Travel is one the best ways to sneak some time away from your usual busy life and to relax. Well, if you are truly looking for a vacation or even a mini getaway to de-stress, places that get you up, close and personal with the nature are the best. And well, what can be more close to the nature than a National Park, right?
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett is one of the most popular tourist National Parks in North India. This destination is a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, where you can spot variety of animals. Corbett is one of the richest bio-diversity in the world. And it has something for all types of travelers, whether you are a nature lover or adventure buff or looking to indulge in local culture of a region.
Ideal destination for Women Travelers
Jim Corbett National Park is also a safe destination for women solo travelers and group travellers because the resort and hotels offers female-friendly amenities and experiences with proper safety precautions are taken. Only the things are that visitors are advised to follow park regulations and guidelines for avoiding wildlife encounters.
So, here’s your ultimate guide to explore Jim Corbett National Park, and all that it has to offer:
Exploring the Eco-Tourism in Jim Corbett:
Corbett Tiger Reserve is famous for being home to a large number of tigers, the highest among any Indian National Park. It is divided into 12 eco-tourism safari zones to properly manage the tourism activities in the tiger reserve area.
There are two shifts of jeep safaris in each of these zones. In one jeeps 6 people are accommodated. You should do advance booking 45 days prior and being accompanied by a trained guide is mandatory to each jeeps.
Dhikala Zone:
The largest and most prominent zone, Dhikala carries a large variety of flora and fauna. It is located on the edge of Patil Dun Valley. It is open from 15th November to 15th June. Canter (aka bus) safari is the best way to explore this area. Maximum number of Canter Safari Seats are 64 in one shift.
Bijrani Zone:
One of the most popular zones of the Park, with a peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife, including majestic tigers. Enriched with eye-catching landscape, Bijrani is known for its tranquil and serene ambiance inside the forest. It is open from 15th October to 30th June. Maximum 30 jeep safaris can go here in one shift.
Jhirna Zone:
Open all-around the year, subject to weather conditions, and features a mix topography and rich fauna, including tigers, leopards and wild bears. This area has a lot to offer for bird-watchers as well. Maximum 30 number of Jeep Safari go in one shift.
Durga Devi Zone:
Featuring a hilly landscape, this place is for the nature and adventure lovers, with its challenging treks. Here you can spot a rich variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and others. Maximum 11 Jeep allowed in one shift.
Garjia Devi Zone:
This is another popular area of the National Park, which is why many travelers don’t get Safari bookings during the peak season. This is one of the most tiger-populated area of Corbett. Safari here is conducted twice in a day, and are allowed throughout all the buffer zones of the park. There is a limitation to the number of jeep safari allowed here. It is open from 15th November to 30th June.
Sitabani Zone:
It is reserve forest zone (aka Buffer Zone) located outside the Corbett Tiger Reserve Area. It is rich in natural view which consists of forest and river streams along with many old temples. You can find plenty of herbivore animals like elephants, deer, sambar, nilgai, and others roaming freely here. Around 100 jeeps can go inside. And, while it is open all year around, the peak season is from October till June.
Dhela Zone:
The zone consist of mix topography which includes dense forests of trees like Sal, Haldu, Bahera, Rohini and Kusum along with large grasslands and water bodies. Safari depends on the weather condition. At a time 15 jeeps are allowed in one shift.
Phato Zone:
This is the largest Jeep Safari zone of the National Park. Famous as the “photo zone” where you can spot various types of wildlife, including Royal Bengal Tiger, Deer, Elephant Corridor, and many species of birds. 50 Jeeps in two shifts are allowed here.
Hathi Dagar Zone:
Looking for an immersive rural safari experience, you must book a safari to this zone. It has been named after the majestic elephants that roam around here freely. You will also find an abundance of birdlife here, and the grasslands of this zone is perfect for leopard spotting as well. Up to 30 jeeps are allowed. It is only closed during the monsoon season as it is close to many water streams and small rivers.
Mohan Zone:
One of the tourism zone that has just recently opened up. Up to 30 Jeeps are allowed here in one shift, and two shifts take place. One of the best times to visit this area is during the day time. It is said that this zone has the highest chances for spotting tigers, as the area is surrounded by a very dense forest with hardly any human population around.
Kota Zone:
This is yet another recent expansion at the Park, having opened its gates in May this year. The entry and exit point for this is the Bhandarpani Gate. Along with variety of flora and fauna, you will also come across beautiful water bodies here. Up to 30 jeeps are allowed here during one shift.
Pawalgarh Zone:
Another recently established zone with the idea to protect and restore natural habitat as well as promote conservation research. You can enjoy guided safaris and nature walks here. Apart from Tigers, you can also spot elephants, leopards and species of deer here. 50 Jeeps are allowed here in one shift.
Note: Sitabani, Bhandar Pani , Pawalgarh, Hathi Dagar, Mohan Zone and Phato Zone are not part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve but they comes in reserves forest.
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Top Attractions in Jim Corbett National Park
Corbett Waterfall
It is 66 foot tall waterfall in skim Corbett National Park, surrounded by a dense teak wood forest. It is especially a sight to see during full-moon nights. The way leading up to the falls will also leave you enchanted. Perfect area for Nature Lovers, especially bird-watchers, to come here for a serene picnic or even for night camping. Forest authorities have developed the area for visitors to enjoy with hiking, camping and picnic spots.
Hanuman Dham
It is first world Dham where one can have the Darshans of all the nine swaroops of Lord Hanuman. Located in Ramnagar, the temple’s architecture, both exteriors and interiors, is splendid. The temple has an arched entrance depicting two fishes, which are a symbol of luck and prosperity.
Wildlife Art Gallery
A unique place in Jim Corbett where you feel like you are in the jungle without going to the jungle. Here you get to know more about the amazing biodiversity of Corbett and its surroundings areas, and is a must visit for nature and art lovers. Here you will find a collection of more than 1,000 paintings and photographs, featuring artwork from some of the most talented artists in India, like Deep Rajwar.
Garjiya Devi Temple
Perched on a large rock in the Kosi River, Garjiya Devi Temple, also known as Girija Devi, is a sacred Shakti Shrine in the village of Garjia, near Ramnagar. It is considered one of the most famous and oldest Devi temples in the district. Its unique and serene setting makes it a must-visit spot when going to Jim Corbett.
The Maasai Mara Water Park
It is biggest water and adventure park in Uttarakhand. It offers thrilling aquatic attractions and exhilarating outdoor adventure to enjoy your day. You can indulge in water slides, zip-lining, water scooters, Go-Karting, and other exciting themed activities.
Dhangarhi Museum
It is located near Dhangarhi Gate at Corbett National Park. Corbett museum is a heritage site dedicated to Sir Edwar James Corbett. If you are someone who loves to know about the history of places that you visit, then this should be on your itinerary. Here you will get the history of the park, environment and wildlife.
River Rafting
Looking for something adventurous, you can go for river rafting in Kosi River at Corbett National Park. It is perfect for both beginner and professional rafters. It is of 4kms, 7 kms and 10 kms. Best time to enjoy is when river is at its highest point, during the monsoon season from July to October.
Devbhoomi Outdoor Adventure Park
Situated in Dhikuli, Ramnagar, Devabhoomi outdoor adventure Activity Park offers a range of adventure activities and sports. Here you can enjoy exciting activities such as – Wall Climbing, Wall Rappelling, ZipLine, Commando & Tyre Net, Water Roller, Pressure Rocket, Lawn Zorb, Pressure Rocket, Water Zorb, Burma Bridge, Zig-Zag Bridge, etc.
Para Motoring Powered Paragliding
A thrilling aero adventure activity which you can explore in Jim Corbett National Park. It is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Kumano Hills from a height of more than 400 feet.
So, make sure to bookmark this ultimate travel guide to Jim Corbett to have it handy while planning your upcoming getaway. From rich wildlife experience to scenic beauty and even adventurous activities, this place has got something to offer for all kinds of travelers.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide for Solo Female Travel
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Guest Post Author: Monica Negi, travel consultant and Founder of Daksh Hello Travel. Hailing from Uttarakhand herself, she is passionate about helping travelers explore the beauty of the region with best, personalized experiences.