Corbett National park or Jim Corbett National Park nestled on the southern foothills of Uttarakhand Himalayas. It is India’s oldest national park and also the first park in India in which the tiger conservation programme launched in April 1973 by the Government of India.
Sprawl over 520 square kilometers and lies at elevations ranging from some 1,260 to 3,610 feet (385 to 1,100 meters) its whole area comprises of hills, marshy depressions, riverine belts, grasslands and a large lake. Sheltering a healthy population of tigers and rare species like Otters and the endemic fish eating crocodile, the national park is one of the most sought after destinations for the wildlife lovers. The Corbett National Park is very rich in wildlife, the major animals found in Corbett Park like Tiger, leopard, elephant, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, ghural, langur and rhesus monkey. There are more than 600 species and subspecies of birds are found, the major birds are Peacock, pheasant, pigeon, owl, hornbill, barbet, lark, myna, magpie, minivet, Patridge, thrush, tit, nuthatch, wagtail, sunbird, bunting, oriole, kingfisher, Drongo, dove, woodpecker, duck, teal, eagle, stork, cormorant, falcon, bulbul, flycatcher, redstart and gull. The most found reptiles are Indian marsh crocodile or mugger, Gharial, king cobra, common krait, cobra, Russel viper, python and monitor lizard. The fishes found here are golden mahseer fish and Goonch Catfish.
The Tourist Zones: The Park is divided into two areas one is tourist zone and the other is core zone. All the tourist activities such as jungle safaris and accommodations are held in tourist zone and the core zone is the untouched part of the forest which is only accessible by the forest personnel and researchers. To enjoy the rugged natural beauty of Corbett National Park it has been divided into five different tourist zones. The tourist zone area is well maintained by the forest department and visitors can be part of wildlife safari and can enjoy the enthralling behavior of the animals with bare eyes at proximity.
Dhikala Zone
Being the largest and most diversified zone in Corbett. Dhikala ecotourism zone has the most picturesque landscape in the Corbett National Park. Immensely rich in the wildlife variety, it is the most sought after tourism zone in India. Dhikala zone is the largest among the five zones of the Corbett tiger reserve with having the most beautiful landscape which consists of dense Sal forest, large grassland, narrow valley and various channels of the Ramganga river. Dhikala is famous for its abundant natural beauty as well as offering the best sight for exotic fauna. The entry gate is 18 km away from Ramnagar city. Night stay inside the Dhikala Tourism Zone is highly recommended for the hard core wildlife enthusiasts.
Staying at Dhikala is an experience every wildlife enthusiast looks forward to. Dhangari gate is entrance for Dhikala zone. Dhikala tourist complex overlooks Ramganga Reservoir and is a perfect place to observe Crocodiles and Gharials basking in the banks of Ramganga.Dhangari gate is located 18 kms away from Ramnagar while Dhikala Tourist Complex is located 31 Kms inside the Dhangari Gate.
Dhikala
Canter Safari in Corbett is the best option for those who reside outside the Dhikala Zone and wish to sight the wildlife of the area. Canter is a 16 seater open air bus that drives from Ramnagar to Dhikala and then back to Ramnagar.
Beside canter safari one can also avail the jeep safari here.
NOTE: To book your Jungle safari and stay in Dhikala please send us your details as per in your ID’s such as Full Name, Age, Nationality and Id number. Please note that carry the same ID which is given at the time of reservation.
Dhikala is open for tourists from 15th November to 15th June. But remains inaccessible during Monsoon season.
Bijrani Zone
Bijrani Tourist Zone is a very popular area of the picturesque Corbett Tiger Reserve. This zone is boost with a large number of floral and faunal species. Bijrani gives a tough competitor of Dhikala zone when the tourist’s preferences are concerned. The zone is known for its wonderful landscape and is very calm and quiet place. The beauty of this place is appreciated by all the visitors. This is one of the most tiger rich areas of the park. Bijrani consists of a mixed topography with dense Sal forests combined with grasslands. The entry gate of the zone is located at only 01 Km from Ramnagar city is through Aamdanda Gate.
The Bijrani Day Safari zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve remains open for tourists from 15th October to 30th June.
Timing period- | Morning | Evening |
15th Nov to 15th Feb | 06:30 am | 01:30 pm |
16th Feb to 16th Apr | 06:15 am | 02:00 pm |
16th Apr onwards | 05:45 am | 03:00 pm |
Jirna Zone
Jhirna is located on the southern border of Corbett Tiger Reserve. The animal population also comprises sloth bear and wild elephants which provide great sights for the wild life enthusiasts. Jhirna zone is open throughout the year. Its main topography mainly constitutes deciduous and secondary forest interspersed with plush open grasslands that offer amazingly good visibility of wild animals The Jhirna jeep safari zone is one of the most eye-catching spots inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The entry gate to Jhirna Zone is through Dhela Gate which is 20 Kms from Ramnagar.
The Jhirna tourist Zone, however remains open for day safaris throughout the year, subject to road and weather conditions.
Jhirna Zone – Winter Safari Timings
Entry | Exit |
Morning Safari – 07:00 am | Morning Safari – 10:00 am |
Evening Safari – 02:00 pm | Evening Safari – 05:30 pm |
Jhirna Zone – Summer Safari Timings
Entry | Exit |
Morning Safari – 06:00 am | Morning Safari – 09:30 am |
Evening Safari – 03:00 pm | Evening Safari – 06:30 pm |
Dehla Zone
This is one of the newest eco tourist zone that was opened in 2014.This zone is extremely rich in flora and fauna. The zone spreads over 1,173 hectares, which has mixed forests of Sal, Rohini, Haldu, Bahera, Kusum vegetation, and tigers, leopards, Asiatic elephants, sloth bears and king cobras. The area is particularly rich in bird diversity. It is comprise of large grass land which is very suitable to spot wild elephants and other wild animals. It is located at an approximate distance of 13 Km from Ramnagar City.
The Dehla Tourist Zone however remains open for day safaris throughout the year, subject to road and weather conditions.
Dehla Zone – Winter Safari Timings
Entry | Exit |
Morning Safari – 07:00 am | Morning Safari – 10:00 am |
Evening Safari – 02:00 pm | Evening Safari – 05:30 pm |
Dehla Zone – Summer Safari Timings
Entry | Exit |
Morning Safari – 06:00 am | Morning Safari – 09:30 am |
Evening Safari – 03:00 pm | Evening Safari – 06:30 pm |
Durga Devi
Durga Devi Zone is the hill safari zone abundant with wildlife beauty and adventure within the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Located at the North-Eastern side of the reserve, this area is intersected by Ramganga and Mandal rivers at several places. This zone is particularly famous for sighting wild elephants and Otters at Domunda Bridge. Famous Mahsheer fish can also be seen in the river water of Durga Devi zone. Lush green forest in this range provides ample opportunity for bird watching as well. Entry gate to Durgadevi zone is at a distance of 30 kms from Ramnagar city.
Durga Devi Zone is open for visitors from 15 October to 15 June and remains closed during monsoon season.
Durga Devi Zone – Winter Safari Timings
Entry | Exit |
Morning Safari – 07:00 am | Morning Safari – 10:00 am |
Evening Safari – 02:00 pm | Evening Safari – 05:30 pm |
Durga Devi Zone – Summer Safari Timings
Entry | Exit |
Morning Safari – 06:00 am | Morning Safari – 09:30 am |
Evening Safari – 03:00 pm | Evening Safari – 06:30 pm |
Garjia Zone
Garjia safari is the new zone launce into the Corbett national park and become another famous tourist destination of Corbett Park. This zone is located at a few kilometers distance from Ramnagar and is known for having a good number of resorts at Corbett National Park. Garjia Safari zone shows rich population of tigers and offers a wonderful sighting to its visitors. Garjia zone, situated at a suitable distance from Ramnagar.
The Garjia Day Safari zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve remains open for tourists from 15th October to 30th June.
Garjia Zone
Date | Morning | Evening |
1st Oct to 14th Nov | 06.30 am | 02.00 pm |
15th Nov to 15th Feb | 06.30 am | 01.30 pm |
16th Feb to 15th April | 06.15 am | 02.00 pm |
16th April to 30th June | 05.45 am | 03.00 pm |
Clothing Tips for the Corbett Tour:
The climate conditions vary to extreme in Corbett National park in Summer season during May and June sometime its crosses 45 degree Celsius while the minimum temperature dips down below the 2 degree Celsius in winter, which make the climate very cold during mid-December to mid-January. Here are some tips regarding what clothes to carry while visiting Corbett in different seasons.
During The Summer Season (April to June):
The scorching heat during the summer season that remains from April to June every year. The temperature varies between 35 and 47 degree Celsius during this time so it is recommended to wear the light clothes so that you will feel more comfortable. The light colored thin cotton t-shirts are most suitable in. Along with the light clothes, you must carry a cap or hat, sunglasses, scarf to protect yourself from the sun rays.
During The Winter Season (Mid-November to Mid-February):
The climate has been started to get colder from the month of November however during the December and January, it receives very cold so you have to carry the nice and cozy clothes if you are visiting Corbett on this season. At the same time as going to the Jungle safari for the duration of the peak wintry weather season, you need to take the warm blanket along with you to overcome the cold blowing air that you’ll face on the open Jeep safari. The Jeep safari in the iciness morning is freezing cold, so even after carrying many layers of warm clothes you’ll need the blanket to guard yourself from the freezing cold air. You have to bring some warm woolen clothes, a pair of hand gloves and a wool cap or muffler to protect your body from sour cold.
Aside from the above stated months, the weather is pleasant during the rest of the year so that you can carry the ordinary light coloured. don’t wear any bright colored clothes or even stark white cloth while going to the safari in the national Park as it may make animals uncomfortable. In any climate, put on clothes that matched the shade of Nature any such light brown, green, gray, khaki, etc