JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK, UTTARAKHAND – WHERE THE ADVENTURE NEVER ENDS

Jim Corbett National Park is a popular wildlife sanctuary located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand state in India. It was established in 1936 and was named after the famous British-Indian hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett.
The national park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, wild boars, and several species of birds. The park is spread over an area of 520 square kilometers and is divided into five zones for tourism purposes.
Apart from wildlife safaris, the park offers various activities such as camping, trekking, and bird watching. The best time to visit the park is from November to June, as the park remains closed during the monsoon season (July to October) due to heavy rainfall.
Jim Corbett National Park is unique for several reasons:
- Home to Bengal tigers: The park is famous for being one of the few places in India where you can see Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. The park has a significant tiger population, and visitors can take jeep safaris to spot these majestic creatures.
- Biodiversity: The park has a diverse range of flora and fauna, including more than 600 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, and over 25 species of reptiles. The park’s location in the foothills of the Himalayas also makes it a unique ecosystem.
- Rich history: The park is named after Jim Corbett, a British-Indian hunter and conservationist who played a key role in establishing the park. Corbett was instrumental in protecting the Bengal tiger and was one of the first people to advocate for their conservation.
- Accessibility: Jim Corbett National Park is easily accessible from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
- Adventure activities: Apart from wildlife safaris, the park offers various adventure activities like camping, trekking, and river rafting, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers.
Popular Activities
Jim Corbett National Park offers a variety of activities for visitors. Some of the popular activities that visitors can enjoy in the park are:
- Wildlife Safari: Visitors can take jeep safaris or elephant safaris to explore the park and spot the various species of animals and birds that live there. The park has five zones for tourists, and each zone offers a unique experience.
- Bird Watching: Jim Corbett National Park is home to over 600 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers. Visitors can take guided bird watching tours to spot some of the rare and exotic birds found in the park.
- Trekking: The park has several trekking trails that visitors can explore to experience the natural beauty of the park. The most popular trekking routes in the park are Kanda Ridge and the Corbett Falls trek.
- Camping: Visitors can also enjoy camping in the park. The park has several campsites where visitors can set up tents and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
- River Rafting: The Kosi River, which flows through the park, offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy river rafting. The river has rapids of different grades, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
- Fishing: The park has several streams and rivers where visitors can enjoy fishing. However, fishing is allowed only in designated areas, and visitors need to obtain a permit before they can start fishing.
Major Tourist Attractions
Jim Corbett National Park has several tourist attractions that visitors can explore. Some of the major tourist attractions in the park are:
- Dhikala Zone: Dhikala is the most popular zone in the park and is known for its grasslands and the Dhikala forest lodge. Visitors can take jeep safaris or elephant safaris to explore the zone and spot tigers, elephants, and other animals.
- Corbett Museum: The museum is dedicated to Jim Corbett and showcases his life, his work, and his contributions to conservation. Visitors can learn about the history of the park and the various initiatives taken for wildlife conservation.
- Corbett Waterfall: The waterfall is located about 25 km from the park and is a popular picnic spot. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding areas.
- Garjia Temple: The temple is located on the banks of the Kosi River and is dedicated to Goddess Garjia. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and the temple’s surroundings.
- Sitabani Forest Reserve: The reserve is located outside the park and is known for its natural beauty and wildlife. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the reserve and spot animals like leopards and sloth bears.
- Bijrani Zone: The Bijrani zone is known for its dense forest and is a popular destination for wildlife safaris. Visitors can spot tigers, leopards, and other animals in this zone.
How to Reach
Here are some ways to reach the park:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Jim Corbett National Park is the Pantnagar Airport, which is about 50 km away from the park. Several airlines operate flights to Pantnagar from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Jim Corbett National Park is Ramnagar, which is well-connected to major cities in India. Several trains, including the Ranikhet Express and the Corbett Link Express, run between Delhi and Ramnagar.
- By Road: Jim Corbett National Park is well-connected to major cities in North India by road. Visitors can take buses or taxis from nearby cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Nainital to reach the park. The park is about 260 km from Delhi, and the drive takes about 6-7 hours.
Once visitors reach the park, they can take a jeep safari or elephant safari to explore the park. Visitors need to obtain permits from the park authorities before they can enter the park. The permits can be obtained online or at the park’s entry gates.