It can get scorchingly hot during the day, but this only opens the opportunity to soak into the park’s neighbouring sightseeing destinations where you can catch a quick dip or raft down a river.
Things to Do in Corbett National Park
Tiger Safari Tours
The wild will like to have you as their guest, and the tour of their premises is one you should simply tick off your list. The park allows for solo/group jeep tiger safaris, canter safaris for larger crowds or elephant safaris for those who dare!
Get Adventurous
Explore The Vistas
Get Spiritual
Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Jim Corbett National Park
Taj Corbett Resort & Spa
Paatlidun Safari Lodge
Riverview Retreat
But one standout feature is the Forest Rest Houses that are located within every Zone. Here are seven of the coolest lodgings you should consider staying in when booking a tiger safari tour of the Corbett National Park.
Bijrani Forest Rest House: Situated within the park’s most prominent safari zone, the Bijrani Forest Rest House was once a shooting block during British India.
Malani Forest Rest House: Another lodging considered ideal for daily game drives, the Malani Forest Rest House also offers a quieter and more secluded feel for guests looking to sink into the lap of nature.
Sultan Forest Rest House: Another classy yet comfortable spot to call it a day. The Sultan Forest Rest House is an ideal pick for small families and couples.
Gairal Forest House: The romantic guest house amongst the lot for its strategically placed location – by the Ramganga river. The Gairal Forest House can double for a honeymoon lodging, in the wild.
Sarapduli Forest House: Another strategically placed guest house, this time for animal lovers. Those who stay in the Sarapduli Forest House will get a super close view of jungle life.
Khinnanauli Forest House: Pick the Khinnanauli Forest House if you wish to get as close as possible to tiger territory.
Dhikala Forest House: This is the oldest and most prestigious forest house in the park. It offers a premium living experience with some of the park’s finest vistas in close view.
Places to Visit Near Corbett National Park
- Temples: The city of Nainital is considered to be very spiritually powerful. The temples surrounding the park is a great example of that. Some of the temples frequented by those going on pilgrimage include: Garjia Temple, Durga Mandir Temple, Sitabani Temple
- Rest stops: Among the many rest stops, some of the most frequented include: Dhikala zone, Bijrani zone, Jhirna zone, Kyari camp
- Tourism hotspots: If you need a break from wildlife spotting and want to experience the culture of Corbett, the park will do just that for you! Here are a few must-visit attractions: Corbett Museum, Sitabani Forest Reserve, Kalagarh Dam, Kosi River
Trip to Corbett National Park: FAQs
Leave it to the experts! That’s where we step in. Team Tiger Safari India will help you book the best rooms, experience the best safaris with expert guides, ensure a hassle-free stay and more.
Read about the Top 5 National Parks for Tiger Safari in India.
Enquire Now
Please fill the form below and our team will get back to you within 24 hours with a perfect tiger safari tour package.