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The probability is very high, but tiger sightings entirely depend on several factors, including luck. The best thing is to enjoy the beauty of nature while inside the jungle. Therefore, a tiger sighting should be treated as a bonus experience.
Jim Corbett National Park is situated in Uttarakhand state in India. It is named after "Jim Corbett", who was instrumental in its establishment. It is the oldest national Park in India. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett National Park is a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
It is home to various iconic animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and different species of deer, boar, antelopes and monkeys.
The Ramganga River flows in the middle of the Park, is the only perennial river in the region. The Park and its adjoining wildlife sanctuary cover an area of 562 sq. km.
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Tourist Zones of Jim Corbett National Park
There are six tourist zones, Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Durgadevi, Dhela and Sitabani buffer zone.
Bijrani Zone Guide
Dhikala & Bijrani are two most demanded zones. The possibility of tiger sightings is very high here. The breathtaking natural scenery of Birjani is a sight to behold. With its extensive meadows and tangles of trees and streams, this zone is home to a bewildering variety of plants and animals. This zone has two forest rest houses, Bijrani and Malani.
The Forest Rest House in Bijrani includes a total of seven rooms, four of which have double beds, two of which have single beds and, there is a dormitory with four beds. Brijrani has its canteen where you can have your Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks, Dinner, and some other refreshments.
In the case of Malani, you need to carry your food from outside. There is one cook cum caretaker who will prepare food for you. The forest rest house in Malani contains two rooms, each with a double bed and a common drawing-room. This FRH is preferred by tourists looking for a quiet area to relax and bird watching. Don't miss the landscape of Ringora during your safari. This zone is closed during monsoon periods.
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Dhikala Zone Guide
It is considered as most premium zone mainly because of its landscape and better forest rest house facilities. Wildlife tourists anxiously await for booking confirmation in Dhikala FRH. The Dhikala zone can be visited through the Dhangari gate. Ramnagar is 18 kilometres from Dhangari Gate, while Dhikala FRH is 31 kilometres from Dhangari Gate.
A crocodile pool can be found on the direct route after crossing Gairal FRH. There is a natural elevated platform from where you can enjoy resting crocodiles down below.
Tigers are often spotted in the Dhikala grassland and other trails. You will have four forest rest houses in this zone, Dhikala (very high demand), Sarapduli, Gairal and Sultan.
Dhikala zone doesn't allow jeep safari for day visitors (only permitted if you have a booking of these four guesthouses). However, canter safari is available for day visitors in this zone. The extraordinary beauty of the vast grassland and the dam backwater meadow will be vivid in your memory for a lifetime. This zone is also closed during monsoon periods.
Jhirna Zone Guide
This is also a fantastic zone. Jhirna forest resthouse provided a very panoramic view of the adjacent river bed. The Jhirna tourism zone is located in the southern part of Jim Corbett National Park. Broad stream beds, as well as sheer cliff edges, provide excellent bird-watching opportunities. Sloth bears and heard of wild elephants can often be found in the area. However, you need to carry your food, and the caretaker will cook the food for you. This zone is open for travellers throughout the year, including during the monsoon season. Nights are fascinating in this rest house; the cacophony of the jungle and the lighting of Firefly will force you to be wakeful all night. Jeep Safari in Jhirna Zone is permitted throughout the year.
Dhela Zone Guide
This is one of the buffer zones of Corbett. Throughout the year, this zone remains unrestricted for tourists. Jeep Safari in this zone operates throughout the year like the Jhirna zone. You can stay in Dhela Forest Rest House's solitary accomodation, which has two double bedrooms. To reach Dhela Forest Rest House, you'll need to enter through Dhela Gate, situated on the Dhela village about 20 km from Ramnagar.
Durga Devi Zone Guide
This zone is situated 30 km from Ramnagar. Along with other animals, this zone is an Eden for bird watchers. The name of the forest rest house is Lohachur. This zone is closed during monsoon periods. Jeep Safari in this zone is quite adventurous. River crossing and mountain climbing in the jeep through the wilderness have their fan base. The river is full of big fish, another unique feature of this zone.
Wildlife of Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is World famous for its bird's population. As of now, more than 600 species of birds are registered in this area. Some of the commonly sighted species are Oriental Magpie Robin, Oriental Darter, Bengal Flamingo, Indian Coot, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Black Winged Kite, Black Kite, Great Hornbill, Black-Necked Stork, Malabar Trogon, Chestnut Backed Woodpecker, Olive Thrush, Crimson Sunbird, Black-Throated Fireback, Gray Francolin, Indian Vulture, Indian Roller, Oriental Turtle Dove, Indian House Wren, Indian Nightjar, Indian Peafowl, Indian Hill Myna etc.
Some of the common animals in this Park are Bengal Tiger, Elephant, Spotted Deer, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Barking Deer, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Porcupine, Fishing Cat, Otter, Mongoose, etc.
Night Stay in Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is among India's few reserve forests where tourists can book overnight jungle stay at forest guest house. These guesthouses are managed professionally and equipped with basic amenities. Staying inside the tiger reserve is an entirely different experience altogether. Especially during the night, you can hear the calls of various animals and even watch them from your room.
Booking of forest rest houses is online and opens 45 days in advance. It would help if you were very prompt because usually, these rooms get sold within a couple of seconds.
How to Reach Jim Corbett National Park
Delhi is the major airport near Jim Corbett National Park. From Delhi, it is approximately 8 hrs drive by taxi(250 km). Ramnagar Station is connected with major cities by train. By bus route, Ramnagar is connected with Delhi, Moradabad, Haridwar, Haldwani, Kathgodam etc.
