The Jhirna Zone is one of the six tourism zones in the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, India. It is a popular wildlife viewing area and was added to the park as a tourism zone in 1994. This zone is located on the southern boundary of the park and is known for its diverse wildlife and its scenic landscape.
Tourists can access the Jhirna Zone through the Dhela Gate, which is approximately 20 kilometers from Ramnagar, the nearest town. Visitors need to obtain a permit for entry, which can be arranged through registered guides, travel agents, or the official Jim Corbett National Park website.
The Jhirna Zone is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including Bengal tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, sloth bears, sambars, spotted deer, wild boars, and a rich array of birds. The zone provides a natural habitat to these animals, increasing the likelihood of sightings by tourists.
Yes, safari tours in the Jhirna Zone follow specific timings, which often change slightly depending on the season. Typically, morning safaris start shortly after sunrise and continue for around 3 hours, while afternoon safaris begin in the mid-afternoon and conclude by sunset. It is important to check the latest timings and regulations prior to your visit.
In the Jhirna Zone, tourists can embark on safaris in either open jeeps or canters (open-top buses). These vehicles are allowed to follow specific trails within the zone under the guidance of registered park guides, ensuring both the safety of visitors and the protection of wildlife.
Yes, prior booking is highly recommended for a safari in the Jhirna Zone, especially during peak tourist seasons. Safari permits are limited to ensure the protection of the park's ecosystem, so booking in advance guarantees a spot. These permits can be booked online or with the help of tour operators.
There are no accommodations for tourists to stay overnight within the Jhirna Zone boundary. However, visitors can book lodgings at resorts, hotels, or forest rest houses in nearby areas such as Dhela and Ramnagar, which are close to the zone's entry gate.
Tourists visiting the Jhirna Zone are required to follow the park's safety regulations closely. These include staying within the vehicle during safaris, not making loud noises, not using flash photography, refraining from feeding the wildlife, and complying with your guide's instructions at all times to ensure a safe and respectful experience.
Apart from wildlife safaris, tourists visiting the Jhirna Zone can also enjoy bird watching, nature walks on designated trails with a guide, and learning about the local flora and fauna at the Interpretation Centre at Dhela.
The Jhirna Zone of Jim Corbett can be visited throughout the year as it remains open to tourists in all seasons. However, the best time to visit for pleasant weather and optimal wildlife spotting opportunities is from November to June, when the temperatures are cooler and the vegetation is less dense, making animal sightings more likely.
