Jim Corbett Wildlife Safari

Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, holds the distinction of being India's oldest national park. Located in the Nainital district, it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Famous for its population of Bengal Tigers, it was the launchpad for Project Tiger in India. A safari here is a journey into the heart of the Indian wilderness.

Spanning over 520 square kilometers of core area, the park is divided into several zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Durga Devi, each offering a unique landscape and wildlife sighting probability. The Dhikala zone, situated on the edge of the Patil Dun valley, is the most coveted for its panoramic views and high tiger density.

The safari experience is conducted in open jeeps (Gypsies) or on canter buses. As your vehicle enters the dense Sal forests, the air grows thick with anticipation. The silence of the jungle is punctuated by the alarm calls of deer or langurs, signaling the presence of a predator. Every rustle in the bushes makes your heart skip a beat.

While the tiger is the star attraction, Corbett is incredibly rich in biodiversity. You can spot herds of wild elephants crossing the tracks, leopards, sloth bears, yellow-throated martens, and the rare gharials basking on the banks of the Ramganga River. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise with over 600 recorded species.

Staying inside the forest rest houses (FRHs) within the park is a unique feature of Corbett. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle, with no fences between you and the wild, is a thrilling experience. The Dhikala FRH is particularly famous.

The park landscape itself is mesmerizing—riverine belts, marshy depressions, hills, and large grasslands known as 'Chaurs'. The Ramganga river flows through the park, providing a lifeline to the flora and fauna.

A visit to Jim Corbett is not just about spotting animals; it is about respect for nature and understanding the intricate balance of the ecosystem. It is a humbling and awe-inspiring adventure.