Jim Corbett National Park

History 

The history of Jim Corbett National Park is long and illustrious. Way back in the year 1936, it was established under a different name, known as The Hailey National Park. Located in scenic Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of the Uttarakhand State, the Park is named after the famous British environmentalist, tiger hunter and author, Jim Corbett, who spent major parts of his life in India. 

Jim Corbett National Park was the first wildlife reserve that came under the ambit of Project Tiger. In the 19th century, the Rohilla invaders regularly disturbed the peace of the region.  The Tehri Raja, bargained the autonomy of the region with the East Indian Company, and the invaders were ousted from the region. Soon after, plans for conserving the forest were implemented. 

In 1954-55, the Park was renamed as the Ramganga National Park. After a year, it was again renamed, this time as Jim Corbett National Park. Today, it is arguably the most coveted Tiger Reserve in the country. Tourists from different corners of India, and also from various foreign countries enthusiastically visit the Park each year. 

Useful Information

• Total area – 1318.5 sq km
• Core area – 520 sq km
• Elevation range – 385 meters to 1100 meters
• Latitude – 29° 32' 54.9564'' N
• Longitude – 78° 56' 7.0908'' E
• Nearest river – Ramganga River
• Nearby hills – Terai Hills 
• Avg. annual rainfall – 27. 3 inches 

Flora of Jim Corbett National Park

There are about 488 different kinds of plant species found in the regions that fall under the area of Jim Corbett National Park. Sal is the main tree. The areas that have Sal forests are denser than other regions of the Park. The nature of vegetation in many part of the Park is woody. You could also find lovely Jamun trees in abundance in the Park when you avail Jim Corbett tour packages. 

Huge expanses of the Park are covered in grasslands, marking the variegated terrains of the area. There are small streams and water-bodies spread across the Park. Some regions are so dense and deep in big trees and bushes that even sunlight does not penetrate properly. 

Several of the plants found in Jim Corbett National Park have medicinal value. The area also boasts off many wildflower plants. When you visit during spring availing Jim Corbett holiday packages, you could witness various parts of Park appearing captivatingly scenic with lots of blooming flowers. 

Fauna of Jim Corbett National Park

When it comes to fauna of the Jim Corbett National Park, the premier species is of course the Royal Bengal Tiger. But, it is a rarity to spot it in Jim Corbett wildlife packages, because of the dense natural habitat in which it resides. There are other members of the big cat family in the Park, too. If you are lucky enough, then you could spot leopards in hillier terrains of the region. There are quite a few varieties of cats in the Park, such as fishing cats and leopard cats. 

The number of Indian elephants residing in the Park is huge. Sighting hordes of Wild Elephants is not uncommon in the forest, when you avail Jim Corbett sightseeing packages. There are Ghariyals in the big water-bodies of the Park. The great Indian Python is also a resident of the Park. Spotting Sambar deer is common in your tour. You would also see exotic animal species such as Golden Jackals in the forest. 

Jim Corbett National Park is a home to about 556 different species of birds. You could spot the mesmerizingly beautiful blossom-headed parakeets in the Park while availing Jim Corbett adventure packages. The Park is also an abode to crested serpent eagles. Spotting Red Jungle Fowls is also not uncommon. Documented records say the Park has 36 dragonfly species, too. 

Climate 

The Jim Corbett National Park has a temperate climate. It has four distinct seasons, prevalent like in most of the National Parks in the country. Through several years, animals of different species have learnt to acclimatize their living habits in all these seasons, in their natural habitats. Plants and flowers in the Park have also flourished through all these seasons. 

The summer season in Jim Corbett National Park begins from March, and it lasts till the month of June. Days are hot, and can be very humid, too. The temperature ranges from 32 to 42 degree Celsius. Touring the Park during this period could be extremely uncomfortable. 

The mid-weeks of June mark the onset of monsoons. The monsoons last till the end of September. The animals get a respite from the blazing heat, in the soothing rainy months. The level of precipitation it receives is fairly significant, compared to other National parks in India. 

Winter sets foot in the park in mid-October, and continues to stay till late-February. The weather conditions become very comfortable. There is a sharp drop in the level of humidity. Night temperatures can be as low as 5 degree Celsius. 

From late February to mid-March, there is a short spring season prevailing in the Park. 

Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett National Park

You need to take note of the months in which Jim Corbett National Park is open for the tourists. It is open from November till June. Hence, if you have to make a plan, then you need to choose this specific period. The Park is closed for the rest of the year, due to monsoons, and incompatible conditions in the Park for Jim Corbett safari tours. 

The most preferable time for the tourists to travel is during the winter months. Besides witnessing lots of migratory birds, you would also find it really comfortable to go for various expeditions, exploring the different regions of the Park without any hassles. 

Winter season is also the perfect time to participate in a wide variety of activities and programs in the Park through Jim Corbett family packages, such as bird-watching, trekking, and the likes. You would thoroughly enjoy the weather, having a memorable trip. 

Although, the Park is open for the tourists during the summer months, traveling would be too hectic due to the high level of humidity and scorching heat. Number of tourists visiting the Park sharply decreases during summer months. 

How to Reach Jim Corbett National Park

There would be no problem in reaching the destination, availing Jim Corbett weekend tour packages, as it is one of the top tourist spots in India, and has several routes focusing on it. As a tourist, you would be avail to choose many options for traveling to the Park. 

By Rail: The nearest rail station to Jim Corbett National Park is Ramnagar. If you want to reach Ramnagar, then you can board a train from Delhi, to Ramnagar. The distance between New Delhi to Ramnagar is about 240 km. It would take 5 to 6 hours by train to cover the distance. After reaching Ramnagar, you can rent a car to the Park. 

By Road: There are multiple choices for a tourist to reach the Jim Corbett National Park, by road. You can drive directly from New Delhi, via Ramnagar. Also, you can travel to your destination from Bareilly, via Haldwani, and then via Ramnagar. 

By Air: You can take a flight to New Delhi Airport from any major city for other parts of India. After reaching the airport, you can either take a private bus, or rent a car to the park availing Jim Corbett affordable packages. The journey would be smooth. 

Connectivity & Distances

• Distance from entry gate:  
• Railway station: Ramnagar railway Station 
• Bus Stand: Ramnagar Bus Stand 
• Airport: Nainital International Airport
• Nearest city/town: Ramnagar 

Places to Visit near Jim Corbett National Park 

There are plenty of ambient tourist sports in various locales close to the Jim Corbett National Park. You should definitely add a few of them in your Jim Corbett National Park itinerary, in order to imbibe the perfect spirits of your exciting tour. The following short list would give you some ideas. 

Bhowali – The town of Bhowali is more like a cozy hamlet, with its beautiful flavors of local culture, sparkling like a jewel in the terrains of Kumaon. 

Garjiya Temple – Garjiya, believed to be an incarnation of the might Goddess Durga, has a temple in her name, and the temple is located about 14 km away from the Park. You can visit the temple and admire its immensely intricate architecture, and also offer prayers, on a weekend trip. 

Haldwani – It is a charming town, rather city, which tourists prefer to explore on a weekend getaway tour, for the fact that it is always bustling with energetic vibes. 

Kathgodam – It is one of the most beautiful towns in Uttarakhand, where several tourists flock, after exploring the Park. Many of the tourists also make a base at Kathgodam, and come to visit the Park. It scenic beauty is truly mesmerizing. 

Nainital – Who can miss visiting the ever-beautiful Nainital when one comes to Jim Corbett National Park? It is about 2-hour drive from the Park.