Jim Corbett National Park

India’s Oldest National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is the largest national park in India, offering a lifetime experience that you should not miss. the heritage of flora and fauna, it is situated in Nainital, Uttarakhand. This national park is not only the oldest in India, but also the country’s first national park. It was founded in 1956 under British governance as Hailey National Park. Later, almost a decade after India’s independence, this national park was retitled as “Jim Corbett National Park.” The park got its name from the famous naturalist Jim Corbett, who was a major contributor to the park’s establishment. Another fact is that this national park was the first one to be part of the Project Tiger initiative. It is famous for being home to 260 + Royal Bengal Tigers. In addition to the tiger, this national park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and serene surroundings in the heart of the Himalayas. You may see a wide variety of species here, including Asian elephants, Sambar deer, Asian black bears, Colobines, and many more. Additionally, the park offers a diverse range of flora, somewhere 600 species, like chir pine trees, sal trees, mango trees, and flowering trees, such as Amaltas. This national park is one of the best places to enjoy bird watching and safari. Want to join us on our next adventure to Jim Corbett National Park? Let’s explore our tour packages, hotel booking, and book safari.

Tourist

Safari Zones Overview

Jim Corbett National Park covers 1300 square kilometers, making it the largest national park. Thus, to promote and manage tourism, it is divided into six tourist / safari zones. When you step into these tourist zones, it lets you experience the thrill of wildlife up close. Here, safaris bring you face-to-face with animals in their natural glory.

1. Dhikhala Zone : Dhikala is the largest and most beautiful tourist zone of Corbett National Park. This zone offers the most diverse jungle safari. Its unique features are beautiful scenery, greenery around the head, and the roaring Royal Bengal tigers. Just 18 kilometers from Ramnagar, the entry gate brings you the best pick to explore Corbett. Dhikala stands apart from other zones; day visitors can explore its wilderness only via Canter safaris. Moreover, it is highly recommended to opt for a night stay in the Dikhala zone. It will offer you a close encounter with the park’s rich flora and fauna.

2. Durga Devi Zone : Durga Devi Zone is a heaven for birdwatchers. And, honestly, it’s not a joke; here you can even spot rare Himalayan bird species. Furthermore, the Ramganga River adds an exceptional beauty to the scenery, and you can spot masheer fish, otters, etc. Its entry is around 36 kilometers from Ramnagar. This zone is mainly less crowded, a perfect destination for those who love a peaceful and nature-filled gateway.

3. Bijrani Zone : Bijrani would be an ideal pick if spotting tigers is at the top of your wishlist. This Corbett National Park zone is specifically famous for sighting big cats. Apart from the tiger, you can even spot other wild animals, such as elephants, deer, bears, and many bird species. The best part is that the Bijrani zone entry gate is just 1 km away from Ramnagar. Moreover, this zone is incredibly scenic, with dense sal forest, vast grasslands, and beautiful flowing streams.

4. Jhirna Zone : This is a favorite safari zone for travelers. The reason for this is that Jhirna is open year-round. This zone, located approximately 16 kilometers from Ramanagar, has more open terrain with suburbs and grasslands. As a result, it provides a stunning perspective of the fauna. Furthermore, it is also known for elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species. So, even if a tiger remains elusive on your safari, you won't be disappointed.

5. Dhela Zone : Dhela is essentially a new addition to the Corbett National Park tourist zone. Still, it provides an excellent safari experience, complete with lush woodland, open areas, bird watching, and the odd sighting of a tiger or leopard. This zone shares an entrance gate with Jhirna, about 16 km from Ramnagar. If you want a more peaceful safari experience, Dhela is the place for you. In this area, going for a drive itself feels like therapy.

6. Sitabani Zone : Sitabani doesn’t directly fall under the Corbett National Park core zones. Yet, this place has its own beauty. As this forest is linked with the epic Ramayana, it has a spiritual and historical vibe. Here, wildlife sightings are less frequent, but you still spot elephants, deer, or leopards. This zone would be ideal for birding, temple visits, and a relaxed safari experience.

Jim Corbett National Park:

Landscape, Rivers, Hills & Terrains

Type of Terrains

Corbett is located in the sub-Himalayan belt. Its parts sit between the south's Siwalik Hills and, to a lesser extent, the north Himalayas. The terrains include small plateaus, ridges, and valleys. Furthermore, it also includes ravines, grasslands, riverine belts, and large water bodies.

Core River

The Ramganaga River is the main river flowing in the Jim Corbett Reserve. Apart from this, there are multiple other streams and nallas that also flow in the reserve.

Hills and Ridges

The southern section of the area was constructed by the Siwalik Hills ridges, which are made of hard sandstone. Different plants, like conifers or Himalayan species in the upper reaches, grow on ridgelines and higher slopes. For example, there are chir pines on the tops of ridges and bank oaks in the upper reaches near Kanda.

Flora Highlights

Jim Corbett

In Jim Corbett National Park, more than 600 plant species have been recorded. These numbers include a variety of trees, herbs, bamboos, shrubs, grasses, climbers, and ferns.

The national park is mainly covered by the Sal-dominated moist deciduous forest. It is the form of the main forest type.

Khair-Sisso in the riverine belts. It creates a dense green corridor along streams and rivers.

Mixed hardwood forest on drier slopes. It includes species like Haldu,Jamun, Rohini, and Anogeissus.

Lush grasslands are scattered all over the forest. Huge open meadows like Dikhala are one of the vital habitats for herbivores.

Other interesting flora include palms, rare palms, conifers on ridge tops, Himalayan species at higher altitudes, and blooming trees that add color in the spring and summer.

Fauna Highlights

Mammals

In Jim Corbett National Park, you can explore a variety of mammals. It includes Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, Asian black bears, colobines, and deer species such as sambhar, chital, and barking deer. There are smaller mammals, also like languors, macaques, otters, martens, etc.

Birds

This national park offers an enriched bird life. There are over 580 species that have been recorded. These include residents and migratory birds.

Reptiles, Amphibians, etc.

There are 25 species recorded in the national park. Some sources report that there are more than this. These numbers are supported by the crocodiles and gharials. Furthermore, the park also consists of a number of amphibious species, fish, and dragonflies. Hence, contributes to its rich aquatic and semi-aquatic biodiversity.

Season	Time of Year	Key Features
Winter	November – February	Cold nights (5–10 °C), sunny days, foggy mornings; sparse vegetation makes wildlife easier to spot.
Summer / Pre-Monsoon	March - June	Hot, up to (40–42 °C;) animals gather near water sources due to limited water.
Monsoon	July – September	Heavy rainfall; some areas may be difficult to access due to flooding and muddy roads; vegetation grows lush.

How to Reach

Jim Corbett National Park?

Airport:

Pantnagar Airport:It is the closest airport to Jim Corbett National Park, just 60 kilometers away. This airport connects to Delhi and a few other prominent cities.

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi: This international airport is the most convenient for national and international tourists wishing to explore Jim Corbett National Park. It's around 260 kilometers away.

Railway:

Ramnagar Railway Station: It is the most convenient and nearest railway station to Jim Corbett National Park. This station is just 10 kilometers away from the park entrance. Ramnagar Railway Station is well connected to Delhi and nearby prominent cities.

Haldwani Railway Station: This railway station is one of the major railway stations near Jim Corbett National Park. It connects to the main cities in Uttarakhand and northern India. It is approximately 65 kilometers away from the park.

Kathgodam Railway Station: It is 85 kilometers away from Jim Corbett National Park. This railway station serves as the gateway to the Kumaoan region. Furthermore, it connects to Delhi and other major regions of India.