Birdsong and Wildlife: Jim Corbett National Park Escapade

Wildlife Wonder:  Jim Corbett National Park and its Tigers

Jim Corbett established the Jim Corbett National Park in 1936 in Uttarakhand. The park was famous as Hailey National Park, and Jim Corbett dedicated his lifelong conservation efforts to protecting the Bengal Tiger. During its early years, the park remained hidden in a tranquil area with few visitors, providing a serene environment with limited tourist activity.

A wonderful weekend retreat from Delhi is Jim Corbett. It takes only six hours to go to the forests. The Jim Corbett is a lovely getaway with lush green surroundings and a tranquil environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. While some parts of the park are accessible to visitors, others are guarded and unaffected by outside disturbances. The Jim Corbett National Park is an excellent destination to visit over the long weekend if one enjoys being in nature. 

The legend of Edward Jim Corbett continues to live on in the imaginations and hearts of the inhabitants of Kumaon and Garhwal. Thanks to his brilliant writings, Jim Corbett is a well-known hunter, later the enemy of numerous notorious man-eaters, and people across the globe are familiar with him.

Jim Corbett Hunter

His high IQ and activity allowed him to navigate the forest, utilising all his senses (sight, hearing, and smell). He had previously killed 14 leopards and 19 tigers. He was a pioneering environmentalist, establishing the current Jim Corbett National Park. He was a bachelor who actively participated in several organisations devoted to natural resources and wildlife. Sir Edward Jim Corbett needs a little introduction. The residents of Nainital and the rest of the globe still remember his significant contribution to preserving this magnificent place. His works have served as an inspiration to numerous generations of wildlife enthusiasts. He started his investigation of the dense jungle because he was curious about the area around the national park. He conducted his hunting adventures in the proper locations where he had near-encounters with numerous man-eating tigers and leopards.

What is the ideal season to visit Jim Corbett, National Park?

Since Corbett has a moderate climate, visitors can come at any time of year except for the monsoon season, when some parts of the national park are closed. The best season to visit the park is in winter, from November through February when the weather is relatively agreeable. It is also easy to see animals in the bush. It is also the best time for bird watchers because several birds may observe during this time. The summers may be pleasant, but wildlife may be hard to find. Their presence in the pond is only occasionally visible.

A safari is an ideal way to discover any national park. Jim Corbett apportioned into five zones where one could go on a safari. Jim Corbett National Park comprises several zones, including the Dhikala, Bijrani Jhirna, Durgadevi, and Dhela. You can explore the jungle and see a diversity of flora and fauna in this national park. You can choose between a camel safari and a jeep safari. Elephant safaris were once an option, but they are no longer available. You can visit from November to February. Authorities ensure that the flow of tourists is distributed evenly throughout all of the zones, with only a certain number of safari jeeps granted in each zone. It has distinct faunal and geographical beauty, and each section has a unique natural charm. The fact that all the zones are part of the same region means that tiger sightings are roughly equal across all of them, notwithstanding some minor topographic variations.

Spotting Tiger: Beyond Vision

The Dhikala area:

The Dhikala zone maintains celebrity status among all the tourist zones. It is the most sought-after zone for the day safari and the overnight stay in the Dhikala forest rest house. Situated on the periphery of the Patil Dun Valley, the Dhikala zone is the largest zone of the Corbett National Park and carries a medley of flora and fauna. The landscape of this zone, which consists of grasslands known as chaurs, dense sal tree forest and various channels of the Ramganga River, offers you an enchanting view of nature. The panoramic view of the broad valley overlooking the Kanda Ridge in the backdrop is a magnificent scene. The Dhikala zone, renowned for its high chances of tiger sightings, is the top choice for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an overnight stay.

Jhirna belt:

The Jhirna belt lies on the southern border of the Corbett National Park, was added to the tiger reserve zone in 1994, and has since grown incredibly popular with nature enthusiasts. As the Jhirna zone is open for day tourists throughout the year, it is one of the most visited zones in the Corbett Reserve Forest. Tiger sightings in this zone are frequent, and several wildlife species start in this region. Along with the majestic tigers, the wild bears are the main attraction of this zone. Other animals like wild elephants, sambars, and various species of deer, along with many bird species, are found in this zone. Two shifts of the day safari are allowed in this zone, with 30 jeeps in one day shift. You can book the Jeep safari online with a maximum of six adults and two children on one journey. Each Jeep must have a naturist/guide.

Corbett Tiger Reserve

The Bijrani territory:

The Bijrani zone is not less when it comes to the spectacular natural views or catching a glimpse of the king of the Corbett Forest, the royal Bengal tiger. This zone is the most popular region after Dhikala and the most visited belt-by-day safari tourists. This zone boasts an eye-catching landscape and a tranquil atmosphere within a forest. This diverse wildlife species distinguishes it as a distinct zone in the Corbett. With the immense grasslands, thick sal forest, and various water streams, the topography is as attractive as the Dhikala zone. Besides the enchanting view, this zone boasts plenty of tigers, making it the best tiger-sighting region. There is a Jeep safari available for day visitors in this zone. Six adults and two children, excluding the driver and guide/naturalist, can fit into one safari jeep at most. A guide is required for the Jeep journey to get admission.

Dhela stretch:

In the Corbett National tourism zones, which opened in December 2014 for safari tours, the Dhela zone is the newest addition. Like the Jhirna zone, this area welcomes visitors all year long. The safari tour, however, is based on the weather. The neighbourhood has a varied landscape with vast grasslands, numerous water bodies, and dense forests of trees, including Sal, Haldu, Bahera, Rohini, and Kusum. The Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, wild elephants, Nilgais, many species of deer, wild bears, and other reptiles and birds can all nestle in this area. This area is renowned for its wide variety of bird species that it harbours and contemplates as the ideal area for birding. You can arrange a day safari to explore this area and associate the spectacular part of the Corbett Forest. You must reserve a Jeep and a guide in addition to the safari entry permit to enter the dense forest.

Durga Devi sector:

With its hilly landscape, the Durga Devi zone is like a paradise for nature lovers with its enchanting natural surroundings. The region is situated on the northeast periphery of the Corbett Forest and is highly rich in species of flora and fauna. The streams of the Ramganga River and Mandal River enrich the water bodies of this zone and add beauty to this wild forest. You can see leopards, elephants, and others in this area, nestled near the Domunda Bridge beside the breathtaking tigers. The famous fish known as the Mahsheer fish are in place in the river streams of this zone. This zone is also rich in bird species, providing excellent birding opportunities.

The Dhikala zone is home to a diverse range of bird species, such as the Gray-Headed Fishing Eagle, Maroon Oriole, Black-chinned Yuhina, Long-Tailed Broadbill, Slaty Blue Flycatcher, Bar-Tailed Tree Creeper, and many more. It is a true haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can have the opportunity to embark on a Jeep safari in this zone, and for accommodation, they can book a stay at the Lohachaur Forest Guest House.

What are the five best things to do in Jim Corbett National Park?

Why Jungle Safari?

Wildlife safaris in the rainforest, including the Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari, and Canter Safari, are thrilling for those who love to see wildlife. Safaris through jungles are available to visitors, who may even be fortunate enough to spot Royal Bengal Tigers if you are lucky.

River Rafting

If you are an adventure lover, Corbett has another exciting water activity. One can enjoy river rafting on the river Kosi. River rafting is a seasonal sport to celebrate and is often available during the rainy season from July to September. The activity depends on the rain and would be unavailable in heavy rainfall, as rafting gets risky under such weather conditions. The best times for river rafting in Jim Corbett National Park will be between July and September.

How to enjoy camping as an outdoor activity?

The Jim Corbett National Park also offers camping as an exciting activity. One does not get to camp in nature, under the sky, or in the woods often. So, this is a significant opportunity to experience camping. Everyone should give it a try, as the experience is worth it. The experience is utterly blissful. In Corbett, there are both permanent and seasonal campgrounds. The long-term ones get scattered around the park in the shape of cottages. You can enjoy the passes in the Sitabani forest.

How to learn more about bird watching in Corbett National Park?

Naturalists and bird watchers will find national parks a paradise. Corbett is home to more than 650 bird species, including migratory birds that travel as far as Siberia. November and December are the best months to observe these birds at the national park. Among the rare or exotic species are cinnamon bitterns, black-headed night herons, white pelicans, and others. Bird watching will be more exciting from November to March.

Bird Watching in Jim Corbett National Park

Trekking

Exploring the environment on foot is one of the most breathtaking things in Corbett, and what better way to accomplish it than by trekking? If you enjoy engaging in outdoor activities, Jim Corbett makes a magnificent vacation destination you will enjoy. It provides a range of enjoyable activities. You can engage in activities like rappelling and river crossing hiking here. You can explore the hiking path in the protected areas of the park. Sitabani Reserve is the best area for hitchhiking in this area. Never forget to bring water for the hike and wear comfortable shoes.

 

FAQs:

How many tigers can you find in Jim Corbett Park?

As per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), there are as many as 231 tigers in Jim Corbett National Park.

Which animals can you spot in Jim Corbett National Park?

Travellers can discover langurs, leopards, jungle cats, jackals, red foxes, sloths, and more in the Jim Corbett National Park.

When can you visit Jim Corbett to view tigers?

The park has some areas where you can see tigers. Typically, you may spot tigers from October to June.

In Jim Corbett National Park, how many lions are there?

More than 600 elephants, 164 tigers, and 586 different resident and migratory bird species are said to call Corbett home.

What are the top 5 Resorts in Jim Corbett?

The top 5 resorts in Jim Corbett are listed here, guaranteeing a comfortable and opulent stay. 

1. La Tigre Resort
2. Aahana Resort
3. Corbett Leela Vilas Resort
4. Jim’s Jungle Retreat
5. Namah Resort

Where can you find Jim Corbett National Park?

Numerous important locations have a link to the Jim Corbett National Park. The town that is nearest to this park, though, is Ramnagar. Important metropolises like New Delhi, Lucknow, Nainital, Haridwar, Ranikhet, and Dehradun are easily accessible by road from Ramnagar.

Wild Tiger in Jim Corbett National Park