Jim Corbett National Park is a national park in India located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand state. It is named after the legendary naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett, who played a leading role in its establishment. It is the first national park in India and the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative. Visit during Nainital Local Sightseeing. Jim Corbett National Park is famous for being home to a large number of tigers, as well as many other species of animals and plants. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of this park, such as its location, timing, entry fees, how to reach, things to do, must see, significance, FAQs, and conclusion.
Location of Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, near the popular hill station of Nainital. It covers an area of 1318.54 sq km, of which 520 sq km is the core area and the rest is buffer zone. The park spans over three districts of Uttarakhand: Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, and Almora. The park has a diverse terrain of hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions, grasslands, and a large lake. The elevation ranges from 1,300 to 4,000 ft (400 to 1,220 m). The park has sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics.
Jim Corbett National Park Timing / Entry Fees
The park is open for visitors from mid-October to mid-June every year. The park remains closed during the monsoon season from July to September due to heavy rains and floods. The park has different zones for visitors to enjoy wildlife safari: Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhikala, Durgadevi, Dhela, Garjiya Sonanadi, and Pakhro. Each zone has a different entry gate and timing for safari.
The safari is conducted in two shifts: morning and evening by Corbett forest officials. The entry fees for safari vary depending on the zone, vehicle type (jeep or canter), number of visitors (Indian or foreigner), and duration of stay (day visit or night stay). The entry fees range from Rs 2000 to Rs 12000 per vehicle per safari. For more details and booking, visit www.corbettonline.uk.gov.in.
How to Reach Jim Corbett National Park
The park is well-connected by road, rail, and air from various parts of India. The nearest city to the park is Ramnagar, which is about 15 km away from the main entry gate of Dhangari. Ramnagar is also the headquarters of Corbett Tiger Reserve and has many hotels and resorts for accommodation.
- By Road: Ramnagar is connected by road to Delhi (270 km), Nainital (65 km), Haldwani (75 km), Moradabad (85 km), Haridwar (230 km), Dehradun (250 km), and other cities. There are regular buses and taxis available from these places to Ramnagar.
- By Rail: Ramnagar has a railway station that is connected to Delhi by Ranikhet Express and Corbett Link Express trains. There are also trains from Moradabad and Kathgodam to Ramnagar.
- By Air: The nearest domestic airport to the park is at Pantnagar, which is about 93 km away from Ramnagar. Pantnagar has flights from Delhi and Dehradun. The nearest international airport is at Delhi, which has flights from all major cities in India and abroad.
Things to Do / Must See in Jim Corbett National Park
The main attraction of Jim Corbett National Park is the wildlife safari, where visitors can see various animals and birds in their natural habitat. The park has a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna, with around 110 tree species, 50 mammal species, 580 bird species, and 25 reptile species.
Some of the animals that can be seen in the park are tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, otters, jackals, wild boars, sloth bears, barking deer etc.. Some of the birds that can be seen in the park are peacocks, parakeets, eagles, kingfishers, owls, hornbills, woodpeckers etc…
Apart from wildlife safari, there are other activities that visitors can enjoy in and around the park, such as:
- River rafting: Those seeking an adrenaline rush can embark on a river rafting adventure on River Kosi that flanks the Corbett National Park. Rafting here, however, is seasonal and is best experienced during the monsoon.
- Trekking: There are many trekking trails in and around the park that offer scenic views of the forest and the hills. Some of the popular treks are Sitabani Forest Reserve, Kalagarh Dam, Corbett Waterfall, Garjiya Temple, etc.
- Birdwatching: The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, as it has a variety of resident and migratory birds. Some of the best places for birdwatching are Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, and Durgadevi zones.
- Camping: There are many campsites in and around the park that offer a rustic and adventurous stay in the wilderness. Some of the campsites are Dhikala Forest Lodge, Bijrani Forest Rest House, Gairal Forest Rest House, etc.
- Fishing: Fishing is allowed in some areas of the park with prior permission from the forest department. Some of the fish species that can be caught are mahseer, goonch, rohu, katla, etc.
Significance of Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is not only a tourist destination but also a conservation area that plays a vital role in preserving the wildlife and the ecosystem of the region. The park is one of the 50 tiger reserves in India under the Project Tiger initiative, which aims to protect and increase the population of tigers in their natural habitat. The park also supports many endangered and threatened species of animals and plants, such as elephants, leopards, otters, gharials, hog deer, Himalayan black bears, etc.
The park also serves as a source of livelihood for many local communities who are involved in tourism and forest-related activities. The park also contributes to the research and education on wildlife and ecology.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park?
A: The best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and the chances of spotting wildlife are high.
Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Jim Corbett National Park?
A: Some of the rules and regulations for visiting Jim Corbett National Park are:
Carry a valid identity proof and booking confirmation while entering the park.
Follow the instructions of the guide and driver during the safari.
Do not litter or make noise inside the park.
Do not feed or disturb any animal or bird inside the park.
Do not carry any weapon or inflammable material inside the park.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol inside the park.
Do not get down from the vehicle or walk on foot inside the park.
Conclusion
Jim Corbett National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and diversity of nature and to learn about its conservation. It is a place where you can experience adventure, thrill, and relaxation at the same time. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories with your family and friends. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Jim Corbett National Park today!
