Introduction

Corbett National Park is a breathtaking landscape of Sal forests, grasslands, wet and dry habitats, and home to a diverse wildlife. In 1936 Corbett was given the distinction as the first national park to be established in mainland Asia. A part of the hill state of Uttarakhand, the national park lies in two districts; Nainital and Pauri, and spreads across 1288 sq. kilometers together with the neighboring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas. The streams and rivers dissecting its sometimes rugged and sometimes gentle terrain teeming with a fascinating array of flora and fauna bring to life the world in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The park is named after the great naturalist-writer Jim Corbett whose writings have inspired generations of wildlife enthusiasts.

Jhirna tourist zone is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Ramnagar. Until 1994, Jhirna was a farming village when it was successfully relocated under Project Tiger. Typical of a Shiwalik landscape with narrow gorges and dense bamboo patches on the hills to the north, Jhirna is seen as a favorable habitat for tigers, leopards, deer, and a host of mammals such as sloth bear and wild boar. The region supports a great variety of avifauna, making it popular with bird-watchers through the year. To undertake a jeep safari into the open grassland of Jhirna, you have to obtain a permit issued by the Corbett Tiger Reserve reception centre. 25 vehicles are allowed into the sanctuary in the morning and the same number is allowed in the evening.

For a day trip, permit is released in advance which comes into effect for six days before the actual day of the trip. While the evening rounds of safari take place on first-come-first-serve basis. Jhirna is the only tourist zone in Corbett that stays open through the year. It is mandatory to take along a guide on a wildlife safari into the park. You can spend the night here at the forest lodge with two rooms, and set out on an elephant safari at the crack of dawn. On a jeep or elephant safari, the chances of spotting tiger and deer herds are reasonably high. So, keep your binoculars handy at all times.

Driving after sunset is strictly prohibited inside the park. Taking a nature guide with your vehicle is mandatory. These trained nature guides show you around, help you spot wildlife and make sure you don’t lose your way inside the forest.

Special Attributes

A safari into the open grassland of Jhirna is a great way to spot tigers, leopards, deer and sloth bear among others.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

No such restrictions, you can wear anything you are comfortable in, peferably neutral shades so that you don’t stand out in the lush surroundings and blend harmoniously with it. And don’t forget to put on your trekking shoes.

Connectivity

Hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle.

Enjoyed by

Nature Lovers, Wildlife Enthusiasts, Families, Kids, Backpackers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky. The sun could be harsh in the noon, so carry along your sunshades, hat, sunscreen lotion, and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

There is a watchtower at Jhirna from where you can get a panoramic view of the wilderness and spot wild animals as they come out to graze.

Things Not Allowed

Alcohol and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited. Do not smoke or light campfires in the forest. While inside the park, put your non-biodegradable litter (tin cans, plastic, glass bottles, metal foils etc.) into the bag provided and dispose it off on your way out.

Tip

Please enter the Park only after taking the necessary permits and follow all the rules. Avail the services of a Nature Guide the Park has trained for your benefit. Drive slowly in the Park and keep to the specified roads and trails. In this way you can se

Type of site

National park