Corbett National Park

The Corbett National Park is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and is the oldest national park in India which got established in 1936 by the name of Hailey National park.

If you are an adventure freak, bird watcher, angler, or animal lover then Jim Corbett National Park is the ideal place for you. Enjoy your weekend in the lap of Jungle.

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Flora and Fauna in Jim Corbett National Park

The park contains 488 different species of plants and a wide variety of wildlife including Elephants, Tigers, Chital, Sambar Deer, Nilgai, Gharial, King Cobra, Muntjac, wild boar, Hedgehog, common Musk Shrew, Flying fox, Indian Pangolin, and around 600 different species of birds. Jim Corbett National Park covers an area of 521sq. kms.

Corbett National Park acts as a protected area of critically endangered Bengal Tiger of India. Corbett National Park is one of the best managed and protected areas in the country and attracts thousands of Indian and Foreign visitors each year.

The park is situated at the foothills of Himalayan belt and has various geographical and ecological characteristics with splendid landscapes. There are four gates which acts as entrance to the Park, which are Amdanda gate, Dhangarhi gate, Khara gate and Durga devi gate.

Please Note: It is always advisable to book safaris prior to arrival, especially during weekends as there are only 60 vehicles allowed inside the Corbett National Park at a time. Depending on the number of guests, the estimated cost of safari vehicles will be between Rs 2600 - Rs 4000. Guests can directly contact the hotels and book their safaris.

Corbett National Park Gates opening/closing Dates for 2024

All the gates of Corbett National Park will re-open in November 2024. The forest rest houses situated in the circle of this National Park are also opened for the same time period. These opening and closing dates are same for Rajaji National Park too.

Corbett National Park is also providing the Day visit and Night Stay facilities. The first shift timing of day visit is 6:60 and 13:30 for second day visit. Tourist can visit these gates by using Gypsies. You have to apply online first for safari permit. Night stay facilities are available at Dhikala, Khinnauli, Sarpduli, Gairal, Bijrani, Lohachaud, Pakhro, Kalagad and Ratwadab gates. Online booking is also available for these stays.

Corbett National Park remains closed during the monsoons. All zones of Corbett Tiger Reserve are closed for night halts by visitors from 15th June to 15th October.

Bijrani Zone: Bijrani zone opens on 15 October 2024 and remains open till June 2025. Night Stay facility also available.

Dhikala Zone:The Dhikala, Lohachaur and Sonanadi Tourism Zones remains open from 15 November 2024 to 15 June 2025. Night Stay facility also available.

Jhirna Zone: The Jhirna Tourism Zone, however remains open for day safaris throughout the year, subject to road and weather conditions being safe.

Safari Zones and Gates in Jim Corbett National Park

  • JhirnaA densely wooded and grassland habitat, it makes for excellent bird viewing. The Great Hornbill is found in abundance here. Jhirna is home to a population of sloth bear and wild elephants and a growing tiger population. A large grove of 'Flame of the forest' adds drama to Jhirna. A strong prey base of nilgai, cheetal, sambhar and the wild boar also makes it an attractive area for the big cats, while a resident wild elephant and sloth bear population offer great sighting opportunities.
  • Bijrani: These forests range from those of pure Sal on the upper reaches, to deciduous mixed forests in the valley, along with three major grasslands. It sustains a variety of herbivores, and has a wide network of jungle roads, making Bijrani excellent tiger sighting territory. carved out of a shooting block, with a wide network of criss-crossing jungle roads, offers excellent tiger sighting opportunity. On Corbett's eastern boundary, Bijrani's forests are dense with a wide variety of vegetation: of pure Sal forests on the upper reaches and tropical moist, deciduous mixed forests in the valley and plains. Excellent water availability throughout the year and wide grasslands make it an exceptional habitat for a strong prey base and its predator.
  • DhikalaThis is the largest and most varied zone in Corbett, offering the best opportunities for overnight stays. Dhikala contains a diverse range of habitats: its higher reaches suit Ghoral, a goat antelope, while the Gharial and Maggars, as well as the great Mahaseer, inhabit the rivers below. The hog deer is also exclusive to Dhikala. Dhikala offers the most varied terrain in all and, if booked well in advance, the widest range of Forest Rest House accommodations in the park. This block of forest has the Ramganga river stretch through its middle, emptying into a wide, multiple-necked reservoir.
  • Durga Devi Zone: This range is famous for bird watching and fishing 'Mahasheer', a large fish species. Durga Devi is at north-east corner of Corbett Park, birds species like maroon orile, great headed fishing eagle, little forktail and many more. Mandal and Ramganga river in this forest attracts wild elephants, leopards and Tigers.
  • Sonanadi: A centre range in the Corbet National Park, Sonanadi range is famous for wildlife beauty with amazing flora and fauna. Over 550 species of birds are recorded here with leopard, tiger, cheetal, sambhar and raptiles.
  • Phato: This zone provides buffer forest to southern Corbett, comprising mostly of plantation forests.

Corbett National Park Travel News

11 Sep 2024
Corbett Heritage Safari Zone will start in November from Chhoti Haldwani

Another new safari zone is going to start in Jim Corbett National Park, in which one can do safari by gypsy. The special thing is that from this zone, tourists will be able to know in detail about the famous hunter Edward James Jim Corbett. Ramnagar Forest Division is going to start a new Corbett Heritage Safari Zone in Kaladhungi area.

14 Aug 2024
Night-stay and Canter bookings have closed. It will reopen on Oct 01, 2024
12 Aug 2024
World Elephant Day - 12 Aug 2024: International Elephant Day was celebrated in Uttarakhand

The number of elephants in Corbett National Park and Rajaji National Park has increased to more than 2000.  Many programs are being organized for their conservation.

30 Jul 2024
World Tiger Day - 29 July : Corbett National Park tiger reserve continues with its tiger conservation

World Tiger Day is observed every year on July 29th to raise awareness about tiger conservation and to promote efforts to protect these magnificent animals and their natural habitats. Currently, it is estimated that the Corbett Tiger Reserve is home to approximately 250 to 300 tigers.

13 Jun 2024
Uttarakhand Governor Lt General Gurmit Singh (Retd) took part in a safari in Jim Corbett National Park.

The Governor said that forests and wildlife are the invaluable assets of Uttarakhand, it is the responsibility of all to preserve them.

Activities in Corbett National Park

Jungle Safari: One of the most preferred activities for which tourists come to Jim Corbett is the Jungle Safari with options like Elephant Safari, Jeep Safari and Canter Safari. Tourists are offered jeep rides traversing through the jungle where they could spot wild animals like elephants, deer, langurs, leopards, crocodiles any many more. If one is lucky enough, the king of the jungle, the Bengal tiger could make a royal entrance. For more adventurous travelers, elephant safari is an option.     

Wildlife Photography: Corbett National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. All you need is a digital camera and one can capture stunning photographs of a variety of flora and fauna in wild. Although for capturing a perfect shot of the tiger, one has to have enormous patience.   

Bird Watching in CorbettMore than 500 species birds have been recorded in Corbett National Park area. Some of the most popular birds spotted are Lesser Fish Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Tawny Fish and Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, Hodgson's Bushchat, Bright-headed Cisticola, Rosy Minivet, White-tailed Rubythroat are just some of the species that are regularly seen in and around the park. Enjoy birding in Corbett along with wildlife safari.

Fishing: The catchment area offers Ramganga River offers various opportunities for catching fishes. Quite a few licensed fishing camps are set up on the banks of the river for angling especially catching Mahseer fishes.

Rafting: For adventurous souls, rafting in the rapid and turbulent waters of Ram Ganga River is quite a thrilling experience. There are grade I and II rapids at Jim Corbett park. However, rafting season at Jim Corbett is permitted only in the monsoons.

Corbett National Park Travel Tips

  • Please keep in mind, that there is no fuel station beyond Ramnagar. So one should refuel their vehicles before entering the park. Driving off track is not permitted and gates are closed by evening. 
  • This is a national park and a tiger reserve and not a zoo, so animals move freely inside the park at will. Please don’t expect wildlife everywhere and every time.   
  • Out of four safari zones in Jim Corbett National Park, only Jhirna zone is open to tourists during the monsoons. The influx of tourists is less during the monsoons; hence, one can enjoy the serenity that captivates the beautiful tiger reserve. 
  • Be a responsible tourist and abide by the guidelines outlined by the authorities. 

Staying in Corbett National Park

Being one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in India, thousands of wildlife enthusiasts visit Corbett National Park in Ramnagar. There are plenty of accommodations available in and around the park where one can relax and rejuvenate with their friends and family amidst the lap of nature. These include luxurious hotels and resorts equipped with high-end amenities to budget guest houses, cottages and camps. Check out Corbett hotels and resorts.

Corbett National Park Food Guide

Since Corbett National Park is a Tiger reserve, restaurants are not permitted inside the protected area. One can find plenty of eating options outside the protected zone. Resorts have in-house restaurants and bar that serve all kinds of delectable cuisines from North Indian, Continental, Chinese, Mughlai and much more. Apart from this one can also try the local Kumaoni dishes.

History of Corbett National Park

Initially, some of the areas of the Corbett National Park were a part of the princely Tehri Garhwal dynasty. The dense forests were cleared to make the area less vulnerable to the Rohilla invaders. In order to banish the Gurkhas from his domain, the Raja of Tehri renounced some part of his princely state to the East India Company.

Boksas, a tribe from Terai region then settled here and began farming until the early 1860s, but with the introduction of the British Rule, they were forced to leave. The first step for protecting the area was taken in 1868, with the birth of the British Forest Department, who prohibited cultivation here. The operation of the cattle stations came under Major Ramsay, the British Officer who was in-charge of the area during that time.

In 1879, the forests were constituted into a reserve forest. In the early years of the 1900s, several Britishers including E.R Stevens and E.A. Smythies suggested that a national park should be built in this place. The British administration then came up with the idea of setting up a game reserve in 1907.

In 1930s, when the authorities came up with the plan of demarcation of the area, Jim Corbett assisted them, as he knew the area well. In 1936, when Sir Malcolm Hailey was the Governor of the United Provinces, a reserve by the name of Hailey National Park, sprawling over 323.75 km2 (125.00 sq mi) gave birth to Asia's first national park. After that strict guidelines and laws were made against killing and capturing of mammals, reptiles and birds within the park’s boundaries.

In the midst of 1954-55, the reserve was renamed as Ramganga National Park and its name was again changed in 1955-56 and was kept as Corbett National Park to honor the well-known author and wildlife conservationist, Jim Corbett who played a vital role in creating the reserve, by persuading the provincial government for establishing it.

Sadly, during the bloodshed of the Second World War, the area of Corbett National Park witnessed excessive poaching and timber cutting. But in 1991, about 797.72 km2 (308.00 sq mi) area was added as a buffer zone to the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, which included the entire Kalagarh forest division, assimilating the 301.18 km2 (116.29 sq mi) area of Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary as a part of the Kalagarh division.

In 1974, it was chosen as the site for launching a noble and ambitious wildlife conservation project called the Project Tiger. At present, the Corbett National Park's headquarters are based in Nainital district, from where it is administered.

Jim Corbett National Park Safari and Other Activity Rates

Disclaimer: Kindly check the latest prices for various activities and safari rates with official website of Jim Corbett National Park. The following rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Day visit entry fee for Bijrani, Sonanadi, Jhirna, Domunda/Durga Devi (per person/per visit for 4 hrs)
Rs 500/- Indian, Rs 1500/- Foreigner
Vehicle Fee (Light Vehicle to Heavy Vehicle)
Rs 500/- to 1500/- (Depends on vehicle)
Photography (Commercial)
Rs 500/- Indian, Rs 1500/- Foreigner
Elephant Ride (per person for 2 hrs)
Rs 300/- Indian, Rs 1000/- Foreigner
Elephant Safari (for a day)
Rs 3000/-
Ramganaga Conducted Tour
Rs 1000/- Indian, Rs 2000/- Foreigner

Check out the official website of Corbett National Park for booking of Safari in Jhirna, Dhikala and Bijrani Zones: https://corbettonline.uk.gov.in

Corbett Online UK Govt: Notice regarding official website for reservation in Corbett Tiger Reserve

Corbett Travel Updates and Guidelines

Corbett is open for tourists and Safari

Online booking for day visit in Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Pakhro, Dhikala, Durga devi Gate will start from 10 October 2020 and night stay at various rest houses inside Corbett Tiger Reserve will start from 15 October 2020.

  • Testing of all visitor, drivers and guides for temperature using contact less thermometers be carried out at the entry point. In case of any individual has a temperature higher than normal, he/she will not be allowed for safari.
  • All visitors including drivers and guides shall ensure use of masks and face shields and every vehicle shall have provision for a sanitizer which shall be used at the time of boarding/deboarding/whenever required.
  • No Eco Tourist shall be allowed to disembark with in the tiger reserve
  • Visitors should be aware and shall abide by the latest Guidelines issued by Government of India and Government of Uttarakhand before coming to Jungle Safari to avoid inconvenience.

Date: 10 October 2020

Corbett National Park Photo Gallery

Flower on the bank of river near Jim Corbett National Park.
Outskirts Of Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Herd of Elephants at Corbett National Park.
Little black bird at Corbett waiting for rain.
Tiger walking alone at Jim Corbett National Park, like a king.
The alert deer looking straight at the camera, even though we were hidden behind tall grasses.
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Corbett National Park Weather

Check out the Corbett National Park weather report for October

Corbett National Park Weather in October

The minimun and maximum temperature in October in Corbett National Park is 16°C and 26°C respectively. The weather is generally pleasant and clear in October and you would feel pleasant throughout the day. Summer Clothes clothes are recommended for Corbett National Park in October.

Detailed weather information of Corbett National Park

What is Corbett National Park famous for?

Corbett National Park is famous among tourist as Wildlife, Tiger Reserve, Jungle Safari, National Park, Adventure, Safari, Bird Watching.

Corbett National Park is recommended destination for Corporates, Couples, Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups.

Corbett National Park is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Angling, Bird Watching, Christmas and New Year, Honeymoon Destination, Leisure, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Safari, Tiger Reserve, Weekend Getaway, Wildlife Tourism.

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