Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) is One of India's richest wilderness areas. The Tiger Reserve encompasses an area of 1288.34 sq km, which includes two Protected Areas: Corbett National Park (520.82 sq. km) and Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary (301.18 sq. km) Corbett National Park has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The natural uniqueness of the area was recognized long ago and so in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction as the first national park to be established in mainland Asia. Corbett National Park lies in two districts – Nainital and Pauri – in the hill state of Uttaranchal in northern India. It covers an area of 521 sq. km and together with the neighboring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve over 1288 sq. km. Its geographical location between the Himalayas and the terai, and the streams, rivers, and ridges crisscrossing the terrain, present Corbett with a remarkable variety of landscapes. This vivid mosaic of habitats – wet and dry, plain and mountainous, gentle and rugged, forests and grasslands – supports numerous plant and animal species, representing Himalayan as well as plains kinds. The most famous of Corbett’s wild residents are the Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant, but with about 600 species of avifauna Corbett is one of the richest bird regions of India.
LANDSCAPE AND GEOLOGY
HIMALAYAS AND SHIWALIKS
Mountains offer a great diversity of habitats due to variations in altitude, relief, and temperature. Consequently, mountain plant and animal communities have unique characteristics.
Corbett National Park is characteristic of the Himalayan mountain system. Corbett’s northern areas are lined by the Lesser Himalayan chain, which extends from Pakistan, through Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Arunachal. The Lesser Himalayas are quite high, with an average altitude of 1800 m, and are made up of crystalline rocks. The vegetation includes cold-climate tree species like pine, oak, and rhododendron. The Forest Rest House at Kanda at 1300 m is the highest point in the Park and is representative of the Lesser Himalayas
However, most of the Park lies in the Outer-Himalayan or Shiwalik region. The Shiwaliks are the southernmost of the Himalayan ranges and are much lower than the Lesser Himalayas. They are formed of sedimentary rocks and are hence crumbly and unstable. The Shiwaliks form the largest ridge across the park, running east to west from Dhangarhi to Kalagarh. These ridges are clothed by sal forests and other associates.
DUNS
Between the Himalayan and Shiwalik mountain ranges lie elongated valleys called duns. Unlike typical river valleys, duns are formed not due to erosion but have a structural origin. They are covered with boulders and gravel originating from the erosion of the Himalayas and the Shiwalik uplands. One such dun occurs in the northern half of Corbett. This is the Patli Dun and is most visible from Dhikala. Kanda, being higher in the Park, presents a panoramic view of this valley.
TERAI-BHABARTYPICAL SHIWALIK LANDSCAPE
The southern boundary of Corbett flanks the ecologically important terai-bhabar region, a strip of land skirting the southern part of the Shivalik. It consists of the bhabar region, a narrow belt of sloping land located at the outer margin of Shiwaliks, and the terai swamplands that lie further south of bhabar.
The bhabar tract is porous because it consists mainly of gravel and boulders. It is devoid of streams or springs and water table is quite low. In contrast, the terai is swampy and humid and contains many springs and slow-flowing streams. Most of the terai once held dense vegetation and were feared for malaria. It has been cleared for agriculture and is one of the most fertile grain production areas in India.
Together, the Terai-bhabar is a distinct ecological region, home to endangered wildlife such as the tiger, rhino, elephant, and sloth bear, and vital habitat for over 500 bird species.
The Tourist Zones: In order to promote tourism in the region Corbett National Park has been divided into five different zones. These are the marked buffer or core areas of the park where visitors can be part of a wildlife safari and can enjoy the intriguing behavior of the animals with bare eyes in proximity.
Bijrani Safari Zone: Bijrani Zone is a very popular tourist hub because of its abundant natural beauty and open grasslands. The entry gate of the zone is located only 01 Km from Ramnagar city.
Jhirna Safari Zone: Jhirna is another important tourist zone in the Jim Corbett National park that is open for tourists around the year. Jhirna Gate has located 16 km from Ramnagar city.
Dhela Safari Zone: Dhela is a new eco-tourism zone in Corbett National Park included in the tiger reserve zone in November 2014. This is the only area in the reserve's buffer zone open to tourists in CTR. The zone is retaining the attention of a large number of tourists because of its wealthy flora and fauna, open throughout the year, located at an approximate distance of 13 Km from Ramnagar City.
Dhikala Zone: Being the largest and most varied zone in Corbett, Dhikala is famous for its abundant natural beauty as well as for offering the best sight for exotic fauna. The entry gate is 18 km away from Ramnagar city. Night stay inside the Dhikala Tourism Zone is highly recommended for hardcore wildlife enthusiasts.
Durga Devi Zone: Located on the northeastern boundary of the Jim Corbett National Park, the Durga Devi zone is the heaven on planet earth for those who are fond of bird watching. The entry gate is located at an approximate distance of 36 km from Ramnagar city.
Sitabani Buffer Zone: Sitabani Zone doesn't fall under the Corbett Tiger Reserve area. If you are fond of the serene ambiance of natural beauty, must visit the Sitabani area.
How to Reach Corbett
Ramnagar is perhaps the best approach to the Corbett National Park which forms the headquarters of CTR. This small city is well connected by road and rail network with major cities of India like Delhi, Moradabad, Nainital, and Bareilly. Once you reach Ramnagar, then it takes only half an hour to reach Corbett National Park. The park is around 15 km from Ramnagar railway station.
By Road: Ramnagar has a very good network of roads that connects the different cities. The Corbett National Park is situated at an approximate surface distance of 260 Kilometers from India's national capital Delhi. The state government of Uttarakhand plies buses at a short interval of time from Delhi, Moradabad, Haldwani, and Nainital that reaches Corbett directly.
By Rail: The railway station in Ramnagar receives trains from different major cities of India like Delhi, Moradabad, and Bareilly. A direct train to Ramnagar runs from Delhi. You can check out Ranikhet Express, Corbett Link Express, and Kathgodam Express which take you directly to Ramnagar.Distance from Major Cities:
- Delhi: Delhi - Moradabad - Kashipur - Ramnagar (260 Kms)
- Nainital: Via Kaladhungi to Ramnagar (62 Kms)
- Lucknow: Lucknow - Bareilly - Kicha - Rudrapur - Kashipur - Ramnagar (436 km)
- Dehradun : Dehradun - Ramnagar (232 km)
Dhikala Forest Lodge:
Jim Corbett National Park is the sole national park in India that offers a night stay inside its Jungle. Dhikala forest lodge is a historic structure, have been built hundreds of years ago by Britishers. This old rest house is very much popular among tourists. It offers snug accommodation options with breathtaking vistas of flora and fauna. Though it is not very much luxury but the staying experience amidst the jungle is something simply unforgettable. The tourism inside the park is run and managed by the forest department.Dhikala Booking Procedure
Name, Age, Gender, and ID Proof (Passport No., PAN No., Voter ID, Adhar No.) of tourists needs to be provided along with the confirmatory amount to carry out the further booking process
Availability of the dormitory/rooms shall be confirmed 90 days prior to the date of actual arrival
We are just local tour operators and enhance booking procedure for the forest rest house/ private resorts & hotels. Please note that we are not responsible for the quality of services at the forest rest house which is operated by the forest department.
Major facilities available in Forest Lodges of Dhikala:
Rooms are well-appointed and gracefully designed
Pure vegetarian buffet courses are served at the on-site restaurant located in Dhikala
Jim Corbett Library
Staying in one of the major forest lodges (Dhikala) in Jim Corbett National Park brings an apex form of wildlife tourism and peaceful moments are unforgettable.