Jim Corbett National Park – Experiencing Wildlife up close with Jungle Safari

Aug. 6, 2012 - PRLog -- Jim Corbett National Park, located in the hill state of Uttarakhand, has the proud claim to be the oldest national park in India. Established in the year 1936 and covering an area of around 520 square meters, it is a one of the best protected forests in the country. A treasure trove for nature lovers, hikers, wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers, the park offers one of the best wildlife & adventure experiences in the country. The park is reputed to harbor around 110 tree & plant species, 50 species of mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. The endangered Bengal tiger of India resides here and it was the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger initiative.



The Corbett National park offers Jungle Safari tours for the visitors in an effort to combine wildlife awareness & adventure tourism for the visitors coming here. There are different types of Safaris available here  such as safaris on Jeep, Canters(open buses) & elephant and Angling Safaris.


Jungle Safari at Jim Corbett
Jeep Safaris at Corbett National Park – The Jeep Safari is the most popular safari at The Corbett National Park as it offers the most convenient way for spotting the wildlife at the park. The jeep safaris are two types  – full day safaris & afternoon safaris, both of which have to be booked in advance.  The booking for  Jeep safaris has to be done in advance  and the safaris are allowed in the mornings  in the Bijrani, Jhirna and Durgadevi Zones. The Booking is always on first cum first serve basis and a non refundable advance have to be deposited alongwith full details of the members applying for the safari.  It is mandatory to show photo id proof for Indian nationals and passport details for foreign national in order to book in advance. Also, Safari can be booked in advance around 30 Days before travel for foreign nationals and 20 days in advance for Indians. Booking requires the guests to personally travel to Ramnagar Forest Office to book the safari. The permit for afternoon safari is issued 48 hours prior to safari.

There are specific zones within the Corbett park designated for the jeep safaris.

Durga Devi


Durga Devi gate of lohachour zone-Jim Corbett National park has 5 zones where safari is allowed and this is one of them.
Durga Devi is on the north-eastern boundary of the Park and is a tourism zone within the Corbett National Park. It is an area which has been hosting elephant safaris for many years. The Durgadevi tourism zone is open for tourists from the 15th October to 30th June every year. During monsoon, this zone is closed because of the poor condition of the forest roads. This zone is renowned for bird watching opportunities with birding species to lookout for including the grey headed fishing eagle, crested laughing thrush, black chinned Yuhina, maroon orile, slaty blue flycatcher, long tailed broadbill, little forktail, and bar tailed tree creeper.



Bijrani Zone



Bijrani Zone

Bijrani Zone
The Bijrani Zone has mixed topography with forests intermingling with grasslands. The topography of this zone makes for increased chances for tiger sighting compared to other tourism zones is higher in this area. There is elephant safari  also available at the Bijrani zone. The Bijrani tourism zone is open to tourists from the 15th October to 30th June. During monsoon it is closed because of the poor condition of the forest roads.

Jhirna Zone


Jhirna Jeep Safari
Jhirna tourism zone falls in the southern part of the Corbett National Park. The only tourism zone to remain open throughout the year, the topography of jhirna zone mainly consists of dry deciduous forest with large open grasslands, which provides for good visibility of wild animals.

Sitabani Zone


Sitabani Zone
Sitabani is located in the reserve forest area of Ramnagar Forest Division. It boasts of beautiful dense forests with open grasslands and riverbeds. The safari takes one to the ancient temple of Goddess Sita. Sitavani is a part of Corbett buffer zone and there is a gated entrance but does not require any special permits to venture inside.

Bhownkhal Safari

Located in the foothills of the lower Himalayas, Bhowankhal falls on the border of the Kumaon and Garhwal region. The safari goes around the periphery of Corbett Tiger Reserve and takes one through the dense forests, picturesque landscapes and river beds.

The Wildlife Jeep Safari Timings are from  1130 Hrs – 1300 Hrs at any of the rest houses inside the forest and do bird watching, or can take rest on machaan and enjoy the wildlife. In the afternoon the park timings usually are from 1430 to 1730 hrs. However depending on the season the timings change locally which the forest authorities of Corbett National Park notify.

There are Canter (Open bus) Safaris available at the Jim Corbett Park at the Dhikala zone. It is a picturesque location at the edge of a grassy plateau perched high above the Ramganga reservoir and set into a bend in the river. This is indisputably rated as a favorite wildlife viewing area by the visitors to the park. The Dhikala tourism zone is open from 15th November to 15th June. This is an area with very high restrictions as far as tourism is concerned. The Vehicle Timings are 0600 Hrs – 1200 Hrs and 1100 Hrs – 1700 Hrs. There are two canters each of 14 seats in during both morning and afternoon.

Elephant Safaris in Corbett National Park



Elephant Safari
Elephant back safari is the most enjoyable and exciting safari at the Corbett National Park. The elephant safari begins at the northeastern side from the Durgadevi zone gate and continues along the northern boundary ending at Halduparao.

Angling Safaris in Corbett National Park



The angling safari can be enjoyed at the Park at the western Ramganga , which is a classic spring fed mahseer river. This is one of the few rivers where angling a Grand Slam of Mahseer, Indian Trout and Goonch is possible in the same day. The best fishing opportunities are in early February till early June and then October till mid-November.

Best Time to visit Corbett National Park – The best time to come to Corbett National park is between October to June every year.


Out Skirts of Jim Corbett National Park
Booking Procedure of Wildlife Jeep Safari in Corbett Park: All the Safari’s are booked by the Forest Department & it is completely at the discretion of the forest department. However there are restriction of number of vehicles which can enter in each zone and it is strictly followed.  

To book a trip to corbett  click here http://www.theotherhome.com