The oldest national park in India, the Jim Corbett National Park was set up back in 1936. It was initially called Hailey National Park, and the primary objective behind its establishment was to protect the endangered Bengal Tiger. The park was later named after Jim Corbett, a renowned photographer and naturalist who played a pivotal part in setting up the park. Located in Nainital, Uttarakhand, the national park was the first to be included in the Project Tiger initiative.
Jim Corbett National Park has always been the favourite of wildlife and nature lovers alike. In fact, over the years, the number of people visiting this park has only increased. To put a number to it, each season sees more than 70,000 tourists alone. Well-known for its jeep safari, tourists flock to Jim Corbett in a bid to get much closer to nature, wildlife, and see how these two intermingle. But once you look beyond the obvious, you come across a bunch of other exciting things to do in Jim Corbett! So, if you are wondering what to do in Jim Corbett upon your visit, here is an exhaustive list of things to try:
# The Jungle Safari
If you want to watch animals peacefully going about their day and some rare vegetation species, you can go for the Jungle Safari. A driver will drive you around in a jeep to explore the jungle up and close. The major highlight of the Safari is, of course, spotting a tiger. But even if you don’t, it is still one of the best things to do in Jim Corbett. You will still get to spot elephants, deer, and jackals. By experiencing nature in its full glory, you will still be taking endless memories and beautiful sights back with you.
The Jim Corbett National Park offers serene views into flora and fauna. The park is home to around 100 species of trees, 30 kinds of bamboos, and 51 kinds of shrubs, enough to interest any nature lover. Plus, there are 25 species of reptiles and the 50 kinds of mammals here. One can even spot the crocodiles here.
It goes without saying that a safari should definitely be on the top of your list of activities to do in Jim Corbett.
# Go bird spottingYou will be surprised to know that Corbett is home to over 600 bird species. So, if you are wondering what else to do in Jim Corbett at the time of safari, you can go for some bird watching. It is hard to find a place where you get to see predatory, waterside, grassland, air, and woodland birds altogether. You can especially hear the iconic melody of the cuckoo breaking through the silence during the morning safari. From eagles to lapwings, you will find colorful, vibrant birds here, all of which augments the charm of the jungle safari. That makes bird spotting another one of the exciting things to do in Jim Corbett National Park.
# Appreciate the beautiful landscapesThe park offers the most spectacular views of nature. Be it the hazy Himalayan foothills, the grasslands, the white banks of the serene Ramganga, or the striking horizon, you cannot help but stare at the raw beauty you find in the park. Plus the sun rays dancing on the tree branches add even more to the glory of the park. The grass that you see here is exactly like the ones you see in a meadow.
The park is even more fascinating during the nighttime when the Ramganga glistens with the moonlight, and the villages on the hill send their own twinkly lights to the park. This phenomenon marks its place as one the best things to do in Jim Corbett.
# Corbett WaterfallAnother thing that you can add to your list of things to do in Jim Corbett National Park is a visit to the Corbett Waterfalls. Offering a tiny but stunning view, these waterfalls are located at a height of 60 feet with the lush green forest serving as a great canvas. Visiting this waterfall is even more exciting on a full-moon night. If you are a nature lover, you will love the variety of plants here. Also, you can plan an impromptu picnic here and just rewind while you hear the peaceful melodies of different birds. After you visit these scenic waterfalls, you can then head to the ‘Nature Walk’ museum nearby to witness nature in a primitive way.
# Corbett Museum
Situated in Kaladhungi, the Corbett Museum is a place that talks about the activities and overall life of Jim Corbett. It is actually in the form of a heritage bungalow. Make sure you add it to your list of things to do in Jim Corbett national park.
Best time to visitThe period from January to June is perfect for a visit to the park. October, November, and December are another set of ideal months to visit the park. You must stay at least two days to check everything off your list of things to do in Jim Corbett National Park. Once you partake in the above-mentioned activities in Jim Corbett is when you have a sense of exploring the sanctuary as a whole.