Things To Do In Corbett National Park

The Jim Corbett National Park, named after the famous Conservationist and Hunter Jim Corbett, is very popular for its tigers. Jim Corbett was very popular and revered around the Kumaon region for his efforts to take down the man-eating tigers and leopards in the region. Even today, one of the most exciting things to do in the region is catching a glimpse of the majestic Bengal Tiger that inhabits the park. Jungle safaris come in all forms here, on the back an elephant, in open jeeps as well as canter. While tiger spotting and safaris are the highlight, there are plenty of other things to do while in Jim Corbett National Park; from sightseeing to river rafting, fishing to bridge slithering. 

While the park is full of fun activities, it is also famous for its various sights that one can visit. The Garjia temple, located atop a large rock near the Kosi River, is very popular. Believed to be a temple for goddess Durga known as Garjia here, the temple is a must see. The Corbett waterfall is another popular place in the region. En Route to Nainital, at around 20 odd kilometres from Ramnagar, the waterfall is another one of nature’s delights. While the waters are not entirely safe, the sound of the falling waters mixed with the calm of the place and the cheerful calls of the many birds make the experience quite magical. Another important place to visit in the region would be the Corbett Museum. Located in the heritage bungalow of Jim Corbett, the museum is a standing reminder of the achievements of the park and Corbett himself. With numerous artefacts and collections, the museum will surely take you back in time.

Operating in the Bijrani and Dhikala zones, the elephant safari is easily the best way to explore the thick jungles of the Corbett National Park. An elephant safari allows visitors to get as close as possible to natural habitats of the animals that inhabit these forests. Sometimes cutting through thick jungle cover, the elephant safari also allows visitors to explore parts of the forest that one can enter in a jeep or canter safari. It is important to note that the elephant safari has specific timings, from 6:00 to 8:00 in the morning and 3:00 to 5:00 in the evenings.

If visiting with family or groups too large to fit in a single jeep, the canter safari is the best way to experience the deep forests of the park. While completely safe, the canter vehicle can fit 16 passengers at a time. The canter safari services are mostly available from Ramnagar and operate in the Dhikala Zone of the park.

While a little faster than the other safaris available in the park, the jeep safaris are the most popular here. Available at almost all major resorts and in agencies in Ramnagar, Jeep Safari is the most accessible and is good fun. The Jeep safaris have specific timings but are available both in the mornings and the evenings. The safari also operates only in 4 zones of the park, Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna and Durga Devi.

Uttarakhand offers some of the best rafting routes in the country. With fascinating rapids, routes with convergence of rivers, clean beaches, and a number of tiny villages that these waters cross rafting here is one of the most memorable experiences. The Corbett route offers two grades of rapids so both amateurs and professionals can indulge in this adrenaline-pumping sport. With advanced equipment and safety measures, rafting in the Kosi River is perfectly safe and is a must try.

While fishing and angling are not allowed inside the national park, there are plenty of spots in the Ramganga and the Kosi River around the national park that are very good for fishing. While the Ramganga River is known for Masheer and Goonch fish the Kosi River is known for Masheer. Matwash, Rikawasi, Bandharan Bashal and Balyali are among the popular spots for the activity.

While in the national park, camping is one of those things that you must try before leaving. Allowing for an extended stay in the serene forests of the park, camping in the Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most exciting things to do. Camping in the park allows visitors to indulge in numerous adventure activities like rock climbing while also providing opportunities for bird watching and sight-seeing. There are two kinds of camping facilities here, a permanent and a temporary one. While the temporary camps are usually set up in the forests of Sitabani where the tourists are safer from wild animals, the permanent camp sites are located in the villages of Ringoda, Mohan and Dhikuli in the outer regions of the park.

Bridge slithering is one of the most popular activities in the park. The adventure encompasses a slide from a bridge down to the river, from where the support staff will pick him/her up. Secured with a harness, this activity is completely safe. The Jhula Bridge over the Kosi River is one of the most popular places for the activity.