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.

Keeping you close to the wilderness of the national park, jeeps take you to some of the hidden corners of the jungles that are quite often visited by the majestic Bengal Tigers and other wild predators. They are in fact the best option to embark on a tiger trekking trail 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.

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:

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.

Image Credit: Allan Hopkins

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.

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.

The rugged landscapes and settings of the park also attracts a considerable number of mountain bikers from various corners of the globe. The different levels of biking around the park make it even more enthralling for the bikers. Also, in addition to biking, one can also indulge in nature sightseeing, camping, and wildlife spotting around the park.

To note here, you should avoid the monsoons as the terrains within the park get washed away due to the heavy rains.

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.

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.

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.

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