Corbett National Park is split into eight eco-friendly tourist Safari zone to better handle visitors and protect the tiger reserve.
Corbett National Park has eight Safari Zones different areas where tourists can visit.
They’re called the Dhikala Zone, Bijrani Zone, Jhirna Zone, Garjiya Zone, Sitabani Zone, Pakhro Zone, Dhela Zone, and Durga Devi Zone.
Park officials split the safari tours in Corbett Tiger Reserve into two times during the day and limit the number of safari jeeps allowed in each area to ensure tourists are evenly spread out across all zones.
Each zone in Corbett National Park has its own unique natural beauty, including different landscapes and wildlife.
However, the chances of seeing tigers are similar in every zone, although the terrain may vary slightly since all the zones are part of the same geographical area.
Here are the brief introductions about all the eight tourism Safari zones for which safari tour is organized in the Corbett National Park
Dhikala Safari Zone
The Dhikala zone is like the star attraction of all the tourist Safari zones in Corbett National Park.
It’s the most popular zone for both daytime safaris and overnight stays at the Dhikala forest rest house.
Located on the edge of the Patil Dun Valley.
The Dhikala zone is the biggest area in the park and has a wide variety of plants and animals.
The Dhikala zone boasts breathtaking scenery, characterized by vast grasslands known as Chaurs, dense forests of Sal trees, and numerous channels of the Ramganga River.
Additionally, visitors can revel in stunning views of nature, with panoramic vistas of the wide valley and the distant Kanda Ridge.
Renowned for tiger sightings, this zone is the ultimate choice for wildlife enthusiasts seeking overnight stays.
In the Dhikala zone, visitors often spot wild elephants, Spotted Deer, Wild pigs, Hog Deer, and Barking Deer. If lucky, tourists might witness a tiger chasing a deer in the grasslands or near the water streams.
This area is also home to many bird species, making it a delight for bird watchers. Unlike other zones, there are no jeep safaris available for day visitors in Dhikala.
During the day, visitors can actively explore the Dhikala zone through Canter safaris organized by the forest officials.
Canter safaris resemble open bus tours, accommodating 16 seats on each bus, with only two buses permitted per shift.
Bijrani Safari Zone
The Bijrani zone is just as amazing as Dhikala when it comes to stunning natural scenery and the chance to see the majestic Royal Bengal tiger.
The Bijrani zone, the second most popular Safari zone in the park, attracts many visitors for day safaris. With its beautiful landscape and peaceful atmosphere.
Bijrani offers a calming experience amidst the forest. Additionally, the Bijrani zone stands out in Corbett because of its diverse wildlife.
It has expansive grasslands, dense Sal forests, and many streams, offering a landscape as captivating as Dhikala.
Apart from the beautiful scenery, Bijrani is known for its high number of tigers, making it the top spot for tiger sightings.
Day visitors to the Bijrani zone can enjoy jeep safaris, which can be booked online in advance.
Elephant safaris were previously available on a first-come, first-served basis, but they are now prohibited. The day safari is split into two shifts, and only 30 safari jeeps are allowed per shift.
Each jeep can accommodate up to 6 adults and 2 children, not including the driver and guide. A guide must accompany each jeep for entry into the zone.
Jhirna Safari Zone
The Jhirna zone, situated on the southern side of Corbett National Park, was added to the tiger reserve in 1994.
Since then, it has become very popular among wildlife enthusiasts. Jhirna is open for day visitors all year round, making it one of the most visited zones in the park.
Tigers are often spotted here, and there’s a diverse range of wildlife to be seen as well.
In the Jhirna Safari zone, besides tigers, wild bears are a big draw for visitors. You can also spot wild elephants, sambar deer, and different types of deer, as well as many bird species.
The safari runs in two shifts, with 30 jeeps allowed per shift. You can book a jeep online, with each jeep able to carry up to 6 adults and 2 children. A guide must accompany each jeep as per the rules.
Dhela Safari Zone
The Dhela zone is the newest addition to the tourism areas of Corbett National Park, opening in December 2014 for safari tours.
Like the Jhirna zone, it’s open all year round for tourists, but safari tours depend on the weather
The Safari zone has diverse landscapes, including dense forests with trees like Sal, Haldu, Bahera, Rohini, and Kusum, as well as large grasslands and water bodies.
It’s home to a variety of animals such as the Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, wild elephants, Nilgai, different species of deer, and wild bears, as well as various reptiles and birds.
The Dhela zone is famous for its wide variety of bird species, making it the top choice for birdwatching.
You can book a day safari to explore this zone and experience the beauty of Corbett Park. In addition to the safari permit, you need to book a jeep and a guide. Without them, you won’t be allowed entry into the park.
Durga Devi Safari Zone
The Durga Devi Safari zone is found on the northeast side of Corbett forest. It’s a fantastic spot for people who love nature because it’s incredibly beautiful there. The area is abundant in diverse plant and animal species.
Streams from the Ramganga River and Mandal River flow through, enhancing the Safari zone’s charm. Besides magnificent tigers, the main attractions here are leopards, wild elephants, and otters, especially near the Domunda Bridge.
In the Durga Devi zone, you can find the famous Mahseer fish in the river streams.
It’s also a haven for birdwatchers, with species like the Gray Headed Fishing Eagle, Maroon Oriole, Black-chinned Yuhina, Long-Tailed Broadbill, Slaty Blue Flycatcher, Bar-tailed Tree Creeper, and many more.
It’s truly a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Jeep safaris are available for exploring this Safari zone, and if you book in advance, you can stay overnight at the Lohachaur Forest Guest House.
Sitabani Safari Zone
The Sitabani forest zone is a reserve area located outside the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It serves as a buffer zone and is open to all visitors. The landscape features dense forests, river streams, and ancient temples.
You’ll see many herbivores like elephants, deer, sambars, and Nilgai roaming freely. Tiger or leopard, though rare due to their elusive nature, hunt prey on occasion.
The zone is home to around 600 bird species, including many migratory birds.
The Sitabani Safari Zone is a paradise for birdwatchers. It covers a large area that includes several villages, offering a chance to experience the magical atmosphere of nature.
Toursists often prefer the tiger reserve over this zone, despite its beauty. It’s home to the Sitabani Temple, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and an ancient Lord Shiva temple.
These temples attract many devotees. Exploring this forest can be a memorable experience, especially with a thrilling night safari. The quiet and eerie atmosphere can give you an adrenaline rush as you anticipate encountering wild animals.
You can explore the Safari Zone by jeep safari, elephant safari, or on foot, and private vehicles are allowed too. Entry fees can be paid at the entry gate in Teda Village, and you’ll exit from the Paulgarh gate, about 60 km away.
Garjiya Safari Zone
Tourists visiting Corbett National Park no longer worry about safari seats being unavailable or fully booked.
Due to the increasing number of tourists, a new safari zone called Garjia, or Ringora Zone, has been introduced in Corbett, starting its operations in November.
This new zone offers another opportunity for tourists to enjoy safari experiences.
Previously, tourists could only visit safari zones like Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durgadevi, Sitabani, and Pakhro, often experiencing disappointment during peak tourism seasons due to limited available seats.
The addition of the Garjia zone aims to address this issue and accommodate more wildlife enthusiasts.
Opening a new zone like Garjia had been pending for a while. Garjia is a popular part of the scenic Jim Corbett National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna. It competes with Dhikala as tourists’ top choice for safaris.
Garjia captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscape and tranquil atmosphere.
Tourists admire the dense forest and natural beauty of this area. Additionally, it stands out as one of the spots in Corbett Park where tigers frequently make appearances.
Phato Safari Zone
The best experiences often come from being in nature. As travel becomes more accessible, consider destinations away from busy cities. Connecting with nature is rewarding and affordable.
National Park offers incredible Safari zones, including the beautiful Phato Zone, which is truly breathtaking.
The Phato Zone in Corbett National Park is famous for its wildlife and serene natural beauty, giving visitors a wonderful experience.
Tigers are the main attraction here. Exploring this Safari Zone through a jeep safari from the phato entry gate in Mohan Maldhan is a popular activity.
Each safari lasts for 3 hrs, with 50 safaris conducted in the morning and evening wildlife sightings, especially of tigers, are common due to the abundance of wildlife in this zone.
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