The Jim Corbett National Park is a revered sanctuary located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Primarily known for its Bengal Tigers, the park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, making it the oldest national park in India. It was later renamed in honor of the legendary British hunter turned conservationist, Jim Corbett, who played a pivotal role in its establishment. This park was one of the first regions to come under the Project Tiger initiative in 1973 to protect endangered tigers in India.
Tourism in Jim Corbett National Park has a history that dates back several decades. The park's natural beauty and the prospect of witnessing a diverse range of wildlife have attracted tourists from all over the world. Over the years, several zones within the park were opened for tourists to facilitate better wildlife viewing and to distribute the influx of visitors throughout the park.
Among the different zones within the national park, the Jhirna Zone stands out for being located on the southern boundary of the park and is open to tourists throughout the year, subject to weather conditions. It was added as a Safari zone to Jim Corbett National Park in 1994 after a village that existed there was relocated, and since then, it has become an integral part of the tourism circuit of the park.
The wildlife safari at Jhirna Zone offers an immersive experience into the wilderness and a chance to witness a variety of animals in their natural habitat, including tigers, elephants, deer, and numerous bird species. The area is known for its good population of wild bears.
Eco-tourism has been a growing trend within Jim Corbett National Park, with emphasis placed on sustainable travel, flora and fauna conservation, and benefitting local communities.
Another trend is the rise of nature photography tours, where budding and professional photographers are given special safari tours to capture the wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Adventure tourism is also gaining popularity, with more tourists engaging in activities like river rafting, rock climbing, and trekking in nearby areas, complementing their wildlife safari experience.
For those planning to visit the Jhirna Zone, advance booking for safari tours is highly recommended as the park regulates the number of visitors to minimize the impact on wildlife. Accommodation ranging from luxury resorts to eco-friendly lodges is available around the park, catering to diverse preferences. The best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park, and specifically the Jhirna Zone, is from November to June, as the weather is conducive to wildlife sightings and safaris.
