Located in the fascinating and breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas, the Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most admired tourist destinations of India. Enjoying its pride as India’s first wildlife sanctuary and mainland Asia’s first national park, Corbett National Park was established in 1936. Strategically positioned, the park stretches out over an impressive 521 square kilometres and supports diverse animal and plant species. Together with the neighbouring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, the Jim Corbett National Park forms the world famous Corbett Tiger Reserve. The biggest attractions of Corbett’s are undoubtedly the Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant. Be prepared to be swept off your feet by the sheer natural beauty and lose yourself in the land of roar and trumpet! Read on to find out more from this travel guide of Jim Corbett National Park.

Lying in the two districts of Nainital and Pauri in the state of Uttarakhand, Corbett has its northern areas lined by the Lesser Himalayan chain characterised by high altitudes. The greater part of the park lies in the Outer-Himalayan or the Sivalik region which are much lower than the Lesser Himalayas. The southern portion of Corbett lies in the terai-bhabar region which in contrast to the Himalayas is swampy and humid. The geographic location of Corbett accounts for its highly diverse biological reserves. 

By Air:

The nearest international airport is in the national capital of New Delhi and the closest domestic airport is Patanagar 50kms from Corbett.

By Rail:

The nearest railhead is Ramnagar which is located 60kms from the national park and is the main access point for tourists. It is well connected to Delhi and other cities of Uttarakhand.

By Road:

Deluxe, semi-deluxe and public buses connect Corbett to Delhi and nearby cities of Uttarakhand.

Jeeps are the most popular and regular modes of transport for a tour of the national park. If you are lodging with the resorts outside the National Park Core Zone they will arrange for a jeep safari. Several tour and travel companies also provide the facility of a jeep safari. A jeep safari starts either early in the morning or post lunch and lasts for 2.5-3 hours.

Any trip to Corbett without a taste of elephant safari leaves your trip incomplete. An elephant ride with an expert mahout deep into the dense forests is perhaps the only way to come closer to the animals. An encounter with a tiger or a herd of wild elephants riding on an elephant is as adventurous as it can get. Elephant safaris commence from Dhikala twice a day, once early in the morning and then later in the afternoon.

Canter Safari is on an open bus with 18 seats. This safari however operates only in the Dhikala zone and can be availed by tourists who are not staying within the park’s core zone. Picking up tourists from Ramnagar and Dhangari gate, a canter safari lasts approximately six hours.

Corbett remains open to tourists from 15th November to 15th June. Entry within the national park after sunset is strictly prohibited. 

Corbett enjoys temperate weather conditions throughout the year. Summers are quite warm but allows clear sighting of animals. Winters are very pleasant and certainly the preferred time to indulge in jungle safaris and other adventure activities. Though monsoons enhance the natural beauty of the park, some zones remain closed during this period. The best season to visit Corbett Tiger Reserve is from November to June. 

The Jim Corbett Museum is located in Kaladhungi and is one of the chief attractions of the place. The building housing the museum was originally the bungalow of Jim Corbett, the famous hunter turned environmentalist after whom the national park is named. Several of his belongings are displayed at the museum including his paintings, manuscripts, personal articles etc.

The museum remains open throughout the year except during holi. The timings for visiting the museum is from 7am to 6pm. Entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 10 and for foreigners is Rs. 50.

Located 25km from Ramnagar, this 60 feet waterfall offers the perfect site for picnic, bird watching and camping. The lush green surrounding and peaceful environment pleasantly interrupted by the chirping of birds helps to soothe nerves. 

Dhikala in Jim Corbett National Park is located near Patil Dun Valley. The place is popular for the amazing view it offers of the valley. 

Popularity of this place as an ideal hunting ground dates back to the colonial period. It boasts of more diverse vegetation than Dhikala.

Jhirna is a rest house on the southern fringes of the park. It has been taken under the tiger project. Jeep safaris take tourists to these prominent areas within the national park.

Located on top of a huge rock in the midst of Kosi River is a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati who is also known as Garjia Devi here. Revered by the local people, the temple is visited by many devotees.

Corbett is a popular destination for fishing and angling.  Fishing is allowed at Pancheshwar, Ramgarh and Binsar in Corbett area. Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that Fishing and Angling tour packages are offered by tour and travel agencies here.

River rafting in Kosi River is another major attraction for adventure lovers in Corbett.  River rafting is possible here only during the monsoon season and each trip lasts for about 30 minutes through Class II and Class III rapids. It gets the adrenaline pumping and is highly recommended for those visiting Corbett in monsoon.

• Enter the park only after securing the necessary permits. Please abide by all rules.
• Please avail of guides to move around the park. They are well acquainted with the roads inside the forest ensuring that you do not lose your way. They also help in spotting wildlife.
• Drive slowly around the park, following the specified routes and ensuring that you do not disturb the animals.
• Respect wild life and maintain distance from them.
• Do not listen to loud music. You might scare off animals. The quieter you are better the chance of spotting wildlife.
• Do not smoke or use camp fires inside the forest. Accidental fires can wreak havoc.
• Do not get off your vehicle except where you are allowed to. This is to ensure your own safety.
• Do not litter the park with non-biodegradable products like plastics and tin cans.
• Remember that this is not a zoo so it is absolutely possible that you do not get to see any animals. Enjoy the natural and scenic beauty of Corbett.
• Alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not allowed.