Corbett Tiger Reserve Jim Corbett National Park

Today after addition of areas into the originally declared National Park, the total area of Tiger Reserve extends 1288.31 sq. kms spreading over three districts of Uttarakhand viz., Pauri, Nainital and Almora. Corbett National Park covers an area of 521 sq. km and together with the neighboring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Geographically it is located between the Shiwalik Himalayas and the terai. The streams, rivers and ridges crisscrossing the terrain, present Corbett with a remarkable variety of landscapes. This vivid mosaic of habitats wet and dry, plain and mountainous, gentle and rugged, forests and grasslands supports numerous plant and animal species, representing Himalayan as well as plains ecosystem. The most famous of Corbett's wild residents are the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant. In addition to that with over 550 species of avifauna Corbett is one of the richest bird regions of the Country and has been declared as an 'Important Bird Area' (IBA) by Birdlife International.
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India.The park named for the hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment was established in 1921 as Hailey National Park. Situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand the park acts as a protected area for the endangered Bengal tiger of India, the secure survival of which is the main objective of Project Tiger, an Indian wildlife protection initiative.The park has Sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics.An ecotourism destination, it contains 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna. The increase in tourist activities, among other problems, continues to present a serious challenge to the park's ecological balance. Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time.

Accommodation

Accommodation facilities are available in Dhikala, Sarpdhuli, Gairal, Sultan, Bijrani, Malani, Jhirna, Dhela, Halduparao, Kanda and Lohachaur in the Sonanadi Tourism Zone. All rooms are provided with double beds and with basic amenities. A twelve bed dormitory at Dhikala and an eight bed dormitory at Gairal are also available for the visitors intending to stay inside the forest.

Best Time to Visit

Jim Corbett National Park is completely spread over Nainital, Pauri Garwahl and Almora Districts of Uttarakhand. It is one of the oldest national park in India. The park is known for its initiative Project Tiger, for endangered Bengal tiger of India. The total area of the reserve is 1318.54 sq. km. consisting 520 sq. km. of core area and 797.72 sq. km. of buffer area. After India's independence in 1947, the park was renamed as Ramganga National Park. But in 1956 it was renamed as Jim Corbett National Park in the memory of Colonel Jim Corbett.

Corbett National Park opens from mid November to mid June. The Jhirna zone of Corbett National Park remains open throughout the year. Birjani zone opens from mid October to mid June and the main core area Dhikala opens from 15th of November. The park closes partially during the period of monsoon. Most of the roads in Birjani and Dhikala are wash away during monsoon. The gates remain close after sunset and no nocturnal driving is allowed.

Main Visiting Season Jim Corbett National Park

Winter (October - February)

It is the best time for Bird watching. Bird lovers are advised to visit during the winter season to get glimpses of varieties of birds. It is also the preferred season for the sighting of tiger. The chances of natural sight of tiger are high during this time of the year. During this season the 5 degree C. but the day time are pleasant and balmy. The night can get pretty cold. Thus it is the best time to enjoy cold nights. Animals are easily spotted during this period as they come out to laze around in the sun.

Monsoon (July - September)

It is the best time for those who want to avoid crowd. The flow of the crowd declines due to the monsoon season. It is the best for some great experience for trekking lovers. The monsoon prevails from mid June to October. The temperature drops during this time and the weather is sustains a pleasant aura. The rainy season is the mating time of the animals and the park remains closed for tourists keeping that in mind. Also the risks of soil erosion and land slides can prove to be harmful. This is the best time to enjoy flora in Corbett national Park. The place becomes magnificent with greenery and vegetation.

Summer (March to June)

The summer season prevails from the month of March till mid June. The temperature during this time becomes very scorching. The day time can get very hot, up to 40 degree C mark. The inhabitants and animals suffer the wrath of the rising heat of the sun during this time. This is the best time for sighting of animals. Mostly a hot wind blows throughout the day time during summers. And a thick cloud of dust covers up the region, penetrated by occasional thunderstorms. This season is considered as the best time form river rafting. River rafting enthusiast can opt for this time period to visit.

Day Visit Booking

Apart from Night Stay Accommodation facilities in the forest rest houses, Corbett Tiger Reserve also offers Day Visit/Jungle Safari facilities for the visiting tourist. This is a preferred way by many tourists to visit the park who cannot come for longer stays or wish to stay outside the park. The Day Visit/Jungle Safari is done 'only' with vehicles registered with the park administration as private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Bookings for Day Visit/Jungle Safari can be done using this website.
Every tourist season, Dhikala Ecotourism zone open after monsoon on 15th of November for day visit (via Ramganga Conducted Tours), while Durga Devi and Bijrani Zone opens for day visits from 15th of October onwards. Jhirna and Dhela remain open throughout the year for day visits. The Bijrani ecotourism zone is famous among the tourists for its beautiful Sal forest and expansive grasslands. Elephant safari is conducted here for the willing visitors. The safaris are a great source of learning for the visitors about Indian Wildlife and conservation efforts.
Along with Bijrani, for the convenience of visitors and streamlining tourism management in Corbett Tiger Reserve, the reserve has been divided into six mutually exclusive tourism zones, each having separate gate for entry.

Day visit to all zones are strictly regulated as per the scientifically calculated carrying capacity and only a limited number of vehicles are permitted entry during each morning and afternoon.

Permits for day visits to the Sonanadi Ecotourism zone can be obtained from the visitor reception center located at Kotdwar.

Permits for day visits to other zones are available online on our official website.

Visitors are advised to acquaint themselves with gate timings and arrive well before the designated time to avoid any inconvenience.

Private vehicles are 'not' allowed entry for tourism purposes into the park and visitors use specially designed vehicles, registered with CTR for this purpose.

Day visits to the Dhikala Ecotourism Zone are permitted only through the specially designed Canter buses via Ramganga Conducted Tours.

Visitors can also enjoy elephant rides at Bijrani and Dhikala ecotourism Zone, which is available on 'First come, first get' basis.

Canteen facilities are available at Dhikala, Bijrani and Gairal. At other locations, kitchen facilities have been provided.