Many of us have heard of the terms “Jim Corbett National Park” as well as the “Corbett Tiger Reserve” over the years. But there’s often confusion amongst many wildlife enthusiasts whether this refers to the same national park or if they are different?
Do you also have the same doubts? Being a wildlife enthusiast, I came across this query multiple times in the last couple of months, and today, through this blog, I will try my best to clarify the key differences between the two.
I have visited both regions, and for sure, they are the best places for tiger safari in India. Whether you want to go with family, friends, or travel solo, you will be in for the most amazing wildlife experience of your life. Jim Corbett attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, and it’s the oldest wildlife park in India.
Table of Contents
The Establishment of Jim Corbett & Project Tiger
Let’s deep dive into all the details that you should know to clear the confusion between the Jim Corbett National Park and the Corbett Tiger Reserve. But before that, you must know how this national park came into existence and what Project Tiger is.
The Jim Corbett Park was established in the year 1936 by the renowned wildlife enthusiast, Mr. Jim Corbett. It was established near the town of Ramnagar in Uttarakhand as Hailey National Park. It became India’s first wildlife national park that comprised a vast area of Sal forests and grasslands, approximately above 300 sq. km. Fast forward to the Year 1957, it was renamed to the Jim Corbett National Park, honouring Mr. Jim Corbett for his immense wildlife conservation efforts. This area forms the core of the critical tiger habitat and spans over 500 sq. km.
But later in the year 1973, a remarkable initiative called Project Tiger was launched by the Indian government. This wildlife conservation initiative expanded the core area of the national park into a protected landscape of approximately 1300 sq. km, which we today call the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
So, in summary, Jim Corbett National Park forms the core region while the Corbett Tiger Reserve forms the extended buffer region of the wildlife park. Overall, the entire park supports large-scale tiger conservation efforts.
| Aspect | Jim Corbett Park | Corbett Tiger Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment | 1936 (Hailey National Park → Jim Corbett NP in 1957) | 1973 (Project Tiger launch) |
| Total Area | 500 sq. km.+ | Approx 1300 Sq. km. |
| Core Area | 500 sq. km.+ | Approx 800 Sq. km. |
| Administrative Head | Field Director | Field Director |
| Governance under | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 + National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines |
| Primary Purpose | Wildlife protection. Major hotspot of diverse biodiversity | Conservation of the tiger population under Project Tiger |
Quick Facts:
- Jim Corbett total zones: 8
- Total entry gates in Jim Corbett: 7
- Types of Safaris offered: Jeep + Canter
- Safari sessions include Morning + Evening Trips
- Total Tigers in Corbett: 250+
- Plantation: Grasslands + Sal trees
- Oldest National Park in India: Jim Corbett
- First Inclusion in Project Tiger: Corbett National Park
- Nearest City to Jim Corbett: Ramnagar
- Delhi to Ramnagar Distance: 250 to 290 Kilometres
- Travel time from Delhi to Ramnagar: 4.5 to 6 Hours
- Travel Modes available from Delhi to Ramnagar: Road, Railways, Airways.
What is NTCA, or National Tiger Conservation Authority?
National Tiger Conservation Authority, also known as NTCA, is the administrative management and legal framework under which both Jim Corbett National Park and the Corbett Tiger Reserve are governed. Both of these regions are managed by the Field Director of the designated organization.
When it comes to the legal framework, they are defined and governed by the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
This designated the core areas of the Jim Corbett Park as a Critical Tiger habitat and makes access to outsiders restricted. This region is surrounded by the buffer zone areas, which consist of regulated community activities such as grazing, fodder collection, and eco-tourism. The entire region has multiple committees that help in the development of locals and at the same time protect the wild forests. In parallel to that, there are multiple village protection forces in action all the time that play a key role in overcoming human-wildlife conflicts in the region.
A Quick Look into Jim Corbett Wildlife Biodiversity
Jim Corbett, in total, has a recorded tiger population of about 260 as per the 2022 census of All India Tiger Estimation. Similarly, it has thousands of other mammals such as Asian Elephants, Sloth bears, leopards, various types of deer, and boar species. It also has more than 580 species of birds, and Sal-dominated forests cover almost 70%+ of the region. Grasslands, sub-tropical vegetation, and river belts cover the remaining parts.
Jim Corbett Zonal Details for Your Tiger Safari Trip
If you are planning your first-ever Uttarakhand jungle safari into the most famous Jim Corbett National Park, then it’s important to know about all the zones that cover this entire demographic area.
| Zones | Entry Gate | Visit Time | Nearest City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jhirna | Dhela | Throughout year | Ramnagar |
| Dhela | Dhela | Throughout year | Ramnagar |
| Bijrani | Amdanda | 15 Oct – 30 June | Ramnagar |
| Dhikala | Dhangari | 15 Nov – 15 June | Ramnagar |
| Durgadevi | Durgadevi | 15 Nov – 15 June | Ramnagar |
| Sonanadi | Vatanvasa | 15 Nov – 15 June | Kothdwar |
| Pakhro | Pakhro | 15 Nov – 15 June | Kothdwar |
| Garjia | Garjiya | Throughout year | Ramnagar |
Now, out of the above, the Core Zones of the Jim Corbett Park include Dhela, Bijrani, and Dhikala. You Must Visit the Core Zones to Witness Amazing Wildlife. If you are looking forward to planning your Jim Corbett Safari into the core zones, you need to first reach the town of Ramnagar in Uttarakhand. These zones are best places to visit if you want to explore the central region of the Jim Corbett National Park. On the other hand, Jhirna, Durgadevi, Sonanadi, Pakhro, and Garjia come under the reserved and protected buffer zones, which entail the extended areas of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
If you stay in Delhi-NCR and are looking to visit Jim Corbett National Park, you need to explore the detailed Delhi to Ramnagar Travel guide so that you reach safely and without any difficulties. You can either stay in your own booked accommodation as per your preferences, or you can book a forest rest house in the respective zones.
Then, to explore the Buffer Zones of Corbett Tiger Reserve, you must visit the Dhela, Jhirna, Durgadevi, Sonanadi, Pakhro, and Garjia Zones. Exploring these regions will give you a broader understanding of the wildlife conservation efforts going on in the region in collaboration between local and state governing bodies. It’s the protected region of the Corbett Wildlife Park that ensures regional wildlife thrives and stays safe from external hunting and poaching activities.
The Bijrani Zone: Full of Beautiful Natural Landscapes
The Bijrani zone of the Jim Corbett National Park features amazing landscapes and breathtaking scenery. It’s full of diverse flora and fauna and offers a scenic ambiance to the wildlife visitors. It has lush greenery and is one of the major tiger-spotting spots in the region. Enter through the Amdanda Gate, and you can officially start your highly anticipated Tiger Safari in Uttarakhand’s and India’s most famous wildlife park.
If you are visiting Bijrani, you can experience staying at the Malani Forest Rest House or the Bijrani Forest Rest House.
The Dhikala Zone: Prime Tiger Spotting Location
If you are planning your Dhikala Zone Jungle Safari in Uttarakhand’s most famous wildlife park, you need to get prepared for an amazing wildlife adventure. The journey is going to be scenic as it’s a paradise for tiger enthusiasts.
There are many spots where tiger sightings are common, and with a perfect combination of luck and timing, you will also surely spot one. It’s the perfect location for hardcore wildlife lovers and someone who wants to relax amid nature.
For accommodations, you have to book your own private resort or an FRH of your choice. Ped Wali Tigress and Paar Wali Tigress are some of the famous tigers spotted in this zone frequently.
Dhela Zone: Enjoy Nature at Its Best
The Dhela Zone is a Paradise for Bird Watchers. Your Jim Corbett Safari into the Dhela Zone will lead you to explore the amazing biodiversity in the region. Dhela is an eco-tourism zone and remains open throughout the year. It spans around 1173 hectares and features a diverse population of tigers, leopards, Asiatic elephants, and bears. It also has lots of bird species in the region and is often termed the paradise for birdwatchers. In Dhela Zone, you can only experience a Jeep Safari as no Canter Safari is available. Always book your safari in advance.
Jhirna Zone: For Unique Off-beat Wildlife Experience
Located in the southern region of the wildlife park, the Jhirna zone offers a unique wildlife sighting experience to its visitors. It features a diverse animal population and is open throughout the year. You can book your Jhirna Zone Jeep Safari and navigate the dense forests and occasional grasslands to spot your favourite wildlife animals. Tiger sighting in Jhirna is possible with a perfect combination of luck, timing, patience, and persistence. You need to follow alarm calls very closely to figure out the location of the tiger.
You can only go on a day Jeep Safari as it falls under the reserved buffer zone of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Jim Corbett Buffer Zones
On the other hand, Durgadevi, Sonanadi, Pakhro, and Garjia are other buffer zones and have numerous hidden spots that you can explore if you decide to go to these regions with your experienced guide. They do not have much to offer as compared to the other popular zones, but still make for a decent wildlife exploration experience.
Conclusion
Both the Jim Corbett National Park and the Corbett Tiger Reserve refer to India’s most famous wildlife park situated near the town of Ramnagar, in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district. What started as India’s first wildlife park turned into the most protected and preserved wildlife conservation efforts under the Project Tiger Initiative.
Technically, they are different as one is the core region, and the other is the surrounding buffer region. But for a layman wildlife lover, they both refer to the same national park.
You must understand the structure of the Jim Corbett demography so that you not only get a glimpse into the history, science, and community initiatives of this region, but also can plan an extraordinary trip to the most sought-after destinations in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to plan my next Jim Corbett Safari Trip?
You can connect with the Jungle Revives team, and we will help you plan the best itinerary for your upcoming Uttarakhand jungle safari into the core Jim Corbett National Park and the buffer regions of Corbett Tiger Reserve. We will help you plan the best places to visit in each zone, book the safari and accommodation, and anything else that you might need for a hassle-free trip.
Should I choose Jeep Safari or Canter Safari in Corbett?
If you are short on time, need to have an affordable safari experience, or are travelling in large groups, go for the canter safari option. On the other hand, if you want to have a more immersive wildlife safari experience, stay in the Forest Rest Houses and want to have an edge over normal day travellers, then pick the Jeep Safari Option. See the full comparison between Jeep vs Canter Safari in Corbett.
Should I stay in my own resort or book an FRH?
Choose a private resort if you prefer modern and comfortable accommodation with on-demand services and flexibility in bookings. On the other hand, choose the Forest Rest Houses if you want to have raw wildlife encounters and get in-forest access privileges.
What are the chances of spotting a tiger in Jim Corbett?
Spotting a tiger purely depends on luck, timing, and patience to endure the entire journey. However, following alarm calls, communicating with fellow jeeps, and staying in touch with locals ensures that you maximize your chances of spotting a tiger in any of the 8 zones of the Corbett Wildlife Park.
What is the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)?
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 established the NTCA as a statutory body. It provides a technical and legal oversight of the Project Tiger and all the designated tiger reserves in India. The Ministry of Environment governs this body.
Should I Visit the Core Zones or Buffer Zones in Jim Corbett Park?
Both zones are best for sighting amazing wildlife, including various birds and animals. Also, you can see amazing scenery in both the core and buffer zones. So, overall, each type of zone gives you a different experience that you will cherish for a long time. These days, for the past few months, more animal sightings, including that of tigers, are happening in Dhela, which is one of the buffer zones, as compared to the core zones like Bijrani and Dhikala. So, it doesn’t matter if you are visiting the core or buffer zones. But your trip will be amazing in both cases.
Which is the best place to spot a tiger in Corbett?
Dhikala zone, followed by Bijrani, Jhirna, and Dhela, are some of the best zones to go on a tiger safari in Jim Corbett National Park.
Which is better: Dhikala or Bijrani Zone?
Go to the Dhikala zone for a wildlife safari in Jim Corbett if you want to have the best tiger spotting experience. On the other hand, if you want to have a perfectly balanced experience of tiger sighting and nature exploration, the Bijrani zone will be a better option for you. However, both these zones offer a great wildlife travel experience.
Are Tiger Spotted in the buffer zones of Jim Corbett?
Although less frequently, occasionally tigers are spotted in the buffer zone areas of Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve. These are mainly offbeat places where you can plan an impromptu trip to relax amidst the lap of nature and serenity.
How many entry gates are there in Jim Corbett National Park?
There are a total of 7 gates in Jim Corbett. Only the Dhela and Jhirna zones have a common entry gate; the rest of the zones have different gates.
Which is better: Dhela or Jhirna Zone?
Jhirna zone is a great place to go for birdwatchers, alongside tiger spotting. On the other hand, the Dhela zone offers a great mix of biodiversity and wild animal population. Both these places are excellent choices for a jungle safari experience.
