JIM CORBETT TIGER RESERVE

Nestled in foothills of Himalayas

About Jim Corbett Tiger reserve

Introduction of the reserve

Jim Corbett Tiger reserve is a national park located near to Ramnagar town in Uttrakhand. It is one of the most popular national park in India when it comes to Tiger sighting, as there around more than 250 Tigers as per recent census of 2020. Tourists are allowed to opt for Morning/Evening jungle safaris inside the deep forest area and it is the only Tiger reserve in India which allows people to stay even inside the forest area at the government run forest rest houses.

Flora at the park

There are more than 450 types of species of plants have been recorded in the reserve. As per the reports around 65 to 70% of Corbett area is dominated by Sal forests. The famous zone Dhikala is well known for its vast Grassland area which is favourite spot of sighting the Elephant herds.

Fauna at the park

Corbett Tiger reserve is home to around 500 resident and migratory birds species, some famous ones are Serpent Eagle, Red junglefowl, Parakeet, Kingfisher, Asian Paradise flycatcher etc.

Royal Bengal Tiger is the king of the Jungle here and many other cat species can also be spotted i.e Leopard, jungle cat & fishing cat.

The mammals include Elephants, Barking deer, Sambhar deer, Hog deer, Chital, Sloth and himalayan black bears, mongoose, fox and many more. Dhikala grassland is the famous area of the park to spot the herds of Elephants.

The park is to home to reptiles and, famous species are India marsh Crocodile, Gharial, King Cobra, Python, Viper, monitor Lizard and Tortoise.

Safari zones in Jim Corbett Tiger reserve

There are total 8 zones in Jim Corbett Tiger reserve as of now which are available to tourists for day safaris. These are Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Dhela, Garjia, Durga devi, Pakhro and Sonanadi. Except Pakhro and Sonanadi all other zones are located near Ramnagar and these 2 zones (Pakhro and Sonanadi) can be visited from Kotdwar near to Lansdowne.

Type of safaris and availability in various zones.

Dhikala– There are 2 types of safari options available at this zone. One is canter which is used for morning/evening safaris and available for all tourists as per the availablity, and second option is jeep safari which is available only for those tourists who make the booking at government run forest rest house.

Total– 4 canters are available for safaris in morning and in afternoon as well. Each canter has 16 seats so total 64 tourists can visit the park in morning and exact number of pax in afternoon.

12 years and above are considered as adults and full seat fare will be applicable for them. Children 6 to 11 years old can travel with adults at approx half of the adult cost. A maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (6 to 11 years old) can travel in one permit.

Dhikala day safaris are open for tourists from 15th November to 14th of June every year.

Bijrani– Only jeep safari option is available for tourists to visit the park. There are 30 jeeps in morning and 30 jeeps in afternoon available for tourists. Maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (6 to 11 years old) can travel in one jeep. This zone is open for toursits from 15th October to 30th June every year.

Jhirna– Jeep safari is the only option of visiting the park. And, there are 30 jeeps in morning and 30 jeeps in afternoon available for tourists. Maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (6 to 11 years old) can travel in one jeep. This zone is open through out year, however, safaris are not operated on rainy days.

Dhela– Jeep safari is the only option of visiting the park and, there are 15 jeeps in morning and 15 jeeps in afternoon available for tourists. Maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (6 to 11 years old) can travel in one jeep. This zone is open through out the year, however, safaris are not operated on rainy days.

Durga devi– At this zone Jeep safari is the only option of visiting the park and, there are 10 jeeps in morning and 10 jeeps in afternoon available for tourists. Maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (6 to 11 years old) can travel in one jeep. This zone is open for tourists from 15th October to 15th June every year.

Garjia– Only jeep safari option is available for tourists to visit the park. There are 30 jeeps in morning and 30 jeeps in afternoon available for tourists. Maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (6 to 11 years old) can travel in one jeep. This zone is open for tourists from 15th October to 30th June every year.

Pakhro– At this zone Jeep safari is the only option of visiting the park and there are 10 jeeps in morning and 10 jeeps in afternoon available for tourists. Maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (6 to 11 years old) can travel in one jeep. This zone is open for tourists from 15th October to 15th June every year.

Sonanadi– This zone Jeep safari is the only option of visiting the park and, there are 15 jeeps in morning and 15 jeeps in afternoon available for tourists. Maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (6 to 11 years old) can travel in one jeep. This zone is open for tourists from 15th October to 15th June every year.

Services

Connectivity at Jim Corbett Tiger reserve

Train– Ramnagar is the nearest railway station to Corbett Tiger reserve which is connected from major parts of India. Ramnagar town to Jim Corbett is approximately 30 minutes drive only.

Flight– Nearest Airport is Dehradun which is around 230 KMs from here and it approximately takes 5 hours to reach Ramnagar from Dehradun. Another Airport is Indira Gandhi international Airport in Delhi which is around 280 KMs from Jim Corbett park. 

Road– Ramnagar is well connected by road with other parts of India and one can easily reach to Corbett from Delhi in about 5 to 6 hours depending upon the traffic condition. State government runs daily buses between Delhi-Ramnagar-Delhi and other parts as well. In other words, Jim Corbett Tiger reserve is well connected to other Indian states.

FAQ for Jim Corbett Tiger reserve

1. Is Jim Corbett national park open round the year?
No, Jim Corbett national park is not open round the year for tourists as it remains closed from 15th June onwards until 15th October. However, Jhirna/Dhela zones are open round the year except rainy days.

2. Can we take private vehicle inside the forest area?
Private vehicles are only allowed outside the main jungle area not inside the forest reserve.

3. What is the duration of safari?
Jeep safari duration is around 3 hours to 3.5 hours. 
Canter safari duration is around 4.5 hours to 5 hours.

4. Can we do jeep safari in Dhikala?
Jeep safari inside Dhikala zone is available only for those tourists who are staying the government run forest houses in Dhikala.

5. How many people are allowed in Jeep safari?
A maximum of 6 adults and 2 children below 12 years are allowed in one gypsy. However, canter is 16 seater mini bus.

6. Are night safaris allowed?
No, there is no night safari permitted inside the Corbett Tiger reserve.