Jim Corbett National Park is one of the best and biggest Wildlife Park and Sanctuary in India that attracts the entire population throughout the year. It is fringed with numerous resorts that allows tourist to enjoy a very comfortable and delightful stay and at the same time providing them with an adventurous tour of a lifetime accompanied by expert guides. The region is divided into 5 zones with their own respective entry points for convenience and better tourism management in order for Tourists to cover the entire area.
This Park was first founded as 'The Hailey National Park' in 1936 and post independence was named 'Ramnagar National Park' due to its location which lies in the RamGanga Valley in Ramnagar about 68 km from Nainital District and 128 km from the main town of Nainital. It was later named after Jim Corbett, a hunter who also co-founded this Park and contributed immensely towards preserving the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger by forming a special Tiger Reserve and conserving other Fauna species and Flora around this area of 521 Sq. Km.
The Sanctuary also boasts of excellent scenic beauty of the valleys with the Himalayans forming the backdrop also responsible for regulating a good and pleasant Climate around this area suitable and perfect for Wildlife habitation. The temperatures vary between 30 degree C to 5 degree C and temperatures during summers do not go beyond 40 degree C. This place also experiences light showers during monsoon season. You can tour here from mid November to mid June when the Park is opened because it remains closed during other months allowing the Park to rejuvenate without the presence of external disturbances.
Tourist can enjoy exploring the vast flora and 585 species of birds and fauna of the Corbett Park in numerous ways that include Jeep Safaris, Elephant Safaris, Horse Safaris, Bird Safari, Fishing safari, Motorbike Safaris and the most interesting Nature walk that unleashes your adventurous side and photography skills.
You get a whole different view of the Jungle experience while cruising in a 4x4 WD Jeep that takes you to Bijrani, Dhikala or Jhira sections to observe the life of the wild beings. After a light brunch, you can hike through the Bijrani nature trail which is another good way of seeing the vastness of the Park. You can then trek back to your camp for a delectable lunch and continue on your Jeep through the forest after which you can drive back to camp, enjoy a hearty Dinner around a Bonfire with friends or family. Night Jeep safaris can also be arranged post early dinner where you drive to Mohan forest and back to Bijrani Gate to view its wildlife and then drive back to camp.
Elephant Safaris are arranged everyday from Dhikala early in the morning and late afternoon situated on the edge of Patli Dhun Valley and is a more enjoyable way of touring as it makes you experience the real jungle and how Kings and Royalties in ancient days must have enjoyed their rides. The advantage of going by this method is that you can enter areas which you otherwise cannot do so on Jeeps or other modes of transport. You can also trek to the beautiful cascading Corbett waterfall which is ideal for bird watchers and picnics.
The Park opens from 0600 hrs to 1100 hrs and then from 1430 hrs to 1730 hrs but depending on the climate and season, these timings can vary and schedule changed by the authorities of the Sanctuary and is notified to tourist in advance.
