Corbett Trip - Things you need to Know !!

About the Park

Geographically, Corbett Tiger Reserve is situated in Uttarakhand State and on the foot hills of the Shivaliks.

Corbett National Park, spanning over 520 square kms is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve, which includes adjacent protected areas and has a total area of 497 square miles (1,288 square km) & has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife, birds and breathtaking landscapes. The natural uniqueness of the area was recognized long ago as a result of which in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction of becoming the first National Park to be established in mainland Asia. The park was then named as the 'Hailey National Park' and was later renamed as 'Corbett National Park' after James Edward Corbett the noted hunter turned conservationist of the area. The area came under 'Project Tiger' in 1971 when Gov. of India launched this ambitious conservation project.

Wildlife Zones in Corbett

Corbett National Park is divided into Two zones

• Corbett Tiger Reserve ( CTR ) - North Corbett

• Sonanadi wildlife Sanctuary - South Corbett

Main tourism activities are concentrated in the North side ( CTR ) as it has better infrastructure management and wildlife sightings.

North Corbett has the following gates

• Dhangadi Gate - to Dhikala, Khinnanauli, Sarpdhuli, Gairal & Sultan Forest rest house

• Amdanda Gate - to Bijrani, Malani & Garjiya zone

• Jhirna Gate - to Jhirna and Dhela Zone

• Durgadevi Gate - to Lohachaur Zone

South Corbett or Sonanadi is managed by Kalagarh Forest division from Kotdwar and has Vatanvasa and Pakhro gate which have access to Lohachaur, Rithuadhab, Halduparao, Kolhuchaur & Pakhro forest rest houses.

Wildlife Tourism in Corbett

Since main tourism is in the North side we will discuss only this in more detail.

Ctr offers two kinds of activities accessible by designated gypsies and canters, own car is not permitted.

Government Permits need to be booked/ taken in advance for the following

1. Night Stay at Forest Rest houses in the park

• Dhangadi Gate - Dhikala, Khinnanauli, Sarpdhuli, Gail & Sultan Forest rest house. This zone is commonly referred to as Dhikala Zone

• Amdanda Gate - Bijrani FRH & Malani FRH

• Jhirna Gate - Jhirna FRH & Dhela FRH

2. Day safaris in buffer zones of the park

• Canter safari of approx 5 hours each in Dhikala Zone, twice a day

• Gypsy safaris of 3-4 hrs to Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Garjia & Durgadevi Zone

3. Day safaris in Sitabani Forest - is a buffer zone and can also be accessed by designated govt gypsies and permits are available on the spot.

Wildlife Tourism with Night Stay in FRH

The main charm of CTR is the night stay in the forest rest houses in Dhikala Zone namely Dhikala, Khinnanauli, Sarpdhuli, Gail & Sultan Forest rest house. They are situated on the banks of River Ramganga, which is the lifeline of Corbett, at a distance of approx 4- 8 kms from each other deep in the forest and offer great wildlife experience and sightings. Permits for stay need to be booked online months in advance and usually sold out in minutes when the bookings open.

Night stay in Dhikala Zone is open from 15th November to 15th June every year while Buffer zones are open from 15th October to 30th June.

The forest rest houses are basic but comfortable with attached toilets and food is available in KMVN canteens within the rest houses.

Minimum Stay - Minimum 1 night is compulsory, day visit is not allowed in a gypsy, if one wishes for a day safari they can book a canter ride.

Maximum Stay - Maximum 3 nights are allowed in one stretch and you are allowed to enter only after 15 days of your previous visit to encourage more people to visit the park as rooms are limited.

Safari timings - Morning and evening safaris in open jeeps can be availed which are normally of 4 hours each. There is an afternoon break where one can explore the rest house or lounge in their rooms.

Nature guides - Guides are compulsory while you are on safari.

Food - Buffet is served in the Government Canteen and is reasonably priced. The food served is vegetarian and limited options are available. Alcohol and non vegetarian food is prohibited inside the park. You are also not allowed to carry any wrappers or packets inside the park.

Walking & trekking in the park is not allowed - one needs to be inside the gypsy at all times and can only get down at designated spots.

Electricity and Phone Network - There is no electricity in the park except for Dhikala Rest house, other rest houses have solar lighting. BSNl network works at a few places. Internet is not available.

Costs - It will usually Cost you anywhere between Rs.50,000/- to Rs.60,000/- for a 3 night 4 day trip to Dhikala Zone for 6 safaris. The above cost is for 1 room and 1 gypsy including hiring a gypsy, guide, food for 2-3 people and stay permits excluding additional stay outside the forest and travel to Ramnagar.

Maximum of 3 people are allowed in a room and 6 people in a gypsy. Charges will vary depending on how many people sharing a jeep.

For more details one can visit https://corbettonline.uk.gov.in/crbt_faqs.aspx

Day safaris in CTR

Since stay at the FRH is difficult to get and accommodation is basic one can also stay outside the park and stay in one of the private resorts as per their budget. They can visit the park in the morning or evening via open jeeps and compulsory guides. Permits need to be bought in advance and are non refundable.

Day safaris in buffer zones of the park :-

• Canter safari of approx 5 hours each in Dhikala Zone, twice a day

• Gypsy safaris of 3-4 hrs to Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Garjia & Durgadevi Zone

Costs - each safari cost ranges from Rs.5000/- to Rs.6000/- including permits & guide fees. Maximum of 6 people can fit in a gypsy. Costs of stay, travel & food is of course extra.

Also One needs to plan safaris in advance as seats are limited.

For more details one can visit https://corbettonline.uk.gov.in/crbt_faqs.aspx

Species in Uttrakhand

There are 488 different species of plants & trees mainly Sal, Semal, Dhak, Kharpat, Sissoo, Khair, Khingan, Bakli, Bel, Ber, Bamboo, Bohini, Pula, Khingan and Kuthber.

This great floral diversity supports a wide variety of faunal forms too. It includes about 102 species of mammals, 623 species of birds, 124 species of fish, 69 species of reptiles and 19 species of amphibians. Highly endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Tiger, Asian Elephant, Bharal, Himalayan Monal, Cheer Pheasant,King Cobra etc. find suitable habitat in the forests of Uttarakhand.

Key Species you are likely to See Some of the Mammals found in Corbett area are: Tiger, Leopard, Jungle cat, Asian Elephant, Spotted deer or Cheetal, Sambhar Deer, hog deer, Barking deer, Wild boar, Langur, Yellow throated Martin, Porcupine, Sloth bear, Rhesus monkey and Jackal.

Birds in Corbett: Peacock, Jungle Fowl, partridge, Kaleej Pheasant, crow, vulture, parakeet, Laughing Thrush, oriole, kingfisher, drongo, dove, woodpecker, duck, teal, stork, cormorant, great pied hornbill, white-Backed Vulture, Hodgson's bushchat, orange breasted green pigeon, Pallas fish eagle, golden oriole, tawny fish owl, Indian Pitta, Scarlet Minivet, Spot Bellied eagle owl,collared falconet etc

Reptiles: Indian marsh crocodile, Gharial, King cobra, Common krait, Cobra, Russels viper, Python and monitor lizard; Fish: Mahaseer, Kalimuchi, Kalabasu, Chilwa and Goonch.

How to reach Corbett

Corbett is accessible -

By Road: Delhi-Moradabad-Kashipur-Ramnagar

By Train: Delhi-Moradabad-Kashipur-Ramnagar (Ramnagar is the nearest railway station)

Air: Dehradun, Delhi, Bareilly and Pantnagar are the nearest operational airports.

Remember to put Corbett National Park Ramnagar in Google else you will reach the South gate

Best Time to Visit Corbett Between October and March since Uttarakhand foothills are hot during summer months

Seasonal Temperature Sept to Nov – Pleasant, light jacket recommended in the morning

Dec to Feb - Cold, full winterwear advised

March to May - Pleasant

June to august- Hot and Humid Packing Guide Jungle colors are advised. You should bring a set of semi-camouflaged trousers/shirts/jackets. Bright colors scare off birds and animals. Trekking shoes, flashlights, water bottle, insect repellent, battery packs, Binoculars and Camera (with extra batteries/ memory card) are recommended.

Suggested Health & Age Requirements While all age groups are allowed to enter the park but remember that it is a wildlife park hence one should avoid getting toddlers and children below the age of 8 inside the park.

People with medical conditions are requested to consult their physician and keep medicines along with them as the nearest hospital will be atleast a 2 hrs drive from the forest rest houses.

Corbett Do's & Donts !

Walking or trekking inside the national park is strictly prohibited.

Avoid perfumes and bright clothes, wear clothes of colour which merge with the natural surroundings.

Carry a litter bag while entering the Tiger Reserve and bring back non-biodegradable litter.

Do not make noise/talk loudly inside the forest.

Do not smoke in the forest. Do not collect plants or pluck flowers.

While taking photographs or shooting videos, do not disturb the wild animals. (For eg. use of flash guns)

Shouting, teasing or chasing animals or attempts to feed them are prohibited.

Respect local traditions, customs and religions.

FAQ’S

https://corbettonline.uk.gov.in/crbt_faqs.aspx

Official Site of Corbett

https://corbettonline.uk.gov.in/corbettDefaultNew.aspx