Jim Corbett National Park is a forested wildlife sanctuary in northern India’s Uttarakhand State. Rich in flora and fauna, it’s known for its Bengal tigers. Animals, including tigers, leopards and wild elephants, roam the Dhikala zone. On the banks of the Ramganga Reservoir, the Sonanadi zone is home to elephants and leopards, along with hundreds of species of birds.
Better known as Jim Corbett National Park, Corbett is located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. A much favoured wildlife sanctuary and weekend getaway for many, Corbett enjoys year round tourist movement. Apart from Jim Corbett National Park, other attractions like Corbett Waterfalls and Garjiya Devi Temple are also popular amongst tourists. It is easily approachable by road and rail from Delhi and other parts of north India.
By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (code: DEL) serves as the nearest airport to Corbett (approx 250 kms). Since Delhi enjoys excellent air connectivity with India and important world cities, visitors can board a direct or connecting flight till Delhi and then travel to Corbett by road or rail. The journey will be time-saving
By Road: Driving down to Corbett by road from Delhi and Uttarakhand is a preferable option. As road condition is good, the drive happens to be a pleasant one. Many private bus service providers run luxury buses at economical fares several times a day between Delhi and Jim Corbett.
By Rail: Ramnagar Railway (code: RMR) Station, located around 12 km away, serves as the nearest station. Several trains connect Ramnagar with Delhi and other cities and towns of north India. As train service is available both during first and second half of the day, passengers can board a train anytime to Ramnagar. The journey is short and local taxis are available outside the station for hotels and park.
The months of November through June are the perfect time to visit Corbett National Park as the park remains open to tourists during these periods only. The park is kept closed as the monsoon season approaches.
Jim Corbett National Park is India's oldest and most popular National Park in India. The Park acts as a protection zone for Bengal Tigers of India. It is one of the well known wildlife sanctuaries in India and among the best places to visit near Delhi.
Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. After India's independence the park was named as Jim Corbett - the famous hunter turned conservationist and author, who played a major role in the establishment of the national park. The area came under Project Tiger in 1973. Spread over an area of about 520 sq. km, out of which 330 sq. km forms the core area. Owing to its location in the Himalayan low lands, many streams flow through the park, supporting the diverse vegetation. The altitude of this park ranges from 360 m to 1,040 m.
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. It is home to around 50 species of trees, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. The park is also home to wide variety of wildlife including Tigers, Elephants, Chital, Sambar Deer, Nilgai, Gharial, King Cobra, Muntjac, Wild boar, Hedgehog, common Musk Shrew, Flying fox and Indian Pangolin.
Corbett National Park has been divided into 5 different zones, Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Durgadevi, and Dhela. Dhikala Ecotourism zone opens after monsoon on 15th November for day visit, while Durgadevi and Bijrani Zones open from 15th October onwards. Bijrani, Dhikala and Durgadevi zones are closed from June 15th onwards. Jhirna and Dhela remain open throughout the year for day visits.