Jim Corbett National Park – Complete Information
Overview
Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936, is India’s first national park and one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the country. Named after Jim Corbett, the legendary British-Indian hunter-turned-conservationist, the park is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and a diverse range of flora and fauna.📍 Location: Ramnagar, Nainital District, Uttarakhand
📏 Total Area: 520.8 sq km
⛰️ Elevation: 400 m – 1,200 m
🦁 Famous for: Tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 600 bird species
🌿 Part of: Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), including a buffer zone of 797.72 sq km
🛡️ Project Tiger: First tiger reserve under Project Tiger (1973)
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Jim Corbett National Park boasts rich biodiversity and varied landscapes, including dense forests, grasslands, marshy swamps, riverine belts, and hills.Major Wildlife Species
Big Cats: 🐅 Royal Bengal Tiger, LeopardHerbivores: 🐘 Asian Elephants, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Nilgai
Reptiles: 🐍 Indian Python, King Cobra, Crocodiles (Gharial & Mugger)
Birds: 🦜 Over 600 species (Pied Kingfisher, Fish Eagle, Red Junglefowl, Hornbills, etc.)
Zones of Jim Corbett National Park
The park is divided into six tourism zones, each offering a unique wildlife experience.Dhikala Zone (Most Popular)
✔ Best for tiger and elephant sightings✔ Offers Canter Safari & Jeep Safari
✔ Stay available in Dhikala Forest Lodge
Bijrani Zone
✔ Scenic landscapes with open grasslands✔ High chances of spotting tigers & elephants
Jhirna Zone
✔ Open all year round✔ Best for birdwatching & sloth bear sightings
Dhela Zone
✔ Lush green forests and rich biodiversity✔ Open throughout the year
Durga Devi Zone
✔ Best for bird lovers✔ Home to Mahseer fish in the Ramganga River
Garjia Zone
✔ Recently opened for tourism✔ Famous for Garjia Devi Temple
Safari Experience in Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett National Park offers three types of safaris:Jeep Safari (Most Popular)
🚙 Best for tiger spotting⏳ Duration: 3-4 hours
📍 Available in Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durga Devi & Garjia zones
Canter Safari (Best for Dhikala Zone)
🚌 Open-bus safari (18-seater canter)⏳ Duration: 4-5 hours
📍 Only in Dhikala Zone
Elephant Safari (Limited Availability)
🐘 Explore deep forest areas⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours
📝 Safari Booking Tip: Advance booking is recommended as safaris sell out quickly, especially in peak seasons.
Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett
✔ November to June – Best for safaris & tiger spotting✔ December to February – Best for birdwatching & pleasant weather
❌ Monsoon (July to September) – Some zones are closed due to heavy rainfall
How to Reach Jim Corbett National Park?
By Air
✈ Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (90 km)🚁 Helicopter services available from Dehradun
By Train
🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar (12 km)Direct trains from Delhi, Moradabad, and Kathgodam
By Road
🚗 Well-connected to Delhi (260 km), Nainital (65 km), and Dehradun (160 km)Accommodation – Where to Stay?
🏨 Inside the Park (Forest Lodges)✔ Dhikala Forest Rest House (Most Popular)
✔ Bijrani, Jhirna, Gairal, Sultan Forest Rest Houses
🏡 Luxury Resorts & Hotels Near Corbett
✔ The Riverview Retreat
✔ Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness
✔ Corbett Leela Vilas
✔ Taj Corbett Resort & Spa
Things to Keep in Mind
✔ Book safaris in advance to secure preferred zones.✔ Wear earthy-colored clothes to blend with nature.
✔ Carry binoculars & cameras for wildlife spotting.
✔ Avoid loud noises during safaris to not disturb animals.
✔ Follow forest rules – No plastic, no feeding animals, no getting off the vehicle.
