How To Plan Jim Corbett National Park Tour

How To Plan Corbett Tour

Jim Corbett National Park is India's oldest and most popular national park, renowned for its majestic Bengal tigers and rich biodiversity. Named after the hunter-turned conservationist, James Edward Corbett, this renowned wildlife haven is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Spread across a sprawling landscape of dense forests, riverine belts, and grasslands, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat. To ensure a well-organised and enjoyable trip, it is important to plan ahead. Jim Corbett National Park is an ideal weekend destination from Delhi, as it is only 238 km from the national capital. A road trip to the national park encompasses scenic views of the Himalayas foothills.

The following steps guide will travellers through the essential strategies to organize their visit, from choosing the right time to securing permits, accommodations, and safaris.

Step 1: Choose the Suitable Season to Visit

Jim Corbett National Park remains open from mid-November to mid-June, with different zones having varying operational periods. Some of the buffer zones remain operational even during the monsoon season. The best time to visit is between November and February when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are abundant. However, to experience the verdant greenery of Corbett in less crowd, tourists can also opt for a short visit in the monsoon season from July to September.

Step 2: Choose the Mode of Transportation

While a majority of visitors prefer a road transport to reach Jim Corbett National Park, to enjoy the picturesque route, the national park is well accessible by flight and train. The Ramnagar Railway Station is the nearest railhead to jim Corbett National Park, located just a couple of kilometres from the national park. For those who prefer to commute by flight, Pantnagar Airport is the nearest one. However, Indira Gandhi International Airport is the most opted one due to better connectivity across the country and abroad. Book or reserve tickets well in advance for the preferred mode of transport.

Step 3: Decide the Safari Zone

The park is divided into several distinct safari zones, with Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Durga Devi being the most popular ones. Each zone offers a different experience, with Dhikala being the most popular for its rich wildlife diversity, while Jhirna and Dhela are accessible throughout the year. While the rest of the zones provide jeep safari, tourists can opt for canter safari in the Dhikala Zone.

Step 4: Book the Preferred Safari

Safari bookings for Jim Corbett are primarily managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department, accompanied by several tour operators. In order to secure a preferred safari type and zone, go for online booking to reserve tickets in advance. Booking the safari well ahead of time is recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Travellers can choose from jeep safaris and canter safaris. Safari permits are required, and the details of all participants, including valid ID proofs, must be provided at the time of booking.

Step 5: Secure Accommodation

Jim Corbett offers a wide range of accommodation options, from forest lodges within the park to luxury resorts in the surrounding areas. Staying inside the national park, especially in Dhikala, enhances the wildlife experience. However, for those seeking comfort, resorts and hotels near the national park’s entry gates provide convenient options. Ensure you reserve the stay early to avoid last-minute availability issues.

Step 6: Obtain Required Permits

Permits are mandatory for entering Jim Corbett National Park, and they can be obtained online or from the designated counters. It is essential to carry valid identification documents, as these will be verified at the entry point. Ensure that the details in the permits match the information provided during the safari and accommodation bookings.

Step 7: Pack Accordingly

Planning a wildlife adventure to destinations like Jim Corbett National Park requires thorough packing. Light clothing is recommended for summers, while warmer layers are essential during winter. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking trails, sunscreen, insect repellent, medicines, first aid kid and a pair of binoculars for wildlife spotting. Additionally, carry reusable water bottles and eco-friendly products to minimise environmental impact.