A Trip To Corbett National Park

The first national park of the Indian subcontinent, the Corbett reserve amidst the grassland, densely wooded hills abutting the Himalayas gives it its enchanting beauty and attracts tourists from all over. Often called the land of the trumpet, roar and song, the Corbett national park is mesmerizing with its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

It is always advised to know and do proper homework about the place before one decides to visit, to make the trip comfortable, enjoyable and relaxing. Situated about 1300 feet above the sea level, it has cold winters and bright and sunny days. The rainy season from July to September is the time one should avoid visiting the place. The wide range of flora and fauna and the abode of the endangered Bengal tiger have resulted in an increases influx of tourists. The Corbett National park is divided into four zones, the Dhikala zone, the Durga dev safari zone, The jhirna safari zone and the Bijrani safari zone.The Dhikala zone is considered the most important where one can spot the tiger in all it's majesty. Jeep safari is the most convenient option for travel within the park. They are easily available from the various resorts located in Ramnagar. November to June is the best time to visit these places, although the jhirna safari zone is accessible throughout the year. Sitabani, situated close to the park is well known for bird watching and can be visited throughout the year.

The four different zones have different timings depending upon the seasons. But usually the park opens at 5:30 in the morning and closes at 10:00. Again the tourists can go inside the park at 2:00 in the afternoon and it shuts at 6:00 in the evening. The morning is the best time when one can spot the big cats moving around in their natural habitat.The different zones have different entry gates.For Dhikala dhangari is the entry gate, Bijrani-Amananda, Jhirna- jhirna gate, Domunda- Durga devi gate.

Jeep and elephant safaris are the best ways to explore the interiors of the park. The jeep safari can complete the tour in one day. Although where Dhikala is concerned the facility of a night stay is available at a forest lodge situated within the park .The safaris can be booked in advance, but keeping in mind the delicate balance between wildlife, nature and humans, there is a limitation on the amount of jeeps allowed inside the park at one time. Also the passes for the jeep safaris are available for half day. Incase for a full a day pass, extra expenses will be incurred. The tourists can also enjoy evening safaris in the middle of the jungle and the bookings for the same have to be made 48 hours before the safari. This is on the first come, first served basis. The elephant safari is an exhilarating experience; where you can travel through the unfamiliar terrain never visited before and explore the grasslands teeming with wildlife sitting on the backdrop of the enormous animal. Both the jeep and elephant safari, however, are on a first come first serve basis.

How to Reach Corbett National Park

By Air- Delhi is the closest International and domestic airbase to this National Park and people from all parts of the world take this route to Corbett National Park.

By Rail-Ramnagar is the closest railhead to the Corbett National Park. It is well connected to all the major cities of the country. A person can visit any place except Dhikla in a day and get back to Delhi on the same day.

By Bus-Government and private buses offer regular services from Maharana Pratap bus stand and Anand Vihar ISBT. Ramnagar is also well connected to Lucknow, Haridwar,Dehradun, Ranikhet, etc.

For the people with the private vehicles can take one of the easiest route to Corbett National park through Delhi to Hapur and then reach Garhmukeshwar to Moradabad and then Thakurdwara to Ramnagar. It is perhaps the easiest way to reach the park premises and that too in the minimum possible time.

Places to stay

The Corbett National Park provides a wide range of staying options ranging from luxury resorts to budget hotels and Forest rest houses to suit and meet up the needs and requirements of the tourists. The Corbett hideaway, the river view resort, the golden tears, the infinity resort, the Corbett lilavillas is the luxurious resorts. Ram Ganga resort, the Manu Maharani resort, the wild crest resort is the budget hotels. Last but not the least the forest rest houses give an experience of home away from home. Equipped with all the necessities, they are an ideal place to stay that are affordable and does not even pinch your pocket.

Rules and regulations

Certain rules and regulations have to be followed by the people while they are inside the park. This is necessary to maintain the ecological balance and to preserve the animals in their natural habitat.

  • The tourists cannot carry pets inside within the premises of the national park
  • Arms and ammunition are strictly prohibited inside the Corbett national park
  • It is not allowed to drive inside the park after sunset
  • The tourists are not allowed to cook or light fire
  • All the tourists have to have guides with them while they are in the national reserve
  • Smoking and music are banned in the park since it can disturb the animals
  • The tourists cannot spend more than the allotted time inside
  • Only two adults along with two children can stay in the accommodation inside the park
  • Honking and driving beyond the specified limit is not allowed
  • Driving is allowed only in the specified routes, to protect the flora and fauna
  • Teasing and shouting at the animals is strictly prohibited
  • Private vehicles are not allowed inside the Tiger reserve
  • The tourists should carry bags to dispose off the garbage
  • Harming the tress and disturbing the flora and fauna is not allowed
  • Before entering the reserve, the tourists should have their entry permits with them
  • Consumption of alcohol and non vegetarian food inside the national park is prohibited
  • Entry permit is non refundable and non transferable
  • Private trips inside the tiger reserve are not allowed

Tips for better sightseeing

The travelers should make all the bookings in advance for a hassle free trip. Select packages according to needs and requirements. It is advisable that children below the age of 12 should not be brought to the park. The tourists should maintain a considerable distance from the animals for their safety as well as for the wildlife. They should follow the instructions of the guides while they are in the national reserve. The travelers should carry a first aid box in case of minor accidents.

The entry fee for the foreign nationals is different in comparison to the Indian nationals. Also, there is no ATM inside the park so all the arrangements should be made before going inside the park.

The Corbett National Park is a wonderful experience. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in this exotic Tiger reserve.