Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. It is located in Nainital district and Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and was named after hunter and naturalist Edward James Jim Corbett. The park was the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative.

Giving shelter to India's major population of Tigers and majestic elephants, Corbett National Park is a most sought after landing place for the wildlife buffs. Different species of Deer, Sambar, wild boar, and leopard and of course the Royal Bengal are the star attraction of the park. Jim Corbett National Park, which is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve, a Project Tiger Reserve lies in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The magical landscape of Corbett is well known and fabled for its tiger richness. Corbett has the glory of being India's oldest and most prestigious National Park. It is also being honoured as the place where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973. This unique tiger territory is best known as the father who gave birth of the Project Tiger in India to protect the most endangered species and the Royal of India called Tigers.

Spans over an extent of 520 square kilometers, its whole area comprises of hills, marshy depressions, riverine belts, grasslands and large lake. It is among the few tiger reserves in India that allows overnight stays in the lap of the National Park. Nature watch and wildlife viewing in the park is done in an open four wheeler Jeep and on elephant back. Sheltering a healthy population of tigers and rare species like Otters and the endemic fish eating crocodile, the national park is one of the most sought after destinations for the wildlife buffs. Dhikala, situated at the border of the extensive Patil Dun valley, is the most popular destination.

Corbett National Park comprises 520.8 km2 area 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). Winter nights are cold but the days are bright and sunny. It rains from July to September. The park has sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics.[3] Dense moist deciduous forest mainly consists of sal, haldu, peepal, rohini and mango trees. Forest covers almost 73% of the park, while 10% of the area consists of grasslands. It houses around 110 tree species, 50 species of mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species.

An ecotourism destination,the park contains 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna.The increase in tourist activities, among other problems, continues to present a serious challenge to the park's ecological balance.

The Tourist Zones

In order to promote tourism in the region Corbett National Park has been divided into five different zones. These are the marked buffer or core area of the park where visitors can be part of wildlife safari and can enjoy the intriguing behaviour of the animals with bare eyes at proximity.

Bijrani Safari Zone

Bijrani Zone is very popular tourist's hub because of its abundant natural beauty and open grasslands. The entry gate of the zone is located at only 01 Km from Ramnagar city.

Jhirna Safari Zone

Jhirna is another important tourist zone in the Jim Corbett National park that is open for tourist round the year. Jhirna Gate is located at 16 km from Ramnagar city.

Dhela Safari Zone

Dhela is a new eco-tourism zone in Corbett National Park included in tiger reserve zone in November 2014. This is the only area in the reserve's buffer zone open to tourists in CTR. The zone is retaining the attention of large number of tourist because of its wealthy flora and fauna, open throughout the year, located at an approximate distance of 13 Km from Ramnagar City.

Dhikala Zone

Being the largest and most jungle-safarivaried zone in Corbett, Dhikala is famous for its abundant natural beauty as well as offering the best sight for exotic fauna. The entry gate is 18 km away from Ramnagar city. Night stay inside the Dhikala Tourism Zone is highly recommended for the hard core wildlife enthusiasts.

Durga Devi Zone

Located on the north-eastern boundary of the Jim Corbett National Park, Durga Devi zone is the heaven on planet earth for those who are fond of bird watching. Entry gate is located at an approximate distance of 36 km from Ramnagar city.

Sitabani Buffer Zone

Sitabani Zone doesn't fall under the Corbett Tiger Reserve area. If you are fond of serene ambiance of the natural beauty, must visit Sitabani area.

Day 1: Kathgodam Railway Station – Corbett National Park

Arrive Kathgodam railway stationand drive toCorbett National Park. On arrival Checkin at resort and rest.Evening is free to explore & enjoy in resort.Dinner & Overnight stay at Resort.

DAY 02: Corbett National Park

Morning after breakfast you can opt to go for a Morning Safari or Corbett local sightseeing.Safari happens in the Morning (7 to 10) and Evening (2 to 5). Timing depends on season(Winter and Summer).

For safari in Corbett National Park there are total 6 gates for Safari. Sitabani (Corbett landscape) safari gate remains open all time of the year. In one Jeep total 6 people can accommodate. Other gates Brijrani, Dhela, Dhikala(Night stay), Durga Devi, Jhirna. For these safaris you will need to book one month in advance. These are booked through online portal.

Visit Corbett Museum, Garjia Devi Temple, Corbett waterfall.Dinner &Overnight stay at Resort.

Day 3: Corbett to Kathgodam (40 kms – 1 hrs)

Morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and then drive to Kathgodam railway station for your onward journey.