Jim Corbett National Park, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India, is one of the oldest and most renowned national parks in the country. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was later renamed in honor of Jim Corbett, a legendary British hunter, naturalist, and conservationist. The park spans an area of approximately 520 square kilometers. It is known for its rich biodiversity, diverse landscapes, and the significant role it plays in the conservation of endangered species, particularly the Bengal tiger.
The park is home to a remarkable array of wildlife species. It boasts a high density of tigers and is considered one of the prime habitats for these magnificent big cats in India. In addition to tigers, the park hosts a diverse range of wildlife including leopards, Asian elephants, sloth bears, Indian pangolins, spotted deer, sambar deer, hog deer, barking deer, and numerous species of smaller mammals. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 600 avian species, including the crested serpent eagle, Himalayan pied kingfisher, and the vibrant great hornbill.
The Dhikala Safari Zone reopens every year on the 15th of November, while the Durga Devi and Bijrani Zone open on the 15th of October. Jhirna and Dhela remain accessible throughout the year. Bijrani safari zones are renowned for their grasslands, with elephant safaris conducted here. Organized by the national sanctuary, these safaris are led by trained professionals, offering both entertainment and educational insights into various animals and their habitats.
To enhance visitor convenience and tourism management, Corbett Tiger Reserve is divided into six distinct tourism zones, each with a separate entry gate:
Bijrani: Amdanda
Jhirna: Dhela
Dhikala: Dhangari
Durgadevi: Durgadevi
Dhela: Dhela
Garjiya: Garjiya
Sonanadi: Vatanvasa
Pakhro: Pakhro
For more information please visit: https://corbettonline.uk.gov.in/crbt_junglesafari.aspx
The nearest domestic airport to Jim Corbett National Park is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 120 kilometers away.
The nearest railway station to Jim Corbett National Park is Ramnagar Railway Station, approximately 12 kilometers away.
Jim Corbett National Park is well-connected by road to various nearby cities and towns.
Uttarakhand
For wildlife enthusiasts, a stay at Dhikala Lodge is essential. The journey from Dhangadi Gate to the lodge is a rich experience through diverse flora and fauna, vast grasslands, dense Sal jungles, and small river channels. The lodge, a blend of old and new, features historic architecture from the British-built Old Rest House in the 1890s. In the Bijrani Zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve, Forest Rest Houses at Bijrani and Malani are available. The compound also houses a restaurant and canteen serving affordable buffet meals. For Jhirna lodging, choose the Jhirna FRH, accessible through the Dhela entry gate. For more information please visit: https://corbettonline.uk.gov.in/index.html
Many hotels and resorts within and around the national park offer on-site dining options. These establishments typically have multi-cuisine restaurants that serve a variety of Indian and international dishes. You can expect to find North Indian, Mughlai, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. The food is often prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Hindi is primarily spoken here but tourists can communicate with the locals in English as well.
Corbett Tiger Reserve remains open for tourists from 15th November to 15th June.
