Jim Corbett Wildlife Safari

The oldest of the national parks in the country, Jim Corbett National Park has a lot of tourists visiting every year to experience nature first hand. The park is located in Uttarakhand, a state well known for the many different hill stations and scenic views.

The national park is not just the home for the majestic Bengal Tigers but is also a place to appreciate nature at its very best. And if you are looking to discover nature in its wildest form, you should take an adventure trip and book a wildlife safari into the Jim Corbett National Park.

JIM CORBETT HISTORY

Jim Corbett is a paradise if you love wildlife as the park offers nearly 500 distinct species of flora and around 600 different species of birds to watch. As the richest of the wilderness in the country, this national park covers an area of 1288.34sq.km, which has the Sonanadi Wildlife sanctuary of 301.18sq.km and the Corbett National park of 520.82sq.km.

The park, with its breathtaking landscape, attained the national park designation in 1936 and was also the first of the parks in mainland Asia of its kind. Varied habitats are ranging from grasslands to rugged terrains being home to much different fauna and flora.

ABOUT JIM CORBETT

The landscape in and around the park along the RamGanga River will leave you breathless with its natural splendor and beauty. The national park has diverse wildlife, rich with flora in splendid colors. It is among the few national parks in the country to have the necessary facilities for lodging at the Dhikala zone.

The picturesque location and the impressive setting in this national park also is a dreamland for photographers. The main attractions in this park include the majestic Bengal Tigers, Leopards and Elephants and other various species of birds.

WILDLIFE SAFARI TOUR

The entire park has been segmented into five zones viz., Durgadevi, Dhela, Jhirna, Bijrani, and Dhikala, and you can enjoy the safari in any of these zones. Again you have the option to book any of the three different safaris offered here – the elephant safari, the jeep safari, and the canter safari. Each of these safaris has its own distinctive features and will allow you to explore the exquisiteness of the wilderness around you.

If you are lucky, you might come across the majestic beasts in one of your safaris.

Jeep Safari, where you can explore the untamed nature all around you, appreciating the colorful flora traveling in an open jeep, is a dreamscape for wildlife lovers and photographers. There are two slots every day when you can take this safari.
Elephant Safari is the most popular as you can explore the forest on the back of the kingly elephant in complete royal splendor. It is an experience that you must try when you are here. There is no specific time, and it is more like a “first come first serve” basis.
Canter Safari is best for those who are traveling in groups, and you want to enjoy the wilderness with the gang. The path is taken through the Dhikala zone, which is the most mystic of the ways in the park and is also the only one where canter safari is possible. The canter can accommodate up to 18 people. The safari, which lasts for 5 hours, starts early at 7.30 in the morning at Ramnagar.

BEST TIME AND HOW TO REACH

The park is open between mid-November and mid-June, while the Jhirna zone alone remains open for the entire year. The Birjani zone opens from mid-October itself while Dhikala opens from mid-November. The park is generally closed during monsoon as the roads along Dhikala and Birjani zones are washed off. No driving during the nights is allowed either.

You can reach the park from the capital of the country, Delhi, either by train or by road. The nearest station is at Ramnagar, and the nearest airport is at Pantnagar. Only a limited number of vehicles are allowed entry into the park on any day, and you can book most of the safaris from the online website. The permit for visiting the Sonanadi Ecotourism zone has to be taken from the center for visitors at Kotdwar.