Welcome to the Part 2 segment of my stay at the Bijrani Forest Rest House, where today I will be exploring the Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone in the hope of spotting one of the famous tigresses named LUMA during the morning safari.
- Read more about Part 1 of my visit and stay at the Bijrani FRH.
- Watch the Part 1 Video on YouTube of me visiting Bijrani FRH for the first time.
So, let’s start our journey in search of the LUMA tigress and see if we hit any luck spotting her. Jim Corbett Bijrani Zone is a great place in Uttarakhand, India for anyone to go on a tiger safari and explore the wilderness in a unique way. Bijrani Zone offers a perfect mix of wildlife and natural landscapes which makes it a great place for jungle safari in India. Planning a trip here means getting to explore India’s oldest National Park with highest tiger population.
Table of Contents
Starting the Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone Safari
We started the Corbett Bijrani Zone Safari, building on yesterday’s exploration of the area with Naturalist Gaurav. As we started, we saw the first rays of the sun touching the jungles, and the entire environment was glowing with vibrant golden light.
As we continued with our Bijrani Jungle Safari, Gaurav was telling me that yesterday we missed spotting the LUMA tigress, although some of the other jeeps were able to catch a glimpse of her. He was confident that today might be the day we spot her and make our safari journey a fruitful one. The anticipation was rising because we were not just excited to spot LUMA, but also her cubs.
Quick Facts:
- Bijrani Zone:
- A premier eco-tourism area.
- Picturesque landscape of dense Sal forests, and vast grasslands.
- Best Zone for Wildlife sighting after Dhikala.
- Was once a farming area during the British era.
- Has natural rivers and man-made waterholes.
- October 15th to June 30th: Best time to Visit.
- Total Forest Houses: 2 (Malani FRH and Bijrani FRH).
- Entry gate: Amdanda Gate.
- Great Birdwatching destination
- Only Jeep Safari Available
How are the Jungles of Corbett Bijrani Zone?
The jungles of the Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone are beautiful in themselves. But with the morning sun rays falling on it makes the scenery become even merrier to the eyes. During our Safari, we came across Pug Marks of LUMA, and they were quite fresh. That indicated to us that she is nearby somewhere, but as usual, after analyzing the pug marks pattern, we found that she could be miles ahead of us, and we had to wait a little longer to spot her.
Following alarm calls is an efficient way to get to spotting the tigers in wildlife natural parks because they generally prefer to stay alone and in solitude. They are territorial and guard their region like it’s their own home. We were starting to look out for any alarm call in the region, but unfortunately, none was to be heard. Although we heard a few of them while we were at the Bijrani Forest Rest House in the morning. It seemed like the entire jungle just went silent. But we were hopeful and continued further.
As we were slowly moving forward in our Jeep on the Bijrani Zone Safari, we saw grassy surfaces all around covered in dew drops, and it was so refreshing to look at. The weather was perfect, and the morning safari ride made for a memorable adventure experience. At every turn of the road, we were hoping to get a glimpse of the LUMA tigress and her cubs. But during the journey, we enjoyed the beauty, silence, and peacefulness of the jungles, which is hard to experience in fast-paced city life. As I looked towards the forests of Jim Corbett Bijrani Zone, every leaf, every tree, and every bush wanted to tell a unique story.
Is it easy to Spot a Tiger in Bijrani Zone of Jim Corbett?
The Jungles of the Bijrani Zone are nothing but vast expanses of land filled with dense bushes and tall trees, where spotting a tiger or any animal of your preference needs luck, experience, and timing. You need to be well-versed in the techniques of wildlife exploration or accompany a Bijrani Safari Guide with you so that he can walk you through the details and methods of spotting alarm calls, tracking pug marks, and other related aspects.
Also, since we only end up exploring a very small percentage of the jungles due to being on a jeep and only navigating specific paths, it makes it even more challenging to come across your desired wild animal for that one glimpse.
As we were continuing with our Bijrani Jeep Safari, we were exploring the jungles alone with Naturalist Gaurav and our safari driver. Since we were staying at the Bijrani Forest Rest House, we saw that none of the day safari jeeps had arrived yet, and this was increasing our chances of finding the tigress in the peaceful and less chaotic Bijrani Zone Jungles. The jungle was quiet, and there was spring water crossing at multiple places on the road where we drove through. We were hoping to hear some alarm call or see some sign of LUMA, but nothing.
Spotting Yellow Throated Marten in Bijrani Zone
Then, I came to a place where I came for the first time while I was visiting the Malani Forest Rest House. I still remember clearly that during the trip to Bijrani Zone, I saw a yellow-throated martin kill a deer there. I also remember that it was a sunny day, and as the rays of sunlight fell on the quiet jungle trees, I was able to hear the chirping of the bulbul birds.
As our Jeep was moving slowly towards the dense forest region of the Jim Corbett Bijrani zone, we observed tremendous greenery all around, mostly of SAL trees. They are usually 30 to 35 feet in height and have thick leaves that shed in the summer. On the arrival of the monsoon, new leaves grow up again, making these trees lush green and vibrant.
Coming to a New Place that I have Never Visited Before
Then I came to a new region of the Bijrani Zone, which I had never visited before due to the vast expanse of the jungles, and we only ended up exploring a small percentage of it on each trip. It’s quite a peaceful region, as not many people decide to come over here. Most of them explore the mainstream places of Jim Corbett, but my inner wildlife enthusiast always strives to explore new places in the jungles.
“How amazing it would be to spot a tiger here!” I thought to myself, and with that, continued moving further in my safari journey.
Then I came to a place where the road connects to the Garjiya Zone, for which you need another permit. There was a spring water crossing in front of the road, and we could hear the chirping of birds in the surroundings.
Spotting Kingfisher Bird During Bijrani Zone Jeep Safari
Suddenly, my eyes captured a beautiful common kingfisher sitting by the cold spring water and looking to hunt a fish for the next meal. It was a rare moment that I spotted out of the blue. This is what I am talking about. You need to be aware all the time to spot your favourite bird or animal. Otherwise, you can miss out on them. It was such a pure and peaceful moment where I captured a unique wildlife sighting through my camera gear.
Can you Spot Eagle & Parrot Together in Jim Corbett?
After moving a little further in our Bijrani Jeep Safari, we saw another predator sitting on the branch of a tree: the eagle. It was such a majestic and magnificent-looking bird, and its whistle-like voice echoed throughout the entire jungle area.
Besides that, I saw a green parrot sitting on the same branch of the tree, and I was amazed to look at it. How rare it is to see such a ferocious bird with a gentle creature like the parrot!.
Tiger Spotting in Corbett Bijrani Zone
Suddenly, we heard a very strong alarm call, so we sped our jeep towards it. It was from a distant place, and we drove as fast as we could, given the off-road conditions of the jungle roads of the Bijrani Zone. We wanted to get there before it went off. We were hoping that this could be the time we spot the tiger. It’s only possible to hear such sounds if you are knowledgeable about wildlife and have great attention to detail.
Then, we reached a place where multiple other jeeps were standing, and that was it! A tiger was sitting at a distant riverbank. All the jeeps there took out their cameras and binoculars to spot the tiger. But unfortunately, we discovered that it wasn’t the LUMA tigress.
This is the real magic of the jungles. You come across a tiger when you least expect it. The tiger was at a far-off place and was sitting peacefully and resting. We stood there for quite a while and enjoyed the moment for some time.
It was only because I was alert with my other mates that we were able to reach the spot on time and had a wonderful wildlife spotting experience of the tiger.
Even though it wasn’t the LUMA tigress, I was still happy that I spotted a tiger in the jungle.
Heading Back to the Bijrani FRH
As our safari timing was about to end, we then started heading towards the Bijrani Forest Rest House. Just as we were entering the main compound of the Bijrani Forest House, I was recapping the entire trip I had yesterday and today. It was my curiosity and the experience of Naturalist Gaurav that led us to the tiger spotting.
It was a memorable trip for me as it was my first time visiting the Bijrani FRH, and I ended up spotting a tiger. With that, I ended my trip and eagerly awaited my next one. The jungles of the Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone once again captivated us with its magic, and I am grateful for the opportunity to live my passion every day of my life.
Join Our Community of Budding Wildlife Enthusiasts
Leave a comment below if you liked my experience above visiting the Jim Corbett National Park.
Also, I would like you to reach out to me at Jungle Revives and share your input on how I can better create this platform into one of the most valuable communities for Indian wildlife enthusiasts.
Feel free to call me
Get a chance to see India’s diverse wildlife landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I track tigers during my Bijrani Jim Corbett safari?
You should always look out for pugmarks, alarm calls, and rely on naturalists/safari guides’ knowledge. It helps in anticipating where your preferred animal might be hiding. The jungle areas are always peaceful and calm. It can reveal many subtle signs of animal presence in the nearby areas.
Why an alarm call is significant during jungle safaris?
Alarm calls are certain sounds that animals make, like deer, monkeys, sambar deer, chital, etc, when they spot a predator in their vicinity. This acts as a warning call to other animals who can become alert and stay safe. While on safaris, alarm calls will help you to get an idea of the exact location of the predator. This may include a tiger, if you follow it carefully.
Which types of trees are found in the Bijrani Zone Jungles?
The Bijrani zone usually consists of tall Sal Trees, and that makes the overall scenery look even more beautiful. These trees are responsible for giving the Jim Corbett National Park Bijrani Zone its distinct appearance overall. It also makes for amazing natural landscapes.
What are the advantages of staying in a Forest Rest House?
The biggest advantage you can enjoy is the freedom to continue the safari till the end of the day. Unlike other day jeep safaris or canter safaris, which leave early due to timing restrictions; you can enjoy a more seamless wildlife exploration while staying in the Bijrani FRH.
Has there been any tiger attack incidents in Jim Corbett?
Yes, in the past, many tiger attack incidents have happened around the Corbett Tiger Reserve regions and outside of it, especially near the Town of Ramnagar. Usually, the local villagers who go to collect fodder and other daily use items have been the targets. Inside the wildlife park, it’s quite rare. But in the past, local employees who worked in the Dhikala Campus and other workers have been a victim of tiger attacks. But such instances are very rare due to stricter protocols. The areas where there is overlap between the local villagers and the tiger movement are mainly at risk. But rarely inside the park those kinds of incidents happen. Tourists are strictly advised to follow rules and regulations for safer safari experiences.
Is the Bijrani Zone Good?
Yes, the Bijrani zone of the Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is a great place to visit for Tiger Safari in India. It has a perfect mix of wildlife and natural landscapes that makes it a perfect destination for Jungle Safaris and wildlife exploration in India.
How many tigers are there in the Jim Corbett National Park?
Approximately there are 250+ tigers currently present and roaming freely in the various zones of Corbett Tiger Reserve. They are all protected under the wildlife conservation act of India set by the government.
How many Forest Rest Houses are there in Bijrani zone?
Malani FRH and Bijrani FRH in the main campus: these are the only two Forest Houses present in the Jim Corbett Bijrani Zone.
What are the Bijrani zone Safari timings?
The Bijrani zone safari starts in the morning around 5:30 AM in summers in 6:30 AM in winters. Similarly in the afternoon, it starts around 2-2:30 PM in summers and 1-1:30 PM in winters.
Is tiger sighting guaranteed in Jim Corbett?
Spotting a tiger in Jim Corbett needs a perfect combination of luck, patience and persistence. You also need to follow alarm calls and trust on the naturalist/safari guide to help you maximize the possibility of tiger sighting.
