India’s Oldest National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, holds the distinction of being India’s first and oldest national park. Spread across 1,318 sq km in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, it was named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, who played a key role in its establishment.
Why Jim Corbett?
Corbett is the birthplace of Project Tiger (launched in 1973) and remains one of India’s most important tiger reserves. The park’s diverse landscape — from dense sal forests to river valleys and grasslands — supports an incredible variety of wildlife.
- 230+ Royal Bengal Tigers — one of the highest tiger populations in India
- 5 Safari Zones — Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhikala, Durga Devi, and Sitabani
- Ramganga River — the lifeline of the park, home to mahseer and gharial
- 600+ Bird Species — a world-class birding destination
- Wild Elephants — large herds frequently seen in Dhikala zone
Safari Zones
- Dhikala Zone — The crown jewel. Vast grasslands, highest tiger density, overnight stays possible at the iconic Dhikala Forest Lodge. Advance booking essential.
- Bijrani Zone — Most popular, open terrain with good sighting probability. Nearest to Ramnagar town.
- Jhirna Zone — Open year-round (even monsoon). Dry deciduous forest, great for leopards and elephants.
- Durga Devi Zone — Hilly terrain along the Ramganga River. Best for birdwatching and fishing cat sightings.
- Sitabani Zone — Buffer zone, no permit required. Light forest, good for birding and nature walks.
Best Time to Visit
- November–February (Winter) — Cool, pleasant weather. Good wildlife sightings. Temperature: 5°C–25°C.
- March–June (Summer) — Hot but excellent for tiger and elephant sightings near waterholes. Temperature: 25°C–42°C.
- Monsoon (July–September) — Most zones closed except Jhirna and Sitabani. Lush green landscapes.
Key Wildlife
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Asian Elephant (herds of 20-30 individuals)
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Gharial and Mugger Crocodile
- King Cobra
- Great Hornbill, Pallas’s Fish Eagle
How to Reach
- By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar (82 km, ~2 hours) or Dehradun (230 km)
- By Train: Ramnagar Railway Station (12 km from park gate), direct trains from Delhi
- By Road: Ramnagar is 260 km from Delhi via NH-9 (~6 hours drive)
