JIM CORBETT Destination

Corbett National Park: India’s Oldest Tiger Reserve

Corbett National Park, a part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, is nestled in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it’s India’s oldest and most prestigious national park. Corbett is renowned for its rich tiger population and served as the launchpad for Project Tiger in 1973, aimed at conserving this endangered species.

Spanning 520 square kilometers, Corbett’s diverse terrain encompasses hills, marshes, riverine belts, grasslands, and a large lake. It’s one of the few tiger reserves where visitors can enjoy overnight stays within the park, either in open four-wheel jeeps or on elephant back. With a thriving tiger population and rare species like otters and fish-eating crocodiles, Corbett is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Explore the Tourist Zones

Corbett National Park is divided into five tourist zones, each offering a unique wildlife experience:

1. Bijrani Safari Zone: Known for its natural beauty and open grasslands, this zone is just 1 km from Ramnagar city.

2. Jhirna Safari Zone: Open year-round, Jhirna is 16 km from Ramnagar city and offers a diverse wildlife experience.

3. Dhela Safari Zone: Added to the tiger reserve in 2014, this eco-tourism zone boasts rich flora and fauna and is open throughout the year.

4. Dhikala Zone: The largest and most diverse zone in Corbett, Dhikala is famous for exotic wildlife and offers a recommended overnight stay.

5. Durga Devi Zone: Ideal for birdwatching, this zone is located on the park’s northeastern boundary and is home to a wide variety of bird species.

Corbett National Park’s rich biodiversity includes the majestic Bengal tiger, elephants, several deer species, and over 650 resident and migratory bird species. It’s a nature lover’s paradise and a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts.

How to Reach Corbett National Park

Ramnagar, the gateway to Corbett National Park, is well-connected by road and rail:

• By Road: Ramnagar is around 260 km from Delhi, and buses operate from various cities in Uttarakhand.
• By Rail: Ramnagar has a railway station with direct trains from Delhi and other major cities.

Plan your visit to Corbett National Park to experience the pristine wilderness and incredible wildlife of this iconic tiger reserve.