Jim Corbett National Park, which is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve, a Project Tiger Reserve lies in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The magical landscape of Corbett is well known and fabled for its tiger richness. Established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park, Corbett has the glory of being India's oldest and most prestigious National Park. It is also being honored as the place where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973. This unique tiger territory is best known as the father who gave birth of the Project Tiger in India to protect the most endangered species and the Royal of India called Tigers.
Jim Corbett National Park is India’s most popular wildlife destination and is located in Uttarakhand's Nainital district. It comes under the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Project Tiger Reserve. Corbett is very popular among wildlife enthusiasts as it has a rich population of tigers. It was first established in 1936 as Hailey National Park making it India's oldest and most prominent national park.
The Project Tiger was founded to safeguard the most endangered species in India and Jim Corbett was selected as the debut site for Project Tiger in 1973. The park spans over 520 square kilometers and constitutes hills, grasslands, river belts, marshy recessions, and a huge lake.
It is one of the few tiger reserves in India that permits overnight stays within the National Park. One can enjoy and observe the natural world and wildlife through safaris on an elephant's back and on an open-wheeled Jeep. The most well-liked location is Dhikala, which is located on the edge of the vast Patil Dun valley.
Corbett National Park has been separated into five different zones to encourage tourism in the area. These are the designated core or buffer areas of the park where guests can participate in wildlife safaris and observe the fascinating behavior of the animals up close.
Bijrani Safari Zone: Because of its abundance of natural beauty and wide-open grasslands, Bijrani Zone is a particularly popular tourist destination. Only one km separates the zone's entry gate from Ramnagar city.
Jhirna Safari Zone: Another significant tourist destination in the Jim Corbett National Park that welcomes visitors all year round is Jhirna. 16 kilometers separate Jhirna Gate from Ramnagar city.
Dhela Safari Zone: In November 2014, Corbett National Park added the Dhela ecotourism zone as part of the tiger reserve. Tourists can only enter this portion of the reserve's border zone in CTR. The area, which is around 13 kilometers from Ramnagar City, is drawing a lot of tourists because of its diverse flora and wildlife and year-round accessibility.
Dhikala Zone: Dhikala, the largest and most diversified area of jungle in Corbett, is renowned for its abundance of natural beauty and for providing the best views of exotic species. The distance from Ramnagar city to the entry gate is 18 kilometers. For die-hard wildlife aficionados, a night stay inside the Dhikala Tourism Zone is highly advised.
Durga Devi Zone: It is situated on the northeastern edge of the Jim Corbett National Park, is a bird watcher's paradise. About 36 kilometers separate the entry gate from Ramnagar city.
Sitabani Zone: It is not a part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Visit the Sitabani area if you enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of natural beauty.