Overview of Jim Corbett National Park
The Jim Corbett National Park is situated in the Uttarakhand region of Nainital and is a component of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve. For its abundance of tigers, Corbett’s enchanted scenery is well-known and legendary. Corbett holds the distinction of being India’s oldest and most prominent National Park. With a total size of 520 square kilometres (Km), it is made up of hills, meadows, riverine belts, marshy depressions, and a sizable lake. One of the few tiger reserves in India that permits overnight stays within the National Park is this one. On an elephant’s back and in an open-wheeled Jeep, visitors to the park may observe the natural world and wildlife. The national park is one of the most sought-after locations for wildlife enthusiasts since it is home to a robust population of tigers and unique species like otters and the endemic fish-eating crocodile. The most well-known location is Dhikala, which is located on the edge of the vast Patil Dun valley.
History of Jim Corbett National Park
A national park should be established on this land, according to various British people in the early 1900s, including E. R. Stevans and E. A. Smythies. In 1907, the British government explored the idea of establishing a game reserve there. In 1936, while Sir Malcolm Hailey was the Governor of the United Provinces, a reserve area known as Hailey National Park, measuring 323.75 square Km, was established, becoming Asia’s first national park. The reserve was renamed Ramganga National Park in 1954–1955, and then Corbett National Park in 1955–1956, both in honour of the writer and naturalist Jim Corbett. The size of the reserve has grown over time; in 1991, a buffer zone of 797.72 square Km was added to the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary’s 301.18 square Km land was incorporated into the Kalagarh division as part of the 1991 expansion, which covered the entirety of the Kalagarh forest division. It was selected in 1973 as the site for the beginning of Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation initiative. The reserve’s headquarters are located in the Nainital district.
Geography of Jim Corbett National Park
The reserve now spans 1,318.54 square Km, of which 520 square Km are the core area and 797.72 square Km are the buffer area. The buffer encompasses reserve forests (496.54 square Km and the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary (301.18 square Km), whereas the main area is the Jim Corbett National Park. The reserve has a sub-Himalayan belt structure and is situated partially along a valley between the Lesser Himalaya in the north and the Shivalik in the south. Hard sandstone strata form extensive ridges, and higher tertiary rocks are visible towards the Shiwalik range’s base. Typical longitudinal valleys, often known as Doons or Duns in geography, may be observed forming along the narrow tectonic zones between lineaments.
About the Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett was a multi-talented individual. His adaptability seemed to be a requirement for survival when he was born in British India in the late 1800s. His lifetime efforts to safeguard both humans and wildlife have been motivated by his upbringing in the Kumaon region’s woods.
Corbett discovered how to recognise birds by their cries as a child. He became a renowned hunter and tracker as an adult. He assisted the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh in 1911 in getting rid of dangerous tigers and leopards that had been attacking and murdering people in the area’s villages. 19 tigers and 14 leopards that had torn almost 1,200 people to pieces was hunted down and killed by Corbett. In his final years, Corbett devoted himself to protecting India’s declining tiger population. He would assist in creating India’s first National Park as a hobbyist photographer, naturalist, and writer.
Tourist zones (can enjoy jungle/forest safari/tour)
Corbett National Park has been separated into five different zones to encourage tourism in the area. These are the designated core or buffer areas of the park where guests may participate in a wildlife safari and observe the fascinating behaviour of the animals up close with their own eyes.
Bijrani Zone, Jhirna Safari Zone, Dhela Safari Zone, Dhikala Zone, Durga Devi Zone
Sitabani Buffer Zone: The Corbett Tiger Reserve does not include the Sitabani Zone. If you enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of natural beauty, you must visit Sitabani area.
Climate and weather in Jim Corbett National Park
Winter (October to March)
The temperature ranges from 5 to 30 degrees Celsius in the winter (November to February). Winter mornings might be cloudy, but the afternoons are nice, making it a wonderful time to go on a safari.
Summer (April to mid-June)
Summer temperatures can reach 40°C, with an average of around 30°C. Wildlife enthusiasts should book a Corbett trip package during this season because it is the best time to see animals.
Monsoon (mid-June to September)
The monsoon season (June to September) brings considerable rain, however minor rain can occur throughout the year. The monsoon is a beautiful time to visit the park, however certain areas are closed at this time.
Flora and Fauna in Jim Corbett National Park
More than 600 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, bamboos, grasses, climbers and ferns have been identified in the park. The most visible trees found in Corbett are sal, sissoo and khair. It houses around 50 species of mammals, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. The park is an ideal home for many majestic animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Asiatic Elephant and many other wild animals.
How to Reach
By Air
The domestic airport serving Corbett National Park is located 50 Km away at Phoolbagh, Pantnagar. The closest international airport is in Delhi, which is 295 Km from Corbett National Park.
By Road
Ramnagar has an excellent road system that links the various cities. The Corbett National Park is located around 260 Km from Delhi, the capital of India. The state government of Uttarakhand operates buses that travel directly to Corbett at regular intervals from Delhi, Moradabad, Haldwani, and Nainital.
By Rail
Trains from several important Indian cities, including Delhi, Moradabad, and Bareilly, arrive at the Ramnagar railway station. From Delhi, a direct train travel to Ramnagar.
Night stay in Jim Corbett
According to the norms of the Indian Forest Department, the forest officials in Corbett oversee all of the procedures for booking nightly accommodations. The forest officials alone make the decision.
Nearby Places to Visit and famous for
Sattal, Lansdowne, Rishikesh, Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Ranikhet
Accommodation/Hotels
Dhikala Forest Lodge, Gairal Forest Lodge, Sarapduli Forest lodge, Hotel Sultan Forest
Some other key points about Jim Corbett national park
Why is Jim Corbett National Park named after a hunter?
Jim Corbett was a hunter and naturalist, rose to popularity when he hunted down and killed many man-eating tigers and leopards (he is said to have killed over a dozen) near the area where Jim Corbett national park is situated.
What time of year is ideal for a trip to Jim Corbett?
June to April in Corbett, these months are considered the summer, and on occasion, the daily average temperature might reach 40 degrees Celsius. The ideal time to see animals, including tigers in the park, is now, despite the heat.
Which is better Dhikala or Bijrani?
Among the six safari zones, Bijrani zone is considered as the best zone after the Dhikala zone to spot the tiger. The picturesque landscape of this zone, which consists of large grass fields known as Chaurs and dense Sal Forest, plenty of waterholes and river streams is no less enchanting than the Dhikala zone.
How can I obtain a Jim Corbett permit?
Online day visit permits are available for tourists. Prior to entering the Corbett Tiger Reserve, you must rent a 4×4 Gypsy once you have obtained the online permit. At the access gate, permission from the park administration is also required in advance. Please be aware that private cars are not permitted inside the park.
In Jim Corbett, is a guide required?
When visiting the Corbett Tiger Reserve, a Registered Guide or Naturalist must be present. Each safari’s guide charge is to be paid directly to the guide at the conclusion of the trip. At Amdanda and Jhirna’s entry points, guides will be available.
What is the cost of a safari in Jim Corbett?
For a 5-hour trip that includes permits, entrance fees, and guide fees, a jeep safari in Jim Corbett National Park would set you back approx. 1,500 INR per adult.
How many tigers are in Jim Corbett National Park?
With 252 tigers, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand has the most tigers in the country by 2020.
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