Visit Jim Corbett National Park to experience the excitement of one of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. The many endangered animals that it protects make Jim Corbett National Park famous worldwide. The Jungle Safari of the Park is a truly memorable experience. Continue reading to learn more information about Jim Corbett National Park.
Everyone loves travelling. It is not travel if you visit places that are full of adventure. This is more to satisfy your wanderlust. India’s rich heritage and diversity have never disappointed tourists and India is a tourist hotspot almost year-round. Corbett National Park, India’s first Tiger Reserve and oldest national park, is a must-see for wildlife lovers. It was establish in Ramnagar in 1936 and fall under the district of Nainital, Pauri in Uttarakhand.
Corbett National Park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Corbett National Park is famous for being the home to the endangered Bengal Tiger. It was originally name Hailey National Park, but Jim Corbett’s influence on the establishment of the park led to its name change. Every year, thousand of tourist are attract by the wildlife and scenic beauty. The park covers a vast area of 521 square kilometres. Together with Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, the Corbett National Park is 1288 sq.km. Corbett is home to a variety of animals, including a large number of birds and flora. The park is responsible for preserving nature’s gifts.
The Pages of History
Tehri Garhwal controlled several areas in the park. In the area, a Terai tribe called Boksas lived and began their own farming. After the British Raj, the tribes were force to leave the land. Major Ramsay, a British officer, made efforts to protect the forest. In 1900, several British officer such as E.A. suggest that the land be used to create a reserve. Smythies, E. R. Stevans. It was create in 1936 by Governor Sir Malcolm Hailey, from whom its name originated. In 1954, it was renamed Ramganga National Park. The name was then change to Jim Corbett National Park in 1966. The Jim Corbett National Park in 1973 was chosen as the site of the PROJECT TIGERS project. Also visit our Resort in Jim Corbett. This is the largest project launch by wildlife preservationists and naturalists from all over the world.
Start the Journey
Ramnagar Station is the closest railway station to Corbett National Park. It is located 12 km away. Ramnagar is the stopover for trains like Ranikhet Express, Kumaon Express and many others. However, one can opt to take a road trip that will be more memorable. Ramnagar is accessible by state government buses from Delhi, Haldwani and Moradabad. The park is divide into five zone: Bijrani, whose gate can be found at Amadanda, Dhikala at Dhangari, Jhirna at Khara in Kalagarh, Domunda at Durgadevi and Sonanadi at Vatanvasa.
Travel in the Park
Entry fees for Indians are Rs 100/- and for foreigners Rs 450/. The vehicle fee varies from Rs 250/ – to Rs 1500 based on the vehicle’s weight. Commercial photography costs Rs 500 per Indian and Rs 1,500 for foreigners. The cost of a 2-hour elephant ride is Rs. 300 per Indian and Rs. 1500 per foreigner. The elephant safari costs Rs 3000/= and the Ramganga guided tour costs Rs 1000/= for Indians and Rs 2000/= for foreigners.
Flora and Fauna
There are many different animals and plants that live in the park. Around 488 different plant species are found in the park. The park is cover with mountain and forest. Flora includes grasses, ferns, climbers and trees. During travel, you will see a variety of trees such as Sal, Sissoo and Pine, as well as Oak. There are many different palm trees, such as Date, Kanju Jamun and Amla. Teak, Eucalyptus and Bottlebrush are also important trees, as well as Silver Oak, Kusum and Mahua, Bakil, Kusum and Dhak. The park is awash with vibrant colours from flowering plants such as Kachnaars, Semals, Dhaka, Madaars and Amaltas.
Corbett Flora and Fauna
Jim Corbett’s writings have made the tiger famous around the world. Tigers prefer to be alone, so they are usually found in an area separate from other animal. The female Tiger with her cub is visible. Tigers keep a distance between their home range and another tiger. Male tigers maintain a distance between 60-100 square kilometres. Females choose their home at a distance between 20 sq. km and 60-100 sq. Both sexes defend their territory. The markings on trees include gland secretions, urine and claw marks. The number of tigers has decreased and so have the attacks on humans. When a tiger becomes too old or injured to hunt other animals, they will prefer eating humans.
There are many other animals besides the Bengal Tiger, such as Elephants, Chitals, Nilgais, Sambar Deers, King Cobras, Gharials, Flying Foxes, Common Musk Shrews, Hedgehogs, Wild Boars, Muntjacs, and Indian Pangolins. Around 600 bird species are found. The variety of birds in the area increases during the winter due to the migration of countries from East Africa, Europe, and Central Asia. Himalayan birds flock to the area in order to escape the snow in the Himalayan high ranges. Tourist are attract by the beautiful landscape in the Himalayan foothills, as well as the protected areas. This is the perfect place for animal lovers, bird watcher, angler, and adventure seeker.
Without the Ramganga river, a wide variety of animals and plants could not thrive. It is essential for life in the park. Sonanadi Mandal Pailan and Pailan, tributaries to Ramganga are significant water producers. The rivers are home to a large variety of aquatic creatures, including crocodiles. The park has a few seasonal streams. Locally, these are called Sota. You are the only source of water for the animals in the park. Garjia is one of the spots. Others are Dhara, Jhirna and Kothi Rao. The scots have thick bamboo clumps and shrubs surrounding them, which provide a shelter for tigers.
Zones covered – Places To Visit
Jhirna This zone is perfect for bird watching. This place is home to wild elephants as well as sloth bears and Great Hornbills. In this zone, you can also find animals such as nilgai and Sambhar. In the Jhirna area, the rest house is located in Jhirna at the southern border of the park on the Shiwalik landscape.
Bijrani : This zone of the forest is dominated by Sal trees, and has other mixed forests from three major grasslands. This area has a curved jungle road that is ideal for viewing tigers. Water is abundant in this area, which leads to a wide variety of deciduous tropical mixed forests. Malani and Bijrani are the rest houses located in Bijrani Zone.
Dhikala : This zone offers the most variety. This area is perfect for an overnight stay. Ghoral, the great antelope is found here as well as Maggar and Gharial. Hog Deer is the exclusive. This area offers accommodation facilities. Rest houses are available in Sarapduli Sultan Gairal Khinnanauli Kanda.
Durgadevi: This zone is known for its fishing and birdwatching. This area is located in the north-east part of Corbett. This area is home to many birds, including the Little Forktail and Grey-Headed Fish Eagle. In this area, the rivers Ramganga & Mandal attract tigers, lions and leopards.
Sonanadi : This area is located in the middle of the park, and has a variety of flora. This zone is home to 550 bird species, as well as a tiger and leopard. Rest houses are located in this area at Lohachaur, Rathuadhab on the forest road, and Halduparao in between Palain River and Sonanadi River.
Accommodation
Reservation are require in advance for the Dhikala Forest House. The accommodation is limited and the service will be provide on a first come, first served basis. Room are available to accommodate two people per night. Accommodation is available in tents, standard rooms/mud huts, camp cottages, and other options.
Read about – Building Strong Connections for Business Success
Visit Time
Due to the monsoon, the park is close from mid June to mid November. The temperature can reach 40 C in the summer, which is between March and June. This is scorching heat for both tourists and animals. Monsoon rain is common from July to Septembre. Tourists can enjoy the pleasant weather and travel through Jhirna gate, which is open throughout the year. The temperature varies from 5C up to 30 C during winters, which start in December and last until February. Morning fog is common. Winter birds prefer to visit during the months of November through February. At this time of year, the weather is still pleasant and attracts many tourists.
Do’s and Don’ts
- All the necessary procedure should be followed to obtain the required permit.
- Guides are available to help you navigate the park and avoid any unwanted danger of getting lost in the forest.
- Transport should be done in a way that does not disturb animal. Slow travel will allow you to enjoy the scenery.
- It is important to follow the exact route that has been set out. Unknown routes can disturb animals’ normal behaviour and be dangerous.
- Keep a safe distance from animals.
- Avoid making loud noises that could disturb animals. Remember to keep the music on in your vehicle.
- Avoid bright colours and perfumes. Bright lights can cause animals to become distracted. Wear colours that blend well with the colour of the forest.
- It is against the law to carry a pistol or a firearm. Photograph are allow.
- It is not allow to light a fire in the forest. Smoke should not be allow to reach wild animal.
- You should be cautious about the areas where you can get out of your vehicle. Walking is not always safe.
- Keep the area clean. Keep the area tidy.
- Alcohol and non-veg product are prohibited in the park.
- Binoculars must be use if you do not want to miss the beautiful sights in the park.
- Avoid talking as much as you can to enjoy the sounds of nature.
- Smoking is illegal and causes disturbance to wild animals.
- It is advise to avoid using the flash when taking photograph. Animals will become restless if the harsh light from the flash blinds their sensitive eyes.
- Winter is the time to wear warm clothing as temperatures drop during the night. In the summer, hats and dark sunglasses are recommend. Mosquito repellents should be use. Avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water.
- Corbett is not just for the tigers. Tigers are very shy and rarely visible. There are other exclusive animals that you should also watch.
- Do not get too close to the animals. Follow the guide’s instructions.
- It is best to avoid feeding the animals. Animals should not be fed human foods. This can lead to serious gum injuries and bleeding.
- Animals should not be excited. Avoid chasing them to get them to move. Animal are more likely to be frightened by using camera light directly into their eye.
- It is dangerous to circle around an animal in a large group.
- Animals should not be allow to get close to children. Animals can mistake the size of children as prey.
Things To Carry
- Booking permits for hotels and resorts.
- Id proof
- Mosquito Repellent
- The Jacket
- Rope
- Torches and spare batteries
- Sun cream
- Gloves
- Extra pair socks
- Pocket Knife
- Water, quick-eatables and snacks
- Binoculars
- Hat or cap
- Full Sleeve Shirts
