Did you ever watch the animated series ‘The Jungle book’ as a kid? I used to!!! Though virtual, that was my first insight into a jungle. And since then I have always wanted to feel the jungle and its wildlife and be a part of it. Zoological parks have never fascinated me that much as there is always a barrier between us and the wildlife.
My Mowgli moment went from virtual to real, when I got the chance to go for a Jungle Safari!!! Other than the security measure that we always needed to be inside the jeep, there were no bars or barriers. I was out in the wild, open and free!
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About Jim Corbett National Park
This diverse national park is in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and is known for its landscape and abundance of tigers. There are not just trees and wildlife, the park has many ravines, ridges, minor streams and small plateaus.
It’s the oldest national park of India with rich wildlife and birdlife and is named after the famous hunter turned wildlife conversationalist- Jim Corbett, who saved many people of this area from man-eating tigers and leopards.
Zones of Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett is divided into different zones where visitors can do a Jungle Safari and experience beauty of the forest and wildlife.
Bijrani Zone
The Bijrani Zone of Jim Corbett National Park is known for its abundant wildlife and beautiful landscape. Dense forests, open grasslands, waterholes and rivers make this zone really enchanting.
We visited Bijrani Zone of Jim Corbett National park.
That’s how Bijrani Zone gave us adrenaline rush
10 minutes into the jungle and we heard the roar of a tiger!!! The deer were running from one side of the road to another out of fear. The Langurs were giving warning signals and did not move from their place on the top of the trees until they were sure that there was no danger!!!Our jeep driver also stopped and signaled us to remain quiet and then we heard the roar again!!!We waited for some time, standing quiet but the closest we reached to the tiger was seeing its pug marks and hearing its roar.
We mostly saw spotted deer, elephants, Sambar and many varieties of birds in this zone.
- Opening Period – 15th Oct – 15th June
- Location – 1 km from Ramnagar city
We are just giving a brief overview of all the other zones of Jim Corbett National Park. For more detail check their official site https://www.corbettonline.uk.gov.in/corbettDefaultNew.aspx
Dhikala Zone
This is the largest zone of Jim Corbett National park and also the most famous one.
Dense forests, large grasslands, a narrow valley and various streams of the Ramganga River make up this zone. Most of the tiger spotting is reported here.
Jungle Safari in Dhikala Zone is allowed only for the tourists that book forest rest house in this zone. For others only canter safari is allowed.
Opening period – 15th Nov – 15th June.
Location – 18 km from Ramnagar city.
Jhirna Zone
Sloth bear and wild elephant sightings are the major highlights of this zone.
Period – It remains open throughout the year.
Location – 20 km from Ramnagar
Durga Devi Zone
It is particularly famous for sighting wild elephants and otters at the Domunda Bridge. The lush green forest here also provides excellent opportunity for bird watching.
Time Period – 15 Oct to 15 June
Location – 28 km from Ramnagar.
Dhela Zone
This zone is particularly rich in bird diversity. The grasslands in this zone can be often seen packed with elephants and deer.
Location – 13 km from Ramnagar.
Period – Remains open throughout the year.
Sonanadi Zone
The only zone where visitors can walk on foot.
Time – 15 Oct to 15 June
Location – 30 km from Ramnagar
Best time to visit
Different zones of Jim Corbett open at different time and its only near mid November that main attractions of Jim Corbett i.e. Dhikala and Bijrani Zones are open. Summer is the time when the forest is dry and spotting an animal is quite easy. In winter the forest is lush green and at its best. Monsoon should clearly be avoided.
We visited in the first week of November. We got lucky that Jungle safari was allowed in the Bijrani zone at that time.
How to reach
On this occasion we traveled from Delhi to Jim Corbett via train (overnight journey). Ramnagar is the nearest railway station from Jim Corbett (just 11 km).
Nearest Airport from Jim Corbett is Dehradun. From there you can take a bus or hire a taxi to Ramnagar.
Bus service is also very regular from Delhi to Ramnagar.
Accommodation in Jim Corbett
Forest Rest House
Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela and Sonanadi have rest houses inside the park which gives a real experience of being in the wild. Night Stay at these can be booked online through https://www.corbettonline.uk.gov.in/corbettDefaultNew.aspx
As we visited Jim Corbett National Park during a period when night stay is not allowed inside the Park we could not experience staying inside the jungle.
To get the feel of living in a jungle, you must check for the availability of the Forest Rest Houses inside the park and book the permits accordingly.
Private Accommodation
There are so many options available for all budgets right outside Corbett National Park. Depending on the zones you are visiting, you can choose the location and book your place of stay.
Some of our friends stayed at the Corbett Riverside Resort.
Corbett Riverside Resort
Right on the banks of the Kosi River, this beautiful 4 star resort is a good option of staying near Corbett. The basic room with breakfast is priced at INR 5000. The rooms are decent, clean and with all the amenities.
They have different categories of rooms. Their suites come with a private pool to give a luxurious experience.
How to book a Jungle Safari in Jim Corbett
- Safaris for all zones except Sitabani Zone have to be booked in advance. The booking opens around 40-45 days before the date of the safari. To get permits for Jungle Safari visit https://www.corbettonline.uk.gov.in/
- Only two slots are available in a day for the safari, one in the morning (starts around 5:30 – 6:30 am) and the other in the evening (starts around 1-2:30 pm). Duration of the Jungle Safari is 3-4 hours.
- After doing the booking for the entry permits, book a gypsy separately for the safari. Registered vehicles for the Jungle Safari can be booked from –https://www.corbettonline.uk.gov.in/crbt_RegisterVehicle.aspx.
- Alternatively you can take assistance from the place of your stay at Jim Corbett. Maximum six people are allowed per Gypsy .
- For any query related to booking permits and Gypsies, you can call on +919759363344 (Ramnagar Office) or contact @jimcorbettnationalparkofficial on instagram. They might also assist you with the bookings.
- In the Dhikala Zone Gypsy Safari is available only for those who stays inside Dhikala Forest Rest House. For others only canter safari is available. Getting a permit for Dhikala Zone books a seat in the Canter. (Unlike Gypsies you need not book the canter separately)
- Entry permit: INR 1000 – 1200
- Gypsy Fare: INR 3000 – 5000
Other things to do in Jim Corbett
Sitabani Zone
Sitabani Zone is not a part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve; it is a buffer area of the reserve. No permit is required for visiting this zone. Just book a gypsy and visit this zone. It is a zone consisting of dense forest, river streams and a Shiva temple. The safari is through dense jungle. We loved the feel of the thick jungle but did not spot many animals here.
Garjiya Temple
A sacred shakti shrine located on the outskirts of Corbett National Park by the side of Kosi River. You can use local transportation and then walk to reach this temple. A cemented suspension bridge also comes enroute.
Kosi Riverside
On the way to the Garjiya Temple and just after crossing the suspension bridge, you can enjoy the clear and pristine waters of the Kosi River.
Corbett Falls
A small stream of water falls into a natural pool here. The place is amidst dense forest and looks picture perfect. It’s a 15 minute walk from the parking area. It is around 27 km from Ramnagar. Hire a taxi to reach here. In winters this place is open till 3:30 only. So do check the timings before planning your visit.
Hanuman Dham
Around 8 km from Ramnagar, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and famous for its architecture. The temple has peaceful and tranquil surroundings and is a good place to call it a day.
Suggested Itinerary of Jim Corbett National Park
Day 1
- Visit Suspension bridge, Garjia temple and Kosi riverside in the morning.
- Evening Safari. We did Jungle Safari in Sitabani Zone.
Day 2
- Morning Safari. We did Jungle Safari Bijrani Zone.
- Visit Corbett Falls.
- Visit Hanuman Dham.
Day 3
Start back home!
Nice Explanation of Corbett National Park with beautiful pictures.
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