Weekend at Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, India

Edward James “Jim” Corbett  was a British hunter, conservationist, and author , famous for slaying a large number of man-eating tigers and leopards in India.

Jim Corbett held the rank of colonel in the British Indian Army and was frequently called upon by the government of the United Provinces, now the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, to slay man-eating tigers and leopards that had killed people in the villages of the Garhwal and Kumaon region. His success in slaying the man-eaters earned him much respect and fame amongst the people residing in the villages of Kumaon, many of whom considered him a sadhu (saint).

Corbett was an avid photographer and after his retirement, he wrote books like  the Man-Eaters of Kumaon, Jungle Lore and other books recounting his hunts and experiences, which enjoyed much critical acclaim and commercial success. Jim Corbett spoke out for the need to protect India’s wildlife from extermination. The Jim Corbett National Park in Kumaon was named in his honour in 1957.

Route: Delhi – NH24 – Ghaziabad – Gadhmukteshwar – Gajraula – Mordabad Bypass – Uturn to left after 2nd toll- Kashipur – RamNagar – Corbett

Distance: 250 kms approx.

Type of destination: Easy 7 hrs drive from Delhi. Reserve two days (recommended) for good sighting.

Description: A must visit place if you are a wild life lover, nature lover, adventure lover. The Jim Corbett National park is located on the left side of the road connecting Ramnagar to Ranikhet & is spread ibn 1250+ sqaure kms. It is divided in five tourist zones namely :

1. Bijrani entry from Amadanda gate

2. Dhikala entry from Dhangari gate

3. Jhirna entry from Khara, Kalagarh gate

4. Domunda entry from Durgadevi gate

5. Sonanadi entry from Vatanvasa gate

You can take your own car only outside  the park or can hire a jeep safari, two wheelers are not allowed. The permits are issued for a half day Safari (6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM) or a full day Safari (6:30 AM to 5:30 PM). For a Safari in Dhikala zone a night stay at Dhikala region is mandatory.

The permits can be obtained from CTR Reception at Ramnagar. Do not risk to get permits from the gate (though you can get) as only limited vehicles are allowed inside the park & at times you wont get permit from gate. The per person fee is Rs 100 approx. While the jeep safari costs Rs. 1200 for half day and Rs. 1700 for full day.Most hotels and resort charge Rs. 3500 for a half day safari (a premium charge definitely). Inside the park you are not allowed to get down from the vehicle except for at the FRH or the watch tower. Smoking is also banned except for at these two places.

My words : Do not book private packages from Delhi. They are loots. Either book in Forest rest houses inside the Park or stay at Ramnagar & do a day Safari.
Staying :     You will find ample of resorts, Cottages, Guest houses in and around  Ramnagar, Jim Corbett offering 2N/3D packages including all meals, evening snacks , welcome drinks(non-alcholic), taxes. Advice to either take stay at Forest Rest House or Ramnagar except if a you want a park trip at Dhikala where a night stay is mandatory for a visit to the park.
Places to visit: Dhikala is a must visit. Apart from the Corbett park, on the opposite side of road beyond the Kosi river is Sitabani. Worth a visit.

Tips: Patience is the key. Do not rush around, ask the guide to take you to lesser crowded routes. drive slow, so that you can stop quickle, when you spot the animals or birds. Refreshment areas are inside park where almost you end up paying double price for everything you buy. Toilets not so clean. My advice go well prepared for everything and better being self dependent.