Jim Corbett National Park: A Detailed Travel Guide

Conducted and operated only by the forest officials, canter safaris are yet another exciting way to delve deep into the wilderness of Jim Corbett Park! Operated twice in a day, usually open-roof canters with a seating capacity of 16-18 members are used for this purpose.

For a larger group of visitors, canter safaris are the most ideal ways to enjoy wildlife safaris. Also, as the vehicles assures maximum safety to the passengers, visitors of almost all age groups can enjoy these rides; however, minors must be accompanied with an adult during the safaris.

The safaris usually lasts for around 5 hours and takes the passengers to some of the most popular sites for wildlife spotting and as the vehicles are open, they promises you the most fascinating experience of the wild! Also, since only 4 canters are allowed at a time, it is advisable to book the safari well in advance.

Timings:

Summer: As summers offer much clear views, the first batch of safari starts at around 05:30 in the morning and continues till 12:30 in the noon. Post this, the second batch starts at around 12:20 in the noon and winds up by 06:30 in the evening.

Winters: Safaris during the winters start by around 06:00 in the morning and closes down by around 11:00. The last batch of canter is allowed into the forests between 11:00AM to 04:00PM only.

Zones: Among all the four buffer zones, only Dhikala Zone is open for canter safaris.

NOTE: Since the safaris are carried out in eco-friendly zone, visitors should carry a disposable bag to carry back their leftovers and leave no trace within the park. Also, alcohol and non-vegetarian foods are strictly not allowed during the safaris.

Among all the safari options in Jim Corbett Park, jeep safaris are the most popular. Conducted twice in a day, these safaris are allowed throughout all the buffer zones of the park and allotted in a group of 25-30 jeeps at a time; depending on the zone. Compared to the canters, as these vehicles are smaller in size, they takes you some of the core areas that are inaccessible by the canters. Though smaller in size, they promise you an extremely enthralling and exciting jungle or wildlife safari within the park.

With the jeep safaris, you can also embark on exciting sightseeing tours around the park. Sitabani Buffer Zone that do not come under the recommended buffer zones of the park, is also one of the most popular sites for jeep safaris. Owing to its tranquil and serene ambience, visitors can make it this zone and spend some of the pleasant and blissful moments with the Mother Nature in Sitabani.

Timings:

Summers: Like the canter safaris, jeep safaris during the summer starts at around 06:00 in the morning and continues till 09:00 in the morning. The next batch of jeeps are allowed into the jungles between 03:00 - 06:00PM.

Winters: Keeping in mind about the visibility constraint during the winters, the first batch of jeeps are allowed between 07:00 to 10:00 in the morning. Following this, the second batch starts at around 02:00PM and continues till 05:00 in the evening.

Zones:  Jeep safaris are allowed to all the four different zones of the park. However, the number of jeeps allowed might vary according to the Forest Permit.

NOTE: Since the number of jeeps permitted varies according to the zones, it is advisable to book the safaris well in advance; 30 days is the suggested time frame.

Fringed with the gurgling Ramganga River, numerous ridges and plateaus, the park serves as an ideal abode to a kaleidoscopic range of flora and fauna. While the abundance of water bodies and the favourable climatic conditions supports the growth and nurture of different types of flora species, it finally results in all the required conditions for the significant wildlife population of the park.

The list of flora within the park starts from non-flowering plants like ferns, lichens, mosses and continues with different types of flowering plants including the exotic orchids, dodder, scarlet red flowers and several others. The park also has a significant number of woody climbers like melletia auriculata, crypotepris buchanani, porana paniculata and others. Among the types of grass and herbs, you can find kansi, baib, tiger grass, khus khus, cyanthia, drymaria diandra, bhilmora, euphorbia hirta, clover and others alike.

Different types of shrubs and bamboo plants can also be found in large number within the park. On the other hand, chir pine, date palm, kanju, jamun, aamla, banj oak, semal, maddar, kanchnaar and dhak are some of the commonly found tree species within the park.

Talking about the fauna of the Jim Corbett National Park, predators like the Bengal Tiger, leopard, jungle cat, fishing cat and leopard cat mainly comprises the list. Other dominant inhabitants of the park include Indian Elephant, buffalo and Himalayan Black Bear. Among the other types of mammal, you can find a large population of barking deer, sambar deer, hog deer, chital, sloth, Indian grey mongoose, otters, yellow throat martens, Himalayan gorals and others.

The park also has a significant population of avifauna. Till now, a total of 586 different species has been recorded within the park. This includes birds like parakeet, crested serpent eagle, bee-eaters, tawny fish owl, red jungle fowl and several other migratory and local birds.

A large number of Indian python, crocodile and gharial along with wide range of reptiles, amphibians and fishes can also be found within the park.

Largest of all the buffer zones, Dhikala Zone is the hub for the visitors to the park. With the Dhangadi Gate as the entry point, it is known for its abundance of wildlife species like Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, deer, chital, crocodile, reptiles like cobra, and birds like vulture, dove and several others. November (mid) to June (mid) is the best time to visit this buffer zone of the park.

Only 16km from the heart of the Ramnagar, this buffer zone is one of the newly introduced among all the other zones. Well connected with the city limits, it can easily reached by buses, taxis and other means of communication.

In addition to the stunning beauty of this zone, it is also known as one of the ideal spots to have an encounter with the fascinating bears. While Jhirna Gate serves as the entry point to this zone, it is best visited during the months of October to the end of June.

For the nature lovers who crave to witness the different flora species of the park, Bijrani Zone is the most ideal place to be! Located only 1km from the limits of Ramnagar, it is also popular among the wildlife lovers. With the Amdanda Gate as its entry point, it serves as a perfect place to spot wildlife species like elephant, tiger, deer, chital, and monkeys along with an array of bird species. October (mid) to June (end) is the best time to visit the Bijrani Zone.

Upon entering through the Durga Devi Gate of the park, you will be at the Durga Devi Zone that is known for a significant number of avifauna species. A paradise for the bird watchers, it shelters a large number of grey headed eagle, marron orile, crested laughing thrushor, black chinned yuhina and others. For a much exciting and fun frolic experience, you must visit this zone during the months of November (mid) to June (end).

In addition to these four main zones, the park also has some of the secondary sightseeing areas that are equally popular among the visitors. These are:

Incorporated within the tiger reserve zone in 2014, it is one of the famed eco-tourism zones within the park. Around 13km from Ramnagar, it remains open throughout the year and attracts a large number of tourists who yearns to enjoy the undulated views of the nature and wildlife of Jim Corbett Park.

Though this one does not come under the limits of the main park, it still attracts a significant number of nature enthusiasts. Its tranquil ambience, scenic beauty and openness serves as the main attraction among the tourists.

If you are among the camping enthusiasts, you must visit the Corbett National Park! Guarded by captivating hillocks, adorned by several rivers and fringed with lush greeneries, it is the only park in the entire country that allows overnight camping to the visitors.  Among all the activities you can enjoy within the limits of the park, camping always ensure you maximum exposure to the untouched beauty of the park.

In addition to this, it also allows you to stay close to the wilderness of the forests along with many different activities and things to do. The park has a large number of private as well as government camps that promises exciting camping options to the visitors.

Jungle safaris are in fact the most popular activities within the fascinating settings of the park. A gateway to the lush and magical beauty of the park, these safaris are conducted across various corners or the buffer zones throughout the day. Taking you through the natural habitats of the jungle dwellers, these safaris not only allows you to witness and spot the grandiosity of the jungles, but also offers you numerous chances of spotting the mighty predators of the jungles.

Conducted through jeeps and open canters, these safaris allow you to opt for the most convenient and exciting ways to delve deep into the dense thickets and have a glimpse of their wilderness. While the jeep safaris are more suitable for a smaller group, the open canter safaris are preferable for larger groups and alike.

Also, for those who want to explore and enjoy the magical beauty of Corbett's fascinating range of wildlife in a steady pace, they can opt for the elephant safaris and step into the wilderness of the park. Mostly conducted during the early mornings, these safaris also prove to be exciting ways to witness and enjoy the appealing charm of the park.

A visit to Jim Corbett National Park without wildlife spotting is never complete! As tourist movements are allowed in certain parts of the park, one can avail the jungle safaris conducted daily and make their way into the buffer zones for an enthralling wildlife spotting experience.

Most of the wildlife spotting safaris make their way through the Dhangadi Gate and takes the wildlife lovers to the Dhikala Zone which is known for its abundance of wildlife. Conducted for a considerable amount of time, these safaris allow you to witness and spot the dwellers of the jungles in their natural habitats and also from a close hand.

Bijrani and Jhirna zones are also known for their amazing range of wildlife population. While the Jhirna Zone serves as a befitting destination to spot the bears, Bijrani Zone allows you to have an encounter with species like elephant, tiger, crocodile, and chital along with a myriad list of avifauna.

Talking about the fun frolic nature activities in the Jim Corbett Park, bird watching also attracts a large number of nature lovers to the park. Among all the popular spots for this exciting activity, the Durga Devi Zone sounds to the most wonderful location.

The lush green settings around this zone and the availability of foods attract a large number of local as well as migratory birds to this locale. Winter is the best time or bird watching in this zone as during this period of the year, it attracts a large number of migratory birds to this region.

When it comes to the immaculate beauty of the Mother Nature, Corbett National Park outshines most of the national parks in the entire nation. An ideal home to a fascinating range of flora and fauna, its enchanting beauty proves to be a true delight for the shutterbugs. Be it nature or wildlife photography, the bucolic settings and the exotic range of the park's wildlife entices photographers from almost all the corners of the world.

Kosi river in Jim Corbett National Park is perfect for a good river rafting experience. The river is settled amidst dense teak forests with flourishing wildlife surrounding it. Having lots of twists and turns, the river is excellent for a fun filled experience of river rafting.

However, you should know that river rafting in the Kosi river is possible only in the months of monsoon from July to September.

When it comes to angling or game fishing, Corbett National Park can be called as one of the most promising destinations in the country. Among all the spots or destinations for angling, the Ramganga River host the most wonderful spots and camps for angling. And among all the fishing spots in the vicinity, Matwasha nd Rikawasi are the two renowned destinations for golden mahseer fishing.

The Kosi River flowing through the thickets of Corbett also offers several exciting spots for game fishing. However, fishing in Kori River is permitted only during October to June.

Mountain Biking is one of the thrilling adventurous activities where you get to explore the surroundings on a bicycle at a slow pace and you can explore any spot of the park as long as your tyres can go there.

Jim Corbett National Park is perfect for mountain biking as it has varied uneven terrains where you can ride your bicycle while looking for a glimpse of the rich wildlife the park is famous for.

Rock Climbing and Rappelling are one of the most difficult adventurous activities which test your strength against nature. Climbing rocks freehand and then rappelling back from them requires a lot of strength in your arms and legs and good vertical rocks to do it. Jim Corbett National Park has an abundance of uneven vertical rock formation which would prove to be best for both these activities.

Nature treks require an abundance of dense woods, flushing waterfalls, wildlife, free birds, rich flora and distinct fauna. Jim Corbett National Park has it all where you can commence a good nature trek. It takes you through rocky trails edging water sources amidst teak forest and bounty of wildlife.

It is very much suitable for families and friends. Kids will enjoy this light trek a lot as tedious treks could make them uneasy. While walking you can also pass by the Corbett Falls where you can set up a small picnic camp.

Owing to the several gurgling rivers; especially the Kosi and Ramganga Rivers, Corbett also hosts an array of spots for river crossing. During the activity, the participants are harnessed to a rope whose other end is tied to the opposite side of the river, and thy have to cross the river with the help of the rope. The activity not only makes it for an enthralling experience, but also introduces the thrill seekers to the various types of terrains, gorges and boulder strewn paths within the park.

Located around 20km from Dhikala Zone and 29km from Durga Devi Gate of the park, Ramganga Resort is one of the most sought after retreats in Ramnagar. Nestled amidst lush greeneries and guarded by fascinating hillocks, it is known for its luxurious offerings and offers a blissful stay amidst the wilderness of the jungles.

Irrespective of when and with whom you are visiting, it promises a warm hospitality and range of dedicated service to its patrons. Well-equipped and spacious rooms, modern amenities and facilities, separate swimming pool for adults and kids, indoor and outdoor game options, and a library within the resort will surely make your stay memorable.

Seated on the banks of the Kosi River and around 7km from the Bijrani Gate of the park, this holiday home is also among the best places to stay in Jim Corbett. Offering you the best of the wildlife experience, the resort boasts of its aesthetically designed rooms and the bucolic surroundings.  A perfect place to wind up and soak in the wilderness of the jungles, glass rooms in Corbett Riverside Resort is a true delight for the visitors.

These rooms not only keeps you close to the nature, but also offers panoramic views of the surroundings. Among the other amenities and facilities of the resort, there is swimming pool, health centre, multi-cuisine restaurant and lot more in this resort.

An ode to luxury and comfort amidst the lush settings of Jim Corbett, Maya Resort promises a pleasant stay to the visitors who crave for a perfect holiday in Jim Corbett. With an in-house spa, the resort also assures a relaxed and rejuvenating experience to its patrons. In addition to this, the array of activities conducted within the resort, adds an extra amount of fun and delight to your holiday.

With a total of 24 well-furnished rooms, colourful lawns, and a range of modern amenities, this holiday retreat makes it for a wonderful experience in and around the park. Its facilities like modern bathrooms, LCD TV, power backup, swimming pool, gym, and several others cater to all the needs and requirements of the patrons.

Located around 10km from the heart of Ramnagar, Wood Castle Resort is an ultimate retreat to surrender oneself into the hands of nature! Seated at the foothills of the Shivalik Ranges, it keeps its visitors enchanted with all its delightful services and offerings.  Rooms here offers astounding views of the surroundings and are decked with almost all the modern amenities and facilities.

Serving a range of delicacies from Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine, it promises a flavoursome stay to the visitors. Also, indoor and outdoor game options, spa and ayurvedic treatments, and all the other facilities provided by Wood Castle will surely make your holiday much more exciting.

Located around 14km from the limits of Ramnagar; along the way to Ranikhet, this sacred temple is seated amidst the gurgling water of the Kosi River. Originally a large monolith, it has the Goddess Garjia Devi as the main deity and is one of the most pious temples among the locals.

Newly wed couples throng this temple after climbing a series of stairs to seek the blessings of the goddess. In addition to the religious importance, it also serves as an ideal spot for the hikers and nature lovers.

Sitabani Forest Reserve is not a part of Jim Corbett National Park but still, a good number of tourists are attracted towards this reserve. It is said to be a paradise for bird lovers as you can watch an abundance of birds chirping in the trees.

Moreover, you might even spot some wild animals like tigers, leopards, elephants and many more endangered species. You can not enter the park on your own so plan an elephant safari or a jeep safari before you reach there. You should have pre-bookings to avoid a last minute rush.

Flowing amidst dense teak woods, Corbett Falls is a mesmerising sight to catch. It is a wide stream of water falling into a refreshing pool from 20 meters of height. The water of the pool is clear and silvery and unspoilt by tourism which makes an excellent spot for a picnic with your friends and family.

Moreover, the place is ideal for adventure activities like trekking, camping, bird watching and nature walks as the park has an abundance of flora and fauna. Lastly, you should watch the picturesque scene of the sun setting behind the waterfall.

Situated near the Dhangari Gate, this museum features the life journey of Corbett National Park. It is as old as the era of man-eating tigers and till now standing erect on the grounds of the park. You will get to see hunted wild animals in the museum along with the heads of tigers and elephants in glass boxes. It is a very good way to get exposure to the history of wildlife.

You can get the chance to know more about it by purchasing wildlife generals, books and autobiography on Corbett and wildlife safaris held in the park from a memento shop in the museum. If you are not interested in the books then you can take some fine pieces of art home.

Although it doesn’t flow inside the park definitely forms the eastern limit of it. Tourists visiting the park often doesn’t leave without visiting the river Kosi. It is a picture-perfect view which looks like a painted landscape where people come for fishing and angling.

While monsoon brings more current in the river, adventure seekers visit here to enjoy a good ride of river rafting. And with this change in the season, it attracts migratory birds around the world which brings bird watchers to the place.

Now renowned as Corbett Museum was once the home of the great legendary hunter Jim Corbett. The museum holds the utmost importance in the world of history and wildlife as the museum holds personal belongings of Jim which depicts the importance of fauna we have in the Corbett Park.

You can witness caps, guns, fishing nets, letters and several other personal belongings of Jim which will definitely provoke the love for wildlife in you. Moreover, you should be knowing that the museum remains open from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm for all the days of the week.

Historically a British Hill Station, Nainital is set on a pear-shaped valley at a height of 2,084m above the sea level. In the present time, the city is famous for its several temples located on the cliffs of the mighty mountains and the kidney-shaped lake.

You can enjoy watersports, adventure sports, leisure, recreational and sightseeing trips at the lake. Do not return from the city without boating in the Naini lake amidst the mighty Himalayas standing straight with an abundance of nature.

Also known as 'Queen's Meadow', Ranikhet attracts tourists towards its exotic range of flora and fauna, orchards of fruits, farms of crops, dense woods, rich wildlife and more. People also love to visit Jhula Devi Temple where you will find a cluster of bells hanging from the roof.

Ranikhet is now under the control of the Indian Army because it serves as a Cantonment town for some of the regiments of the Indian Army. Besides this, there are some more temples which are also set amidst beautiful valleys.

Named after Bheema from Mahabharata, Bhimtal is renowned as the lake city near Nainital. Not only this, the place also has a small island inside the lake which is a hotel turned into aquarium. Bhimtal is gaining popularity due to its closeness to Nainital and having cheaper resorts than the later while still giving glimpse of the Himalayan Beauty.

The pros doesn’t end here, it is also a hub for adventure seekers as you can experience boating, horse riding, mountain biking and hand gliding here.

By Train: 

If you are coming from Delhi, you can board any trains between Delhi and Ramnagar; headquarter of Jim Corbett Park. From Ramnagar, you can easily reach the park by hiring a taxi. Trains to Ramnagar are also available from other cities like Lucknow, Varanasi and Allahabad; all these trains travel through Kanpur.

 By Road: 

Ramnagar is well connected by roads to cities like Delhi, Haridwar, Bareily, Nainital, Ranikhet, and Dehradun, via the route to Gajraula, Moradabad and Kashipur. You can also visit Ramnagar from other places like Haldwani, Kashipur and Kathgodam.

 By Air: 

If you are travelling by flight, Phoolbagh in Patnanagar will serve as the nearest airport to Jim Corbett.

1. Entry permits are mandatory for the visitors.

2. Carry valid ID proofs during your visit to Jim Corbett National Park.

3. Visitors should carry a litter bag and bring back any non-biodegradable left overs like plastic bottle, metal foils, tin cans and other similar.

4. In order to avoid any kind of mishaps within the park, make sure you always appoint a government approved tour guide.

5. Do not disturb the dwellers of the jungle in any form.

6. Do not carry non-vegetarian foods during the jungle safaris.

7. Avoid playing loud music or any unwanted noise during the jungle safaris.

8. Avoid using headphones or earphones during the safaris.

9. Wear khaki or olive green clothes during the jungle safaris as they gets easily camouflaged with the nature.

10. Drive slowly while within the jungles and avoid using horns as much as possible.

11. Pay heed and attention to the tour guides and instructors.

12. Consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other forms of intoxicants are strictly prohibited within the limits of the park.

13. Do not enter into the jungles post sunset.

14. Carrying guns or arms of any type into the park is a punishable offence and might lead to serious punishment.

15. Do not indulge in feeding the animals in any form; it is strictly prohibited and might be considered as a cruelty towards them.

16. Visitors’ vehicles are not allowed within the park; always board the government approved vehicles for jungle safaris and wildlife spotting.

1. Delhi: 260km

2. Jaipur: 499km

3. Rishikesh: 142km

4. Haridwar: 118km

5. Nainital: 142km

6. Mussoorie: 201km

7. Manali: 639km

8. Chandigarh: 347km

9. Dehradun: 171km

10. Ranikhet: 182km