A Guide for Tiger Tracks and Nature Trails
Offering a safari, which is hard to forget, Jim Corbett National Park has different sceneries and abundant fauna with the same experience. However, it could be more apparent when picking out these six zones. Do not be afraid, fellow adventurer! This guide will help you decide which safari zone in Jim Corbett National Park is perfect for your Corbett tour.
Tigers on Your Mind?
Dhikala Zone
The uncontested outhouse of tigers with the highest rate of tiger sightings offers endless greenery and varied wildlife. Do spend a night at the Dhikala Forest Rest House to get fully involved in it, but be ready for hard competition while booking.
How to Enter?
To enter Dhikala Zone, head to Dhangari Gate, the main entry point. Present your permit at the gate for authorization. Only permit holders can embark on the safari. Overnight stays are allowed, lasting from one to three nights. It takes about 1-1.5 hours to reach the forest lodge inside the park, passing through dense Sal forests and crossing the Ramganga river. Gypsy tours aren’t allowed during the day, but Canter tours accommodating 18 passengers are available, departing from Ramnagar in the morning and returning in the afternoon.
Jhirna Zone
The second best chances for spotting a tiger are available in the Jhirna zone, including elephant encounters and a wide variety of bird species. Jeep safaris and elephant rides are possible throughout the year.
How to Enter?
Accessing the Jhirna zone involves obtaining safari permits from forest authorities and arranging for a safari vehicle and guide. Dhela Gate, approximately 20 km from Ramnagar city, serves as the entry point. It’s the sole gate open year-round for visitors, facilitating safaris in the Jhirna zone of the Corbett National Park. From there, visitors embark on thrilling journeys through the wilderness, encountering diverse flora and fauna along the way.
Bijrani Zone
Known for its picturesque terrain and a good population of tigers, Bijrani offers day safaris in different landscapes ranging from open grasslands to dense forests.
How to enter?
To enter the Bijrani Zone, visitors need to obtain safari permits from forest officials. The entry gate for the Bijrani Zone is Amdanda Gate, located about 1 km from Ramnagar. Once permits are secured, visitors can explore the Bijrani Zone’s diverse landscapes and wildlife, accompanied by trained guides for a memorable safari experience.
Beyond the Big Cats
Dhela Zone
It is an evergreen zone named Dhela that provides an opportunity for people to visit any time around the year; here, you will have plenty of chances of coming across tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. It has diverse terrains like meadows or water bodies that attract bird watchers.
How to enter?
The entrance to the Dhela Zone is through Dhela Gate, the newest section of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Located 20 km from Ramnagar city, Dhela Gate is open year-round, offering safari access to the vibrant Dhela zone. With 46 km of Jungle Path, Jeep Safaris in both morning and evening shifts provide opportunities to encounter a diverse range of wildlife. Limited to 15 gipsies per shift, visitors may witness tigers, leopards, Asiatic elephants, sloth bears, and king cobras amidst the lush vegetation of Sal, Rohini, Haldu, Bahera, and Kusum. Birdwatchers will delight in the zone’s abundant avian species. Please note, safaris at Dhela Gate are subject to weather conditions during the monsoon season and may be cancelled due to heavy rainfall.
Durgadevi Zone
Diverse wildlife, such as tigers, elephants, crocodiles, etc, is found in this scenic Jim Corbett national park zone which runs along the Ramganga River. Safari lovers can undertake boat safaris and jeep rides through dense forests.
How to enter?
To enter the Durga Devi Zone, visitors must first reach the Durgadevi gate, located 28 km from Ramnagar. This gate serves as the entry point to the zone, known for its stunning landscape and rich biodiversity. To explore this picturesque area and enjoy activities like day jeep safaris or overnight stays at the Lohachaur forest house, tourists need to obtain permits from the Corbett forest department. Due to high demand, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. The Durga Devi Zone welcomes visitors from October 15 to June 15 annually, with the park closed for tourism during the monsoon season.
Sitabani Zone
This Jim Corbett national park zone has thick forests where significant numbers of birds can be seen, especially reptiles such as python snakes and lizards known as monitor lizards.
How to enter?
The Sitabani Forest Zone in Corbett Park is a scenic landscape celebrated for its tourist attractions and nature trails. Despite being outside the Tiger Reserve, it offers unrestricted exploration, overseen by the Archaeological Survey of India. Accessible via the Teda/Pawalgarh gate, about 27 km from Ramnagar, it welcomes visitors year-round. Renowned for its depiction in the Ramayana, it’s a haven for nature lovers seeking solace amidst myth and wilderness. Unlike other zones, Sitabani remains open throughout the year, from October 15 to June 30, offering uninterrupted experiences for safari enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.
Beyond the Zone
- Consider your travel style: Do you prefer an overnight stay amidst nature or day safaris with easy access to your hotel?
- Consider the season: Some zones are closed during monsoons, while others offer year-round access.
- Group size matters: Some zones restrict the number of vehicles allowed, affecting booking availability.
Remember: Tiger sightings are never guaranteed, but respecting the park’s rules and enjoying the diverse wildlife are surefire ways to make your Jim Corbett national park jungle safari unforgettable!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jim Corbett National Park offers a plethora of safari zones, each with its unique charm and wildlife sightings. Whether you’re seeking tiger encounters or exploring diverse ecosystems, this guide helps you make the most of your Jim Corbett National Park Jungle Safari experience. With careful planning and respect for nature, every visit to Corbett promises unforgettable moments amidst India’s rich wilderness. Explore the wonders of each safari zone in Jim Corbett National Park and create memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQ’s
Q: Which safari zone in Jim Corbett National Park is best for spotting tigers?
A: Dhikala zone is generally considered the best due to its vast grasslands, open meadows, and dense forests, all of which tigers favor. Dhela zone also has a high chance of tiger sightings. Remember, tiger sightings are never guaranteed, but these zones offer optimal habitat.
Q: Are there other zones good for wildlife besides tigers?
A: Absolutely! Bijrani zone boasts diverse landscapes and is known for its elephant sightings. Jhirna zone also offers sightings of leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of birdlife. Each zone has its unique biodiversity.
Q: What’s the difference between canter and jeep safaris?
A: Canters are larger open buses used in Dhikala for day and overnight safaris. Jeeps are smaller, offering a more personalized experience in other zones. Both options have pros and cons: canters have wider coverage, while jeeps allow for quieter observation and better maneuverability.
Q: Are there nature trails for hiking and birdwatching?
A: Yes, some zones offer designated nature trails like Dhikala and Bijrani. These trails are perfect for exploring the forest on foot and observing birds, reptiles, and smaller mammals. However, remember to prioritize safety and follow park regulations.
Q: When is the best time to visit for tiger sightings and pleasant weather?
A: The park is open from November to June. Peak season (November-March) offers higher chances of tiger sightings but also sees larger crowds. For a balance, consider April-June, which still has good tiger activity and milder temperatures.
Q: How do I book safari permits and accommodation?
A: Booking can be done online through the official forest department website or authorized agents. Plan well in advance as permits, especially for Dhikala, get filled quickly. Accommodation options range from forest rest houses within zones to resorts outside the park.
For an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Indian wilderness, embark on a safari with India Tiger Safari. Call us at +91-981-002-8849 to book your safari experience today!
Q: Are there any special rules or guidelines to follow during safaris?
A: Yes, it’s crucial to respect park regulations for your safety and wildlife conservation. These include maintaining silence, staying inside the vehicle, not littering, and following guides’ instructions. Remember, you’re a guest in the animals’ home, so be mindful and responsible.
Q: How to reach?
A: Corbett is linked by a good motorable road from Delhi it’s about a 5-hour drive. By air, you can fly from Delhi to Pantnagar, about 51 km from Corbett NP. However, the most popular way is by fast air-conditioned train, Shatabdi Express, from Delhi to Kathgodam and then drive 2 hrs to Corbett.
