First National Park in India – Jim Corbett National Park

Last Updated On December 02, 2022

Jim Corbett National Park, India's first national park, is located in the gorgeous Uttarakhand State, a lush habitat for various species, including Asiatic Lions, Elephants, Spotted Deer, Leopards, and the famous endangered Bengal Tiger. The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 520 square kilometers and is currently home to approximately 600 species of flora and fauna. The Jim Corbett National Park is not only a spectacular wildlife habitat but also a 'Garden of Eden' with magnificent meadows, marshes, ascents, and a deciduous forest. It is India's most visited wildlife refuge.

 

First National Park in India

How to get to Jim Corbett National Park

The best way to go to Jim Corbett National Park is via Ramnagar in the Nainital District. The Jim Corbett National Park is located 15 kilometers from the train station. Foreign tourists will have little trouble getting everywhere because the city is adjacent to major railway lines and highways that connect to Delhi and Bareilly. Corbett Link Express, Ranikhet Express, and Kathgodam Express provide direct rail service to and from the National Park. Early reservations would guarantee a memorable journey.

Jim Corbett National Park

Photo by Prashant Saini on Unsplash 

Best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park

The best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is between November and June when there is little rain and most of the park is accessible. During the rainy season, the park's roads deteriorate, making certain places inaccessible by car.

Flora & Fauna in Jim Corbett National Park

Flora is abundant in Jim Corbett National Park. Sal forests represent more than 75% of the park's entire area. It is home to 600 plant species, including grass, ferns, climbers, herbs, shrubs, trees, and bamboos.

Corbett is home to Sal, Khair, Sissoo, and the unique conifer called Chir Pine. Male Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) can be seen in large numbers.

Aside from Royal Bengal Tigers and Asiatic Elephants, the Fauna of Corbett National Park includes Asiatic Black Bear, Walking Deer, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Otters, and Ghariyal, as well as aqua fauna such as Golden Oriole, Indian Pitta, Pallas Fish Eagle, Scarlet Minivet,Tawny Fish Owl, and species of birds such as Great Pied or Hornbill, Orange Breasted.

Bird watching  in Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park Wildlife Safari

Jeep Safari is the most popular option for seeing the wilderness from the comfort of an open four-wheeler. It is permitted in all five tourism zones: Bijrani, Jhirna, Durgadevi, Dhela, and Sitabani. A jeep safari can accommodate six adults, two children, the driver, and a guide.

Canter Safari is the only way to explore the Dhikala tourism zone, which is home to the most significant number of Bengal tigers. A canter safari with two shifts is the ideal option if you are traveling in a group of 11-12 persons. Canters are open-air vehicles that are significantly larger than jeeps.

Indian and SAARC visitors must reserve their safari tickets 45 days in advance, while foreign visitors must book them 90 days in advance. Bookings for overseas travelers require passport information.

Regarding food, numerous restaurants and cafes serve fusion delights from various cuisines. Barbeque Bay, Mudhouse beneath Mangoes, Village Vatika, and the Grill Treat are just a few of the places where you can get good food at a reasonable price.