Flora and Fauna of Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is well-known for its abundant fauna and unmatched natural beauty. It is astounding that Corbett Park offers different kinds of flowers. There are roughly 110 tree species, 51 different shrub species, 27 different climbers, and 33 different forms of bamboo and grass. Sal Shorea Robusta trees, which cover about 75% of the central region, are the most found in Corbett. The trees found in Corbett that are the most noticeable include Sheesham, Dhak, Sisoo, and Khair. Around the national park, there are many additional variations. Chir Pine, the only conifer in the park, is found on ridge tops like Chir Choti and diminishes in Gajar Sot. The Banj Oak, a characteristic Himalayan species, can be seen growing in the upper elevations close to Kanda.
Leopard, tiger, elephant, sambar, hog deer, chital, barking deer, langur, wild pig, wild boar, rhesus monkey, jackal, and sambar are the mammals you are likely to witness on your Corbett wildlife trips. Other rare bird species in the national park include jungle fowl, peacocks, partridges, crows, Khaleej pheasants, vultures, laughing thrushes, orioles, kingfishers, parakeets, doves, woodpeckers, drongos, ducks, teals, cormorants, storks, and seagulls.
Places to Visit Near Jim Corbett National Park
There are lots of sites to explore near Jim Corbett. You may choose from scenic hill towns, rivers, waterfalls, and pilgrimage sites.
You can organize your itinerary by consulting this list of all the Corbett National Park tourist attractions.
- Corbett Waterfall: One of the must-see locations in Jim Corbett is a waterfall, which is 66 feet tall. To get to this magnificent place, you must hike a little. Additionally, it becomes a sight to see on full moon evenings that mesmerizes people.
- Jhirna: The Southern region of Jim Corbett Park is home to this region, which is renowned for its dense forest and easy access to wildlife. Observing creatures like nilgai, sambhar, and cheetal in their natural habitat makes it one of the most popular spots in Jim Corbett.
- Corbett Museum: The Jim Corbett Museum in Kaladhungi is the hunter-turned-heritage conservationist’s home. Visitors to Jim Corbett choose this museum as one of the must-see tourist attractions to view the accomplishments and efforts of the environmentalist.
- Garjia Devi Temple: The Garjia Devi Temple is a massive rock in the middle of the Kosi River that bears the name of the same-named deity. Devotees from all over the world flock to this temple, one of the most well-known locations in Jim Corbett.
- Bijrani: Bijrani is a magnificent location valued for its dense forest, vast grasslands, uncontrolled drainage systems, and animals. It is a dry park area with a wide variety of plants.
Safari in Jim Corbett National Park
Jeep Safari in Jim Corbett
One of the activities you must try is the Jim Corbett jeep safari. This kind of exploration is the fastest and most efficient for Corbett. You can tour all the densely populated areas with a chance of sighting animals like red foxes, elephants, tigers, black bears, and more by riding in an open-air vehicle.
These open-top off-road vehicles are best suited for the rugged terrain of Corbett National Park with the professional & experienced wildlife-trained drivers and the knowledgeable Park Nature Guides who accompany you on these trips. They are well-versed in the day-to-day changes in wildlife movement, ensuring that your Jeep Safari experience is beyond what you have imagined.
Jeep Safari timings in Jim Corbett
Summer Timings
- Morning – 5:30 am to 8:30 am
- Afternoon- 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Winter Timings
- Morning – 6:30 am to 9:30 am
- Afternoon- 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Elephant Safari in Jim Corbett
Elephant Safari is a peaceful way to enjoy nature and breathtaking views of landscapes like riverbanks, valleys, and lush forests. One of the best things to do in the Corbett Tiger Reserve is to take an elephant ride with a skilled mahout.
Riding an elephant at a safe height of 9 to 10 feet is a great way to explore the lush surroundings and environment. You may spot many species of birds, mammals, and reptiles from there. The only zones you can cover on an elephant safari are in the Dhikala and Bijrani regions. The safari has a set route, so visitors and travelers can see everything. Even Jim Corbett’s elephant safari price is less than the thrill you’ll experience.
Elephant Safari timings in Jim Corbett
Summer Timings
- Morning- 6:00 am to 8:00 am
- Afternoon- 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Winter Timings
- Morning- 7:00 am to 9:00 am
- Afternoon- 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Canter Safari in Jim Corbett
A canter safari Jim Corbett is similar to a minibus or a compact RTV bus. It can carry 16 people at a time and is a shared safari. Corbett Tiger Reserve’s central section, well-renowned for its density and beauty, is the Dhikala zone, where the canter safari travels. If you do not have a permit for a night’s stay at Dhikala, a canter safari is the finest way to visit the Dhikala zone.
It is a different way to see the core area of Corbett National Park. They offer two canter safaris daily, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. One need not stay at a Dhikala or another accommodation inside the park to enjoy this safari.
Canter Safari timings in Jim Corbett
Summer Timings
- Morning – 5:00 am to 11:00 am
- Afternoon – 11:30 am to 5:00 pm
Winter Timings
- Morning – 6:00 am to 10:30 am
- Afternoon – 11:30 am to 5:00 pm
Night Safari in Jim Corbett
The Jim Corbett National Park’s night safari is conducted on the road outside the park, not inside it. As wildlife is most active at night, night safaris excite visitors to Jim Corbett National Park and occasionally result in excellent wildlife sightings. One should keep an eye out for reptiles like snakes or pythons during a night safari on bituminous roads.
Jim Corbett Zones or Gates
Zones of Jim Corbett
Dhikala Zone
The zone is the largest among the other zones of Jim Corbett and the finest example of pristine natural beauty. According to the data, most of the sightings of tigers are recorded in this zone. You can enjoy a jeep safari here to get the maximum chance to spot wildlife. Being situated on the edges of Patil Dun, Dhikala offers an excellent opportunity to spot Bengal Tigers, Cheetahs, and Elephants.
Dhela Zone
Witnessing the tigers in their natural habitat is a lifetime adventure you can encounter in this zone with high possibility. Dhela Zone is considered one of the best zones that have recorded the second-highest tiger sightings. And its spread of 1173-hectare for vibrant flora will enrich your safari tour in this park. In addition, this zone has 46 kilometers of jungle path that offers you an excellent opportunity to spot various wild animals. Gypsy safari in Dhela Zone is available throughout the year to experience the wilderness at its best.
Bijrani Zone
The zone is around 1 km from Ramnagar city and is famous for a reasonably good amount of tiger sightings. Jeep and Elephant safaris in the Bijrani Zone are available to explore the Jim Corbett National Park . However, it is advised to book your jungle safari in advance at least 45 days before your visit. And the spot for safari is based upon a first come, first serve policy. This zone offers numerous forest accommodations and is blessed with mixed topography.
Jhirna Zone
From the thrill of the wilderness to the refreshing environment, Jhirna Zone is one of the best to admire the charm of the national park. The zone got its name from the village near this zone. Being around 24 kilometers away from Ramanagar city, you can spot the popular wildlife attractions; Tiger and Sloth Bears. In 1994, Jhirna Zone was framed by extending the jungle area towards the village farmlands. The zone for the entire year allows you to enjoy a blend of wildlife and scenic natural beauty.
Durga Devi Zone
Witness the hilly terrain in the lush forest by exploring the Durga Devi Zone. It is one of the most beautiful Jim Corbett National Park zones in the northwest part of this jungle. It is located at a high elevation and is around 28 kilometers away from Ramnagar. Here, some challenging treks are available for visitors amidst the wilderness. With hilly topography and deep, dark, woody vegetation, enjoying birdwatching is just something else. Durga Devi Zone is widely popular for the highest chance of Elephant sightings compared to other national park zones.
Sitabani Zone
This zone is not a part of the tiger reserve and is preferred to enjoy birdwatching. You can visit rivers and temples in this zone, rest at the river bank, and enjoy the scenic beauty. Apart from it, you can see some reptiles and lush greenery that will blow your mind.
Gates of Jim Corbett
Amdada Gate
It is an entry Gate of the Bijrani Zone, located approximately 1 km from Ramanagar. You can enjoy a jungle safari in the morning as well as in the evening from this gate to feel the thrill. Bijrani Zone’s entrance welcomes tourists from 1st October to 30th June.
Jhirna Gate
The gate is open throughout the year to welcome into the Jhirna Zone of Jim Corbett National Park. However, you cannot book your advance safari in the monsoon season as the heavy rain might cancel your jungle safari tour. It is located approximately 20 km from the city-Ramnagar.
Dhangadi Gate
The gate is the entry point of Dhikala Zone and is located at a distance of 19 km from Ramnagar city. Dhangadi Gate is open for tourists from 15th November to 15th June. You can enjoy an excellent encounter with the wildlife of this jungle through this gate. The timing is fixed for this gate to enjoy your safari tour.
Durga Devi Gate
The entry gate of Durga Devi Zone in Jim Corbett National Park welcomes tourists from 1st October to 30th June. You can witness this zone’s hill area and river through this gate. Moreover, you can halt at the Dhangarhi Museum by entering this gate.
Resorts in and Around Jim Corbett National Park
Your accommodation plays a crucial role in deciding your trip’s success quotient, we’ve compiled a list of Jim Corbett’s top accommodations for you to check out while you plan your vacation. The resorts in Corbett are listed below.
- Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand
- The Riverview Retreat
- The Rangers Reserve
- Paatlidun Safari Lodge
- Corbett River Creek Resort And Spa
- The Golden Tusk
- Sterling Corbett
- Namah Corbett
- Riverside by Aahma
- The Solluna Resort