Jim Corbett National Park

About

Jim Corbett National Park is located in the northern part of India just northeast of New Delhi. The national park area covers an area of 201.1 square miles (520.8 sq km) and is part of the sub-Himalayan ecosystem.

An extended area beyond the park provides an additional protected buffer. This area was created to support the tigers, and the park was the first to be placed under the Project Tiger Initiative.

The elevation of the park fluctuates between 1,300 feet to 4,000 feet (400 to 1,220 m) above sea level. The elevation brings cooler evenings; however, the day delivers outstanding temperatures to explore the region. The elevation variations deliver an array of ravines, plateaus, ridges, valleys, streams and rivers.

Almost three-quarters of the park is encompassed by deciduous forest including peepal, rohini, and mango trees. There is a total of 110 species of trees making the forested area. Another 10% of the park is accounted for by grasslands. Altogether there are over 485 species of plants found within the boundaries of the park.

The varied vegetation of the park creates an excellent sanctuary for wildlife with around 50 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, and over 575 species of birds. The birds are complemented in the skies by 36 different species of dragonflies.

Tigers are one of the leading species of mammals that bring visitors to the parks with hopes of seeing these stunning creatures. Spotting tigers is a challenge because of the abundance of thick vegetation.

Other predator species include leopards, jungle cats, fishing cats, and the leopard cat. Popular mammalian species include elephants, water buffalo, barking deer, sambar deer, chital, black bears, mongoose, rhesus macaques, and hog deer.

Crocodiles and gharials have regenerated eroding populations for a stronger presence in the park. The Indian python is a notorious reptile that can kill almost any of the species found in Jim Corbett National Park.

Although wildlife is the primary appeal of the park, it is not the only encounter with nature that people remember. Corbett Falls reaches a height of 66 feet (20 m) and is nestled in the dense jungle. The sounds of the falls are the only sounds you will hear when experiencing the falls.

Garjiva Devi Temple is a revered temple situated on the riverbank of the river Kosi. This is just an added cultural and historical feature of the national park. Kalagarh Dam is an architectural feature within the park boundaries which creates an amazing place for bird lovers to spot a variety of birds and waterfowl from both local and migratory species.

Photos

Things to See

Featured Wildlife

The wildlife of the national park is the immediate attraction and the highlight of all visitors. It is the wildlife that draws them to experience the Jim Corbett National Park.

Taking a jeep safari is the most common and most popular way to experience the abundance of nature Jim Corbett National Park has to offer. The jeep safari affords visitors with the best chances of seeing the most wildlife, which is why most people come to the park.

There are over 70,000 visitors to the park every year that are fortunate to experience the wildlife found in the region. Visitors can explore via Jeep safari, Canter safari, or elephant safari.

Predators

Jim Corbett National Park, nestled in the Himalayan foothills, is home to a diverse array of predator species crucial to its ecological health.

Bengal Tiger: The Bengal tiger, India’s iconic apex predator, roams the park’s forests with majestic grace, preying on deer and other ungulates. These magnificent cats play a vital role in regulating prey populations and shaping the park’s ecosystem.

Leopard: Leopards, known for their elusive nature, are skilled hunters and climbers, often found in the park’s rocky terrain. These adaptable predators prey on a variety of animals, including deer, monkeys, and smaller mammals.

Wild Dog: Wild dogs, also known as dholes, are highly social predators that hunt cooperatively, making them formidable hunters in the park’s grasslands and woodlands. Their presence highlights the park’s biodiversity and underscores the interconnectedness of its wildlife communities.

Indian Pangolin: The Indian pangolin, with its distinctive armor-like scales, is a lesser-known but essential species in the park’s ecosystem. These nocturnal insectivores play a vital role in controlling insect populations, particularly ants and termites, contributing to the park’s ecological balance.

Gharial: The gharial, a critically endangered crocodilian species, inhabits the Ramganga River within the park. With its long, slender snout and distinctive bulbous growth on the tip, the gharial is a unique and fascinating species to encounter.

Indian Python: The Indian python, one of the largest snake species in the world, can be found slithering through the forests and grasslands of the park. These non-venomous constrictors play a vital role in controlling rodent populations and are an important part of the park’s ecosystem.

Birds

Jim Corbett National Park is renowned for its avian diversity, boasting a plethora of bird species that enchant visitors with their vibrant colors and melodious calls.

There are approximately 600 different species. Here are some popular ones you might hope to see:

Crested Serpent Eagle: A majestic raptor, the Crested Serpent Eagle is a common sight in Corbett. With its striking plumage and keen eyesight, it soars high above the forest canopy, hunting for reptiles and small mammals.

Red Junglefowl: The colorful Red Junglefowl, ancestor to domestic chickens, adds a splash of vibrancy to the park’s landscape. Males flaunt their bright red plumage and striking combs during courtship displays, while females are more subtly adorned.

Great Hornbill: One of Corbett’s most iconic birds, the Great Hornbill is known for its impressive size and distinctive casqued bill. Often seen flying gracefully through the forest, these majestic birds play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping maintain the park’s ecological balance.

Indian Roller: The Indian Roller, adorned with vibrant hues of blue, purple, and green, is a common sight in Jim Corbett National Park. Its aerial acrobatics and melodious calls make it a favorite among birdwatchers, especially during the breeding season when males perform elaborate courtship displays.

White-throated Kingfisher: With its distinctive turquoise and chestnut plumage, the White-throated Kingfisher is a familiar sight along Corbett’s rivers and streams. Often observed perched patiently on branches overlooking water bodies, it plunges with precision to catch fish, insects, and other aquatic prey.

Changeable Hawk-Eagle: The Changeable Hawk-Eagle, with its striking plumage and piercing gaze, epitomizes the essence of Corbett’s avian diversity. Known for its agile flight and formidable hunting skills, this apex predator commands respect as it soars majestically above the forest canopy, surveying its domain for potential prey.

Pied Kingfisher: The Pied Kingfisher, with its distinctive black and white plumage and hovering flight, is a familiar sight along Corbett’s rivers and water bodies. Its characteristic plunge-dive into the water to catch fish is a spectacle that delights visitors and photographers alike.

Grey-headed Fish Eagle: The Grey-headed Fish Eagle, with its regal appearance and keen eyesight, is a sought-after sighting for bird enthusiasts in Jim Corbett National Park. Often perched near water bodies, it patiently scans the surface for fish, showcasing its skillful hunting techniques.

Things To Do

Jim Corbett National Park is one of the favorite destinations in India for seeing wildlife. There is more than one way to do it.

Game Drive

The most common activity in the park is the game drive. This gives you the best chances for seeing a variety and abundance of wildlife found within the park borders.

Walking Safari

Guided by a registered park representative, a walking safari is a way to get outdoors and experience the splendor of the national park. This is a more personal encounter with nature, but wildlife viewing is usually more productive from within one of the vehicles.

Jeep Safari

Embark on an exhilarating jeep safari adventure through the diverse landscapes of Jim Corbett National Park. Led by experienced guides, these safaris offer the chance to explore the park’s rich biodiversity and spot elusive wildlife such as tigers, elephants, and leopards in their natural habitat.

Traverse rugged terrain, meandering rivers, and dense forests as you seek out sightings of iconic species against the backdrop of the picturesque Himalayan foothills.

With knowledgeable guides providing insights into the park’s ecology and wildlife behavior, visitors can enjoy an immersive safari experience while learning about conservation efforts aimed at protecting these magnificent creatures.

Whether venturing out at dawn or dusk, jeep safaris promise unforgettable encounters with the wilderness of Jim Corbett National Park.

Elephant Safari

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the lush wilderness of Jim Corbett National Park with an elephant safari. Accompanied by skilled mahouts, visitors can traverse the park’s diverse terrain, from dense forests to meandering rivers, aboard majestic elephants.

This unique vantage point offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the park’s abundant wildlife, including spotted deer, wild boar, and elusive predators like tigers and leopards, in their natural habitat.

The slow and silent pace of the elephant safari allows for intimate wildlife encounters and provides photographers with excellent opportunities to capture stunning images. Experienced naturalists accompany each safari, sharing insights into the park’s ecology and wildlife behavior, enhancing the overall safari experience.

Dhikala Zone Canter Safari

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the heart of Jim Corbett National Park with the Dhikala Zone Canter safari.

This specially designed open-air safari vehicle offers panoramic views of the park’s diverse landscapes, including dense forests, grasslands, and riverbanks.

Led by experienced naturalists, the safari traverses prime wildlife habitats, providing ample opportunities to spot a myriad of species, from majestic elephants and elusive big cats to vibrant birdlife and charismatic herbivores.

The Dhikala Zone is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is considered one of the best areas for wildlife sightings in the park. With its comfortable seating and knowledgeable guides, the Canter safari offers an immersive wildlife experience, ideal for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike.

Bird Watching Walks

Jim Corbett National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 600 species of birds calling its diverse habitats home. Join experienced birding guides on a birdwatching excursion to explore the park’s rich avian diversity, from colorful songbirds and majestic raptors to rare migratory species.

Whether strolling along nature trails, cruising down rivers, or observing from strategically located hides, visitors can expect exceptional birdwatching opportunities and the chance to spot elusive and endemic species.

With the soothing sounds of birdsong filling the air and the sight of vibrant plumage flitting among the trees, birdwatching in the park offers a peaceful and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts of all levels.

Nature Walks

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the jungle on a guided nature walk through the pristine wilderness of Jim Corbett National Park.

Led by knowledgeable naturalists, these walks offer the chance to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems up close, from dense forests and meandering rivers to open grasslands teeming with wildlife.

Learn about the intricate interconnections between plants, animals, and their environment as you meander along forest trails, observing tracks, signs, and sightings of various species along the way.

With the opportunity to encounter a variety of flora and fauna, including colorful butterflies, shy deer, and playful monkeys, nature walks provide a serene and immersive way to experience the natural beauty of Jim Corbett National Park while gaining insight into its ecological importance and conservation efforts.