India’s most celebrated wildlife destination, the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers and photographers. The majestic Bengal tigers, amazing activities and exquisite beauty around is what draws travelers to this location. From wildlife safaris to picturesque landscapes, from peaceful retreats to unrevealing the hidden surprises, this renowned wildlife sanctuary offers unparalleled opportunities to experience nature at its pristine form. Here’s a complete guide to Corbett National Park for an ethical & enjoyable experience.
Table of Contents
History Of Jim Corbett National Park
The park was first established in 1936 during British rule. It was later named ‘Hailey National Park’ after the then governor William Malcolm Hailey. Somewhere in the mid 1950’s it was renamed as ‘Ramganga’. And nearly after a decade of India’s independence in 1957 it was renamed again as ‘Corbett National Park’ in memory of Jim Corbett. Jim Corbett was a well-known British sportsman, writer, naturalist, and photographer who played a leading role in its establishment. His contribution towards wildlife conservation and efforts to protect local communities from man-eating tigers and leopards got him this recognition. The renaming happened a year after his death. Today Corbett National Park proudly has the tag of being India’s first National Park and also the first park to come under the Project Tiger initiative.
Geographical Details
Jim Corbett National Park is spread in an area of approximately 521 square kilometers. 73% of the park is covered with dense forests, 10% of the area has rolling grasslands and the remaining space is covered with lakes and waterfalls. In order to manage tourism and have a smooth flow of the incoming and outgoing activities, the national park is divided into eight zones. Each of these zones are identified with their names, Dhikala, Durgadevi, Bijrani, Jhirna, Phato, Dhela, Garjiya and Sitabani.
Flora And Fauna Of Corbett National Park
The national park is most popular for its Bengal tigers and elephants. The park also houses over 600 bird species, 110 tree species, 50 mammals species and 25 species of reptiles. Here’s a list of birds and animals that can be spotted here.
Animals: Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Leopards, Barking Deer, Elephants, Hog Deer, Sambar, Cheetal, Himalayan Black Bears, Langurs and Indian Pangolins.
Birds: Tawny fish owl, Pallas’ fish eagle, Sandpipers, Lapwings, Martins, Green Bee-Eaters, Crested Serpent Eagles, Red Junglefowl, Vultures, Storks, Eagles and Kingfishers.
Of the lot, visitors have a reasonable chance of spotting tigers, wild elephants, tropical birds, deer and jackals.
Book Now 2N Jim Corbett National Park (Dhikala Zone)
Best Times To Visit
Jim Corbett National Park experiences a moderate temperature throughout the year, making it a year-round travel destination of India. However the best time would be between the winter months of November to February when the temperature is very pleasant. All the zones are open during these months and chances of sighting of animals are also very high. Avoid the monsoon months as safari operations may stop due to heavy rainfall. Some parts of the park gets shut down for the season too.
Jim Corbett National Park: Things To Do
From solo to group travelers, from couples to families, Corbett National Park has so much to offer to all kinds of travelers. Listed below are the top things to do while here.
Jungle Safari: For those who dare, experiencing a jungle safari and seeing animals in their natural habitat is sure to double your excitement. Getting close to deadly predators in the different safaris offered by Corbett National Park is something you just cannot miss.
Get Adventurous: Many fun and adventure activities like mountain biking, trekking, river rafting, rock climbing and hiking are top things to do here. The serene nature surrounded by dense forest makes it an ideal sport for such activities.
Go Bird Watching: With over 600 species of birds, spotting of birds is a great activity for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. Make sure to carry your binoculars to admire the vibrant species up close.
Visit The Garjia Temple: Perched on a large rock right in the middle of the Kosi River is the Garjia Temple dedicated to Goddess Garjia Devi. This temple is visited by the locals frequently as it has a great amount of religious importance attached to it.
Nature Photography: Jim Corbett National Park is a heavenly spot not just for adventure seekers but also for people with great photographic skills. The wide range of flora and fauna clubbed with the beauty of Mother Nature makes it a favorite among all. There is no other place in India that can capture nature in its full glory like how Corbett National Park does.
Types Of Safaris, Timings, Price
Going on a safari at Jim Corbett allows tourists to access deeper forest areas and explore every corner of the jungle. There are many safaris to choose from, here’s a list that will help you choose the right one.
Jeep Safaris: Of all the safaris, touring the park on a Jim Corbett jeep safari is the most famous of them all. A small sized jeep that accommodates 6 adults and 2 children (above five years old) is used for the safari.
Price: INR 8500 for Indians and INR 7500 for foreigners (These rates are inclusive of Jeep, driver, permit entry fee and taxes).
Timings: 6:30am to 10:30am and 1:30pm to 5:30pm
Elephant Safari: Spotting wildlife while sitting on the back of an elephant is one of the best ways to do it. This exciting fun filled ride will take you to core areas where the roads cannot take you. There are well-trained mahouts who will accompany and take care of your safety.
Price: INR 3500 for Indians and foreigners. (4 people per Elephant)
Timings: 6:00am to 8:00am and 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Canter Safari: The safest and the most ideal ways to enjoy wildlife safari in Jim Corbett is by booking for a canter ride. Safe because the huge bus-like vehicle assures maximum safety to its passengers. Hence it is ideal for people of all age groups. A maximum of 16-18 people can get on the canter at a time.
Price: INR 2500 for Indians and 1125 for students.
Timings: 6:00am to 10:30am and 12:00pm to 5:00pm
How To Book A Safari
- Visitors can book the canter and jeep rides through the official website https://corbettonline.uk.gov.in/
- Bookings are open for Indians 45 days in advance and for foreigners 90 days in advance.
- Foreign tourists should provide passport details while booking.
- Indians need to submit any valid proof like Aadhar, Voters ID or Passport.
- All bookings when cancelled are non-refundable.
Suggested Reads: 5 National Parks In India You CanNot Miss
Final Words
Jim Corbett National Park tops most travelers’ bucket list, hence it’s very important that we explore this jewel of India very ethically. As responsible travelers it is our duty to strictly follow guidelines and protect the delicate ecosystem. By doing so not just us but the coming generations too can enjoy this magnificent park to its fullest. Here I conclude with what Jim Corbett once said, “The time I spent in the jungles held unalloyed happiness for me, and that happiness I would now gladly share”.
FAQs
Jim Corbett National Park, a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, is absolutely safe for jungle safaris. For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, make sure to follow all rules mentioned by your guide.
As per latest updates, Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand has 260 tigers. The highest number of tigers in any single tiger reserve in India is because of the collective efforts by the Government of India, the Tiger Conservation Foundation, the Corbett Foundation, the Central Zoo Authority and National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Yes, Jim Corbett does have jungle safaris at night. This can be booked in advance through the official website or through your tour operator.
