From captivating tourists with its breathtaking landscapes to thrilling wildlife enthusiasts with safaris and adventures, Jim Corbett National Park has carved a special place in the hearts of nature lovers and wildlife tourism. As one of India's oldest national parks, it has played a crucial role in protecting endangered species and promoting wildlife tourism. On August 8, 2021, Jim Corbett National Park celebrated its 85th anniversary, marking the same date in 1936 when it was established as the crown jewel of India's national parks.
A Closer Look at Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is among the oldest and finest tiger habitats in the Himalayan region. It holds the unique distinction of being the birthplace of the renowned Project Tiger, launched in 1973. The park’s allure lies in its diverse flora and fauna, pleasant climate, enchanting landscapes, and exotic wildlife, making it a prime destination for wildlife tourism in India.
Renowned for having the highest tiger population among Indian national parks, Jim Corbett is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, near the scenic hill station of Nainital. The park offers mesmerizing views of the Garhwal region, adding to its charm.
A jeep safari is one of the most thrilling activities to experience in Jim Corbett National Park. As you traverse through its diverse terrain, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of hills, lakes, rivers, grasslands, and waterfalls—an experience that will ignite your artistic imagination and uplift your spirit. Undoubtedly, Jim Corbett National Park is one of the must-visit destinations in Uttarakhand.
# Established in 1936 during the British rule of the United Provinces, Jim Corbett National Park holds the distinction of being India's first national park.
# An intriguing fact about the park is its name has changed three times. Initially known as Hailey National Park in 1936, it was renamed Ramganga National Park after India’s independence. In 1955, it was renamed once again as Jim Corbett National Park in honor of the renowned wildlife conservationist Jim Corbett.
# The park's area was expanded from 323.75 sq km to 520.82 sq km in 1966.
# A remarkable highlight of Jim Corbett National Park is that it was chosen as the launch site for the iconic Project Tiger conservation initiative in 1973.
Rich Flora of Jim Corbett National Park
# The park boasts an incredible diversity of flora, making it a paradise for nature lovers and one of Uttarakhand’s top tourist attractions. It is home to over 600 species of trees, including grasses, shrubs, bamboo, ferns, climbers, and alpine vegetation.
# Notably, 75% of the park’s landscape is covered by dense Sal forests.
# Pine is the only coniferous tree found in the park, adding to its scenic beauty.
# Some of the prominent plant species here include Kachnar, Semal, Forest Flame (Dhak), and several others.
Fascinating Wildlife at Jim Corbett National Park
# Jim Corbett National Park serves as the most significant natural habitat for tigers in the Himalayan region.
# It is one of India's most popular destinations for wildlife tourism and nature holidays.
# The park shelters many endangered species, including the Asian Elephant, Alligator, and Sambar Deer.
# A Tiger Safari is the highlight of the park, offering visitors a thrilling opportunity to witness the majestic big cats in their natural habitat.
# Other prominent wildlife species found in the park include the Asian Black Bear, Hog Deer, Sambar, Sloth Bear, and Spotted Deer.
# Birdwatching in Corbett is a mesmerizing experience, with the park being home to over 600 bird species. Notable ones include the Great Pied Hornbill, White-backed Vulture, Peacock, Hodgson’s Bushchat, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Sea Eagle, Golden Oriole, and Fish Owl.
# A lesser-known fact about the park is that it also provides a habitat for endangered reptiles such as the King Cobra and Mugger Crocodile.
Jungle Safari at Jim Corbett National Park
Jungle Safari is the heart and soul of Jim Corbett Tourism, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. It is one of the top experiences for a wildlife holiday in India. The park features five distinct safari zones, each offering a unique experience.
Safari Zones in Jim Corbett National Park
# Bijrani Zone – Known as the second-best zone for spotting tigers after Dhikala, Bijrani is a scenic paradise with dense Sal forests, open grasslands (Chaurs), and waterfalls. Besides tigers, this zone is home to leopards, elephants, black bears, deer, and migratory birds. Although elephant safaris were once a highlight here, they have been banned by the Uttarakhand High Court to prevent commercial exploitation of elephants.
# Dhikala Zone – The most picturesque of all eco-tourism zones, Dhikala boasts breathtaking landscapes featuring the Ramganga River, dense Sal forests, and narrow valleys. A haven for wildlife photography, it is home to Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Elephants, Sambar Deer, Hog Deer, langurs, crocodiles, and various reptiles.
# Jhirna Zone – One of the most popular zones in Jim Corbett, Jhirna was incorporated into the park’s tourism zones in 1994. Formerly agricultural land belonging to Jhirna and two other villages, it was converted into a tiger reserve after the villages were relocated. This zone remains open during the monsoon, along with the Dhela Zone. Its vast grassland, known as Laldhang Chaur, is a habitat for deer, chitals, nilgais, and elephants.
# Dhela Zone – A historically significant zone, Dhela holds the record for the highest number of tiger sightings at once in Corbett's history—seven tigers in a single view! Its dense Sal forests serve as prime hunting grounds for tigers. The zone is also a hotspot for birdwatching and remains open year-round.
# Durgadevi Zone – With its rolling hills, lush green forests, and serene ambiance, Durgadevi Zone attracts tourists from all over the world. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting a variety of exotic avian species. The calls of spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, chitals, rhesus monkeys, and the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger create an unforgettable jungle experience, making it a fantastic choice for wildlife exploration.