Jim Corbett National Park

India has national parks spread in many states but Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest. It is located in Ramnagar of Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Jim Corbett played a key role in its establishment and therefore it is named after him

The park is spread in 520 sq. km.area of sub-Himalayan hills, riverain belts, grassland and a large lake and as such has geographical and ecological advantage. Therefore it has become an ecotourism destination.

There are different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna. It is home for many resident and migratory birds. Bengal tigers, leopards and many animals are found in the park. In the summer Indian elephants can be seen in herds. Indian python, a dangerous species is also found in the reserve.

Corbett has been a hot destination for tourist from India and foreign tourists and wildlife lovers. Tourists are allowed in selected areas of the park so that they get an opportunity to see its splendid landscape and the diverse wildlife.

Corbett is paradise for such tourists who love elephant ride amidst jungle. An elephant ride accompanied by trained Mahout is offered at Bijrani, Dhikala, Khinnanauli, Gairal and Jhirna. You have to obtain permit for elephant ride that is conducted in two shifts - morning and evening in each of the respective zones.

In order to maximize the wildlife sightings and complete tour around National Park, Corbett provides trained nature guides that accompany you while roaming inside the jungle. These naturalist or guide are registered with the forest officials and help tourists in spotting the tigers and note to lose your way inside the forest.

Climate

The temperature may vary from 5 C to 30 C during winter and some mornings are foggy. Summer temperature normally do not rise above 40 C. Rainfall during monsoon is heavy.

When to Visit

April - June is considered best season to visit for Indian tourists and Nov - Jan for foreign tourists. Best chance of seeing a tiger is late in the dry season (Apr- mid June).

How to Reach Corbett

By Rail: Ramnagar is connected to Delhi by railway network.

By Road: Ramnagar is well connected by road with major cities. The state government runs buses at short interval of time from Delhi.

After reaching Ramnagar you can hire a taxi to take you to Corbett National Park.

Do's and Don'ts in Corbett

Do's

• You must obtain permit for entering the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• Tourists are required to carry a litter bag while entering the park and bring back their non-biodegradable garbage like plastic, bottle, metal foils, tin can etc outside the park.
• You should get official registered Nature's guide that will help you in spotting wildlife and ensuring that you are not lost in forest.
• Wild animals are the actual asset of the park, respect and maintain a safe distance from them.
• You should listen the melodious music of the nature instead of your stereo.
• It is advisable to wear dull colour clothes or of such colours that match the surroundings such as khaki or olive green.
• If you have taken an accommodation, please switch off lights, fans and water taps when not in use.
• It is mandatory to obtain clearance certificate before leaving your place of residence within the Tiger Reserve.
• Drive slowly.

Note: Maximum 2 adults and 2 children (below 12 years) per room are allowed to stay in the tourist zone; therefore you should make your program as per the availability of rooms.

Don'ts in Corbett

• Firearms are strictly prohibited in Tiger Reserve.
• Smoking and lighting any kind of fire is strictly prohibited in the Tiger Reserve.
• Driving after the sunset is strictly prohibited in the reserve.
• Cooking is not allowed inside the National Park.
• Do not play transistors and tape recorders.
• Do not take your vehicles off the designated routes thereby causing damage to plant or animal.
• Do not blow horns; driving above the speed limit is strictly prohibited.
• Entry in to the restricted zone is prohibited as such you must take care of zones.
• Shouting, teasing or attempt to feed animals are prohibited and will invite severe penalties.
• Non vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly prohibited within Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• Do not enter the National Park after the sunset.
• Your permit to the National Park is non transferable.

Note: You are governed by the rules and regulation of the Wildlife Protection Act inside Corbett Tiger reserve as such you must follow all the rules.

Getting Permit & Reservation for Accommodation

All visitors to Corbett National Park have to obtain permits from the park authority before entering the park. Tourists can obtain day visit permit at the respective entry gates. However permits for night halts at different forest lodges are issued at Corbett Tiger Reception office at Ramnagar city. The permits are neither transferable nor refundable.

Day visits to Dhikala Tourism zone are not permitted except in conducted safari organized by Corbett Tiger Reserve. Only those visitors who have prior reserved accommodation can enter Dhikala zone.

Accommodation:

Jim Corbett National Park is among few national parks in India that allows night stay in the heart of the forest. For better tourism management, Jim Corbett National Park has been divided in five tourism zones and each zone offers night stay inside the forest rest houses. Tourists can make reservation for minimum 01 night and maximum for 03 nights.

Park administration provides three tourist complexes located at Dhikala, Gairal and Bijrani.

Dhikala forest lodge has the maximum bed capacity including a dormitory. Dhikala is the most sought after destination for true wildlife lovers.

Basic food & lodging facility is also available for tourists at other Forest Rest Houses located at Sultan. Malani, Khinanauli, Sarpduli, Kanda and Jhirna.

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