Corbett National Park, also known as Jim Corbett National Park, is a government-protected area in Uttarakhand, northern India. Founded in 1936 as Haley National Park, first renamed Ramganga in the mid-1950s, then renamed Corbett in the late decade to commemorate noted British athlete and writer Jim
Corbett Did. The park itself is 201 square miles (521 square kilometers) in area. It’s part of the larger
Corbett Tiger Reserve, which includes an adjoining reserve, which totals 497 square miles (1,288 square
kilometers). It is India’s oldest national park.
Location of Jim Corbett National Park
The park is located at the foothills of the Himalayas, about 35 miles (50 km) northwest of Ramnagar, the park headquarters, at an elevation of about 1,260 to 3,610 feet (385 to 1,100 meters). It mainly occupies the broad Patridoon Valley, where the Ramganga River flows in a westward direction.
The river was dammed at the western edge of the park, creating large
reservoirs in the center of the reserve and along the western side of the park, used for sport fishing.
Forests include sal (shore), teak, oak, silver fir, spruce, cypress, birch, and bamboo species. A reed forest
was planted to provide natural protection for the animals in the park. The park was established primarily
to protect the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). It was there that the Indian Project Tiger was launched
in 1973 to provide sanctuaries for tigers in India’s national parks. Other mammals seen in the park
include langurs, sloth bears, black bears, gray mongoose, jungle cats, elephants, wild boars, Akhtar
(spotted deer), barking deer, and nilgai (Indian antelope). Reptiles and amphibians include various
snakes (such as cobras and pythons) and crocodiles (especially gharials and robbers). At least 600
species of resident and migratory birds have been identified, including shikras (sparrowhawks), Indian
taco vultures, partridges, black warblers, red jungle fowls, night herons, and peacocks.
The park is open from mid-November to mid-June. It is closed during the monsoon season
when heavy rains make the road impassable. Access is via Ramnagar, with road and rail connections to
other towns in the region. The park has roads for jeep and elephant tours and a number of machan
(observation points) for wildlife viewing. Accommodation is available at several facilities within the park.
Suitable Weather to visit Jim Corbett National Park
The temperature mostly remains 5 °C (41 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F) in winters and 25 to 40 °C (104 °F) in summers.
Jim Corbett National Park is part of the largest Corbett Tiger Reserve. The Tiger Project is located in the
Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Corbett’s majestic landscape is the natural habitat of tigers.
Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, Corbett is considered India’s oldest and most prestigious
national park. This is also where Project Tiger first started in 1973. This unique tiger territory is best
known as the father of Project Tiger in India to protect India’s most endangered and royal wildlife, tigers.
Tourist zone at Jim Corbett National Park
To facilitate tourism in the area,Jim Corbett National Park is divided into six large separate tourist zones.
These are the visible center or buffer areas of the park, where visitors can participate in wildlife safaris
and enjoy with the naked eye the fascinating behavior of the animals in the area.
Bijrani Safari Zone:
The Bijrani Zone is a very popular tourist destination due to its lush natural beauty and vast grasslands.
The zone’s entrance gate is located just 1 km from the town of Ramnagar.
Jirna Safari Zone:
Jirna is another major tourist zone in Jim Corbett National Park, open to tourists all
year round. Jirna Gate is 16 km from Ramnagar city.
Dera Safari Zone: Dera is a new ecotourism zone within Corbett National Park that was incorporated into
the Tiger Reserve in November 2014. This is the only area of the CTR reserve buffer zone open to tourists. It is about 13 km from Ramnagar city and is open all year.
Dhikala Zone:
Being the largest and the most diversified jungle safari zone in Corbett, Dhikala is famous
for its bountiful natural beauty as well as for offering the best sight for its exotic fauna. The Entry gate is
18 km away from Ramnagar city. Night stay inside the Dhikala Tourism Zone is highly recommended for hardcore wildlife enthusiasts.
Durga Devi Zone:
Located at the northeastern boundary of the Jim Corbett National Park, Durga Devi
The zone is the heaven on planet Earth for those who are fond of bird watching. The Entry gate is located at
an approximate distance of 36 km from Ramnagar city.
Sitabani Buffer Zone:
If you are a nature lover then you must visit the Sitabani area, Although this zone is doesn’t covered under Corbett National Park territory you can hire a Corbett Fun Tour with 1 jeep safari for bird watching.
How to get to Jim Corbett National Park
Ramnagar is the closest place to Jim Corbett National Park, where the CTR headquarters are
located. The small town is well connected to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Moradabad, Nainital and
Bareilly via railway and road networks. Once in Ramnagar, it’s just a 30-minute drive to Corbett National
Park. The park is about 15 km from Ramnagar Railway Station.
Roads:
Ramnagar has a very good road network connecting the various towns. Corbett National Park is
about 260 kilometers from Delhi, India’s capital. The Uttarakhand government operates frequent buses
from Delhi, Moradabad, Haldwani, and Nainital directly to Corbett.
By Rail:
Ramnagar Station is served by trains from various major Indian cities such as Delhi, Moradabad, and Bareilly. There is also a direct train from Delhi to Ramnagar. Various inbound trains such as Ranikhet
Express, Corvette Link Express, and Kathgodam Express take you directly to Ramnagar.