Jim Corbett National Park is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in India, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Established in 1936 originally as Hailey National Park, it was renamed in 1957 after Jim Corbett, a hunter-turned-conservationist instrumental in its creation. The park covers over 520 square kilometers of hills, riverine belts, grasslands, and forests, offering rich biodiversity that includes Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, and more than 600 species of birds.
Visitors to Jim Corbett can explore the park through various safari options including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and canter safaris. The park is divided into nine different zones such as Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, and Durga Devi, each with unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. Dhikala zone, for example, is known for tiger sightings and expansive views along the Ramganga River. Elephant safaris, starting from Durgadevi gate, cover the Bijrani area and allow visitors to explore on elephant back. Jeep safaris are fast and comfortable, covering zones like Bijrani, Sitabani, and Jhirna.
Apart from wildlife safaris, the park offers activities like bird watching, nature walks, and visits to attractions such as Corbett Museum, Garjia Devi Temple, Corbett Waterfall, and the Tibetan market. River rafting in the nearby Kosi River provides an additional adventure option for visitors. The park also supports eco-tourism and community-based conservation initiatives promoting sustainable tourism.
The park experiences a diverse climate with temperatures ranging from around 4°C in winter to 42°C in summer. The best time to visit is from mid-September to the first week of June, with some zones like Dhikala open from November to May. The park has important conservation projects including Project Tiger, Crocodile Conservation, and Project Elephant.
