A comprehensive guide to plan your trip to explore Jim Corbett
Known as one of the oldest Tiger Reserves in Asia and the oldest National Park launched in India under the “Project Tiger”, Jim Corbett is a significant destination to enjoy a weekend trip. It is one of the most visited places by tourists all through the year. The added benefit of the location is that it is near Nainital, Bhimtal, and Mukteshwar. This means you can even plan a week-long trip combining all these amazing destinations and enjoy being in every nook and corner. Don’t you think it will be the most refreshing and thrilling experience of your life?
Jim Corbett National Park is easy to reach by train or your own car/bus from Delhi. If you’re coming to Corbett via train, deboard the train at Ramnagar station. From there, you can find many cabs and private taxis to hire to reach Corbett within 30 minutes to 1 hour. The distance between Delhi and Jim Corbett will take approximately 6 hours which can vary with the individual.
What is the best time to visit Jim Corbett?
The weather in Jim Corbett is very pleasant. A suitable time to visit will be anytime between October to June. Winters here are very great and breezy and there are a lot of birds that visit the region out here at this time. The temperatures during summer can go as high as 40 degrees at times. The monsoon season is quite intense in the Dhikala and Bijrani zones of the park as they get completely washed away. The Jhirna zone allows entry of tourists all throughout the year. The best time to visit Jim Corbett is during winter and early summer. However, if you wish to visit Jim Corbett when there are fewer crowds, monsoon would be the best time for you.
How to reach Jim Corbett?
Reaching Corbett Tiger Reserve is convenient, and it’s one of Asia’s top wildlife destinations. It’s close to Ramnagar in Uttarakhand, well-connected by road from major cities like Delhi. Here’s how to get there:
By Train: The nearest railway station is Ramnagar, just 10-12 km away. Trains from Delhi like the Ranikhet Express and Uttar Sampark Kranti Express go there. Kathgodam is another option, 3 hours from Ramnagar, with better connectivity.
By Road: Corbett has good road connections, especially from Delhi, Nainital, Lucknow, Moradabad, and Bareilly. Direct buses run between Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT and Corbett. From Lucknow, take the Agra-Lucknow Expressway; from Bareilly, use NH530. Moradabad travelers can take NH309 and Moradabad-Kashipur Road. Visitors from Nainital, Almora, Haldwani, Ranikhet, or Kausani can opt for state-run buses to Ramnagar, where three-wheelers can take you to Corbett National Park.
Book your hotel in advance
When you are planning your trip to Jim Corbett, you’ll need to find and book a place to stay in advance. There are several Forest Rest Houses run by the government in Dhikala zone and Corbett has many resorts and hotels here. Seven Corbett Resort is one of the many available luxury resorts in Jim Corbett. Booking it won’t be a big issue if you do it in advance. Accommodation in Corbett gets sold out very quickly, weeks and months in advance since there are so many visitors here. Therefore, it’s better to book your stay in advance so that you don’t have to compromise at the last minute.
Activities to do in Jim Corbett
- Jeep Safari: Take a guided jungle safari through the park to explore the wilderness and spot various wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species. Morning and evening safaris are available.
- Bird Watching: Jim Corbett National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. You can spot a diverse range of bird species, including eagles, vultures, owls, and migratory birds during the winter months.
- Nature Walk: If you love the peaceful ambiance and prefer sitting alone in the company of nature, you can go out for a nature walk by the riverside and the jungle. Observe and connect yourself with the surrounding elements of nature, dip your feet in the cold water of the river, click some pictures with such a beautiful backdrop, enjoy bright sunlight, and even more.
- River Rafting: Enjoy river rafting in the Kosi River, which flows through the park. It’s a thrilling adventure that offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Corbett Museum: Visit the Corbett Museum in Kaladhungi, which was once the home of Jim Corbett himself. It houses artifacts, memorabilia, and insights into his life and work.
- Wildlife Photography: Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, Jim Corbett offers plenty of opportunities to capture the stunning beauty of the park’s landscapes and its inhabitants.
- Corbett Falls: Visit Corbett Falls, a scenic waterfall located around 25 kilometers from Ramnagar, where you can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
- Garjiya Devi Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Garjiya and offers panoramic views of the Kosi River and surrounding areas.
- Sitabani Temple: Located in Sitabani Zone, this temple is dedicated to Devi Sita wife of Lord Shree Rama from the famous Hindu epic Ramayana. It is believed that she was here for some time during her exile.
What other experiences you can have?
To enhance the thrill of your trip, you can extend it while enjoying sightseeing around places like Nainital and Bhimtal. Explore places like Naina Devi Temple and Tiffin Top in Nainital, Hanuman Temple in Bhimtal, and also the Kainchi Dham.
It would be a perfect trip to Jim Corbett packed with an adrenaline rush while enjoying boating and kayaking in the Bhimtal, Nainital, and Naukuchiatal lakes. There are also other activities like water zorbing, zipline, paragliding, hot air balloon riding, trekking, and many more. If you want a place to stay in Bhimtal, book Seven Cozy Stay, which is just like its name, cozy and peaceful yet luxury hotel in Bhimtal.
So pack your bags, and don’t forget your sports shoes as you might need them when you’re doing some adventurous activity, and leave for Jim Corbett.