Jim Corbett National Park also known as Hailey National Park is the oldest national park in India. It is situated on the banks of the Ramganga river in the Nainital District and Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Established in the year 1936 it has been the first love of many wildlife lovers not only from India but also from abroad. It covers 520 square kilometres of area, it consists of lush green forests, beautiful meadows, pristine lakes and marshlands. Here you can see our national animal ‘The Royal Bengal Tiger’, the world’s toughest sporting fish Mahseer, and the breathtaking views of the natural beauty it has in store for everyone. It is a major hotspot for eco-tourism destinations.
The park experiences 3 different seasons - winter from November to February, summer from March to June and Monsoon from July to October. The best time to visit is after mid-November and before June end. That is when you can experience the full length and breadth of the park.
You should keep one more thing in mind before planning your trip here. The Jim Corbett National Park is divided into different zones. The Jhirna zone is open for all seasons. The Sitabani zone also stays open all the time of the year.
But Bijarani, which is also considered the hub of wildlife conservative initiatives, opens in mid-October to June. The most visited zone of all is the Dhikala zone where there is the highest number of tigers and cubs openly enjoying the wild surroundings. It opens from mid-November to mid-June every year. There is a Durga Devi zone that remains open from November to June.
Also, you should note that the park closes between 5 PM to 6 PM as per the season. So you should plan to go inside accordingly as no one is allowed to be inside the park at night.
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett National Park is not just about the famous Jungle safari but also there are hill stations, temples and waterfalls for your recreational pleasure. Some of the must-visit places in the Jim Corbett National Park are: Corbett falls, Garjia Devi temple, Bijrani zone, Dhikala zone, Jhirna zone, the Sitabani buffer zone and Dhelea zone.
Corbett Falls is at a distance of 3 km from Kaladhungi and 27 km from Ramnagar is situated a scenic delight called the Corbett falls. Reaching here also includes taking a small trek of 1.5 km. It is a 20 m high waterfall surrounded by dense teak wood forest. Trekking, bird watching and nature walks are the major activities done here.
Garjia Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, this temple sits atop a large rock in the middle of river Kosi. Just 9 km from Ramnagar and taking a few stairs you can have a peaceful darshan of goddess Garjia. Reaching here in Kartik Purnima may also give you a chance of enjoying the fair that is organised here.
Bijrani zone is present within 1 km of Ramnagar. It is the most visited zone as you may get a chance to see many types of animals and a large number of exotic birds.
If you are a bird lover and are keen to explore different species of exotic birds, then the Durga Devi zone is heaven for you! It houses birds like grey headed eagle, crested laughing thrush, maroon oriole, black-chinned yuhina and many more birds. Come and enjoy your bird watching experience here.
Other zones like the Dhela zone and the Sitabani zone attract many wildlife lovers. You can visit and enjoy the wilderness of the park.
There are many activities that you can perform here. If you love camping, Jim Corbett offers you the best camping experience. Adorned by lush green forest, winding rivers, alluring hills; this camping experience will leave you mesmerized forever.
Jungle safari is the most fun and popular activity that you can do here. These could be done in an open jeep, on an elephant or in a wide canter. You can enjoy the beautiful wildlife of this park. You can enjoy wildlife spotting through this safari. You can enter into any zone to get an enthralling experience.
You can also do bird watching, and perform some adventurous sport. Jim Corbett National Park is the most promising place for fishing. Rikawasi and Matwasha are the two most prominent fishing places in the park.
If you go to Jim Corbett National Park, you can visit nearby places. Dhangari museum is just 20 km from this park. In this museum, you can see some hunted wild animals, tigers and other wild animals. It is a great place to enhance your wildlife knowledge.
Go and enjoy the pristine Nainital that is around 65 km from Jim Corbett National Park. You will love the lofty mountains, visiting several temples and some boat rides in the lake. You can also go to Bhimtal which is around 81 km from the park, and Ranikhet is 88 km from here. Both are naturally blessed places that you must take a tour to.
Jim Corbett National Park is an extraordinary place to go, a few points that you must keep in mind :
1- You must get an entry permit and carry valid ID proof with you.
2- Carry a small litter bag to dispose of some non-biodegradable waste like plastic in it. Bring this bag back with you to keep the Jungle clean.
3- Follow the instructions of your tour guide for your safety. Always hire a government-approved guide.
4- Do not honk your jeep unnecessarily or disturb the wild animals.
5 - Do not carry non-vegetarian food. Drinking any alcoholic beverages in the park is a strict no-no.
6 - Do not feed wild animals and remain in your carrier until your tour guide says to come out.
