Jim Corbett National Park – Naam hi kaafi hai

e second destination of our ‘Weekend Quickie Campaign’ is Jim Corbett National Park, the oldest National Park in India which is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The favourite destination for tourists and wildlife lovers it is home to over 400 different species of flora and over 550 different species of fauna. It was established in 1936 to protect the Bengal Tiger, a critically endangered species.
The town of Ramnagar is the headquarters of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Apart from this species, Leopards, Asiatic Elephants and Spotted Deer are the other star attractions of the park which spans over a massive area of 520 sq. km. One of the best weekend getaway spots for nature lovers, there are around 1 lakh tourists who come to this place annually! It is well connected by road to major towns and lies on the NH 121 highway. Buses, taxis and cabs to Jim Corbett National Park are available aplenty.

How to get there?

Cabs: Cabs to Jim Corbett run from all major cities including New Delhi, Agra, Shimla, Haridwar and Chandigarh. Specially, taxis’/cabs/ shared cabs from New Delhi to Jim Corbett have an excellent frequency and the journey takes around 6 hours. One can also drive down from Delhi (295 km) via Gajraula, Moradabad, Kashipur to reach Ramnagar. To book cabs to Jim Corbett kindly contact us at www.gozocabs.com

Distances from Jim Corbett: Delhi – 295 km, Agra – 330 km, Nanital – 66 km, Ranikhet – 112 km

Trains: There are overnight trains available from Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra and Varanasi to Ramnagar. The railway station is located at a distance of 12 km from the main city. Ranikhet Express takes you from Old Delhi to Ramnagar in 6 hours and Kumaon Express is a daily train from Agra to Ramnagar.

Buses: Buses from New Delhi to Jim Corbett run at a frequency of half hour. They will take you to the Ramnagar Bus Terminus, which is around 8 km from the national park. Delhi Transport Corporation runs a semi deluxe service which takes you directly to Ramnagar. There is another route via Haldwani and Nainital from where there are bus services are available. Uttarakhand State Transportation also runs buses to Jim Corbett National Park.

Flight: The closest domestic airport to Corbett National Park is 50 km away from Jim Corbett National Park at Phoolbagh, Pantnagar. Domestic tourists may land at the Delhi or Dehradun Airport from where the connectivity to Jim Corbett is good. For international tourists, the best option would be to land at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi and take a cab to Jim Corbett.

Where to Stay?

A number of guest houses, resorts, holiday inns and hotels in Jim Corbett are available that can be booked for a good weekend stay. Jim Corbett is divided into 5 tourism zones namely, Dhikala, Jhirna, Bijrani, Sonanadi and Domunda all of which have rest houses available. However, the availability of the rooms is dependent upon the season. Staying overnight inside the park is recommended instead of booking a room in the main city. Being a part of vast expanse of flora, lighting a bonfire at night and experiencing the beauty of nature are things that cannot be missed.

The Budget Stay Options and Packages to the Wild Jungle Lodge for a night for 2 people are:

Luxurious hotels in Jim Corbett are Corbett River Creek Resort and Spa, Damy Royal Hotel, The Homestead at Corbett Country, Aranya Safari Resort, Corbett Mango Bloom and Tarika’s Jungal Park.

What Lies in Store!

The vast variety of flora and fauna is the main attraction here. Jim Corbett, one of the 9 tiger reserves in India is home to nearly three-fourths of the total Bengal Tigers in the country. Asiatic elephants, deer, wild boar and jackals are found in huge numbers inside the wildlife sanctuary. Some of the smaller residents of the park are Himalayan Palm Civet, Langur, Rhesus Monkey, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare, Himalayan goral, Indian pangolins and Porcupine. Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the ‘Mugger’ Crocodile. The most celebrated fish in the region is Golden Mahseer. Also seen on the rocky hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes.

A rich assemblage of Sal forests, chaurs (grasslands), khair-sissoo forests can be seen. The most visible trees found in Corbett are Sal, Sissoo and Khair. Many other species that contribute to the diversity are found scattered throughout the park. Chir Pine is the only conifer here and is found on ridge-tops. The upper reaches near Kanda ridge have Oak growing, which is essentially a Himalayan species. Other major tree species are Bel, Kusum, Mahua, Bakli.

Fun Stuff!

Jeep Safari: Guests coming to Jim Corbett Park can book Jeep safari in Jim Corbett Park, in advance for morning or afternoon trips. Permits are issued starting 30 days in advance.

Elephant Safari: The elephant rides are available for the guests coming to Jim Corbett Park. It is advisable to go during dawn instead of dusk since the wild animals may turn aggressive during the evening times.

Fishing: Jim Corbett Park has 2 rivers, where guests can go for angling (catch-and-release). Permits can be obtained from director office, while staying at Wild Jungle Lodge at very nominal prices.

Trekking: Trekking expeditions and backpacking tours in the Himalayas are organized periodically.

Adventure Activities: Rock-climbing, rappelling, river-crossing and slithering is available. Parasailing, mountain biking are the sporting activities available in Jim Corbett. Camping activities during the night are also part of the bucket list here.

Other Attractions!

Dhikuli: Situated at the fringes of Patli Dun valley, there is a rest house, built a hundred of years ago from where Kanda ridge forms the backdrop and one can enjoy the spectacular beauty of the valley.

Kalagarh Dam: It is located in the south-west of the wildlife sanctuary and is one of the best places for a bird watching tour, especially the migratory waterfowl that comes during the winters.

Corbett Falls: Located 25 km from Ramnagar on the Kaladhungi–Ramnagar highway, the falls is surrounded by dense forests and pin drop silence.

Crocodile Pool, Dhikala Machaan, Getheryo Library (Dhikala), Corbett Museum (Dhangadi gate), Garjia Temple, Jim Corbett House are other attractions in the area. One can extend one’s trip to other nearby hill stations like Nainital (65 km), Ranikhet (95 km), Kausani and Mukteswar as well.

Do’s and Dont’s!

Walking or trekking inside the park is strictly prohibited. Avoid perfumes and bright clothes, wear clothes of colour which merge with the natural surroundings. Carry a litter bag while entering the reserve and bring back non-biodegradable litter. Don’t talk loudly inside, nor smoke inside the forest. Do not collect plants or pluck flowers. While taking photographs or shooting videos, do not disturb the animals. Shouting, teasing or chasing animals or attempts to feed them are prohibited.

Ideal Season!

The weather is extreme in Jim Corbett Park. Winters is a great time for bird-watching and tiger sighting while monsoons are a good time for walks and trekking. The best time to visit Corbett Park is between October till May end. The Jhirna Range and Sitabani Forests remain open round the year while the Bijrani and Dhikala Ranges open only from November till June each year.

Ideal Time n Budget!

The stay at Jim Corbett Park depends on your interest and liking. Minimum suggested stay at Corbett Park is for 3 Days. If you get a Friday or a Monday off, you should pack your bags and not think twice before going to Jim Corbett. Book a cab to Jim Corbett and stay inside the forests to experience the beauty of nature. A stay in a tree house or a camp would be an experience of a lifetime. A conservative budget for a 3 day stay would be INR 4,000 but a comfortable estimate would be INR 6,000. So what are you waiting for? Book a cab for Jim Corbett and enjoy your stay there!!