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Things to Do in Jim Corbett National Park

Taking a jeep safari through the forests and fields of Jim Corbett is one of the best ways to explore the national park. Of all the things to do in Jim Corbett, this is possibly the most exciting as you can spot the exotic animals in the park as they thrive in their natural habitat. The park is divided into four zones through which you can book your safari. 

An open-air jeep takes you through the areas with the highest concentration of animals such as elephants, monkeys, leopards, red fox, black bears, and of course, the Bengal tiger. It is also the ideal activity for photographers and animal enthusiasts, as it allows one to be as close to nature as possible.

If you love elephants and want to spend time with them while having fun, Elephant Safari is the nest one of the best things to do in Jim Corbett National Park. This is the natural way of enjoying nature’s wildlife and enthrall yourself with breath-taking views of dense jungles in core areas, valleys, riverine and a number of birds chirping, flying and making melodious sounds all around.

Riding on the back of an elephant, with a trained mahout driving it, is just one of the best things  to do in the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Elephant Safari is the best way to explore forestland at a safe height of 9 to 10 feet; from where you can spot mammals, reptiles such as crocodile, python and many species of birds.

The elephant ride follows a definite path to ensure full sightseeing by travellers and tourists; and is available in Dhikala and Bijrani zones only.

Camping is one of the most peaceful and rewarding activities in Jim Corbett National Park that visitors can engage in when they are visiting. The park is spread over a wide area and there are multiple points of attractions in the park. However, camping is one of the most popular activities because of the unique experience it offers.

You can book camping packages that include fishing trips, bonfires and guided tours through the breathtaking forests in the National Park. Camping also allows you to witness the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the starry night sky, right in the lap of nature.

Check out the best Chardham helicopter package

Another untold delight which you can’t miss out if you are planning to go and visit the Jim Corbett National Park, is the Corbett Waterfall. It is located about 22 to 25 kms from Ramnagar by road while going to Nainital. Tourists can see it from a safe distance, without entering its waters; as they might be infested with snakes and crocodiles.

Corbett Waterfall is surrounded by dense teak forest, which in turn increase its beauty. The sound of falling water lightly on the ground, mixed with melodious chirping of birds, just makes the perfect natural music which a nature lover would like to hear for sure. 

It’s another entry is from Kaladhungi which is located about 4 kms from Ramnagar road. From road, you will have to take a short 2 km trek by foot to reach this waterfall. It is also a must visit tourist destination. 

If you love birds and have a soft corner for the winged mammals, then bird watching is one of the important things to do in Jim Corbett National Park. For many, it is hard to believe that the Corbett Park boasts of over 650 bird species, including migratory birds.

The best time to go on a bird watching trip in this park is in winters, in the months of November-December. This is the time when migratory birds come to India from as far as Siberia, to escape cold. Some of the many birds include forest dove, finch, robvin, hornbill, Siberian crane, babbler and kingfisher.

It is a sacred temple which is located on a large rock near Kosiriver. It is also one of the most famous temples of Nainital district, which is thronged by thousands of devotees between November and December. You will also get to see the statue of Lakshmi-Narayan (Vishnu), which is very ancient and dates back to the 9th century.

The statue is made of black granite, a rare stone which isn’t found easily. Visitors usually bath in the Kosi River before entering this famous shrine. Visiting this temple on KartikPoornima is considered as most auspicious. It is said that on this day, your wishes will get fulfilled if you offer true prayer and seek blessings.    

Now, for all you trekkers, who love discovering forests and wildlife by foot, trekking awaits you at Jim Corbett National Park. Although trekking is not allowed in the core areas of the park, but you can go trekking in the park’s reserve forest area, especially around the tiger reserve.

Sitabani is the perfect place for trekking, as this is a densely populated forest area where you might encounter elephants, tigers, jackals, deer and even monkeys; who keep coming close in the hope of food from visitors/tourists. Due to this reason, no eatables are allowed in the forest.

If you go to the park in winters, don’t forget to wear thermals, sweaters and jackets to keep yourself warm; as it gets very cold at night. Try to wear green clothes, so you can blend in with the forest and explore the most without getting discovered by the animals. Also wear comfortable walking shoes. 

If you are a foodie and love fishing and cooking on your own, the Jim Corbett National Park is the perfect place for it. Jim Corbett, the hunter turned conservationist, was the first one who stuck with the idea of fishing in Ramganga river.

This river flows across the park, is filled with a variety of local fishes that can be caught, dried and later cooked by using fire set by woods. Some of the big variety of fishes that are found in Ramganga include Masheer and Goonch. Fishing in this river can be done near Balyali, BandharanBashal, Matwash and Rikawasi.

There’s are other fishing grounds too that are located near another river called Kosi, that flows close by the Corbett park. This river is rich in Mahseer and the best time to go fishing in it is from October to April, when you will find fish in abundance. 

Adventure lovers may wonder what to do in Jim Corbett if they are looking for something thrilling and exciting. Mountain biking is an activity that is designed especially for them. This national park is one of the best places to go cycling in Uttarakhand.

Its clean, undisturbed trails, the views one can enjoy during the ride and the easy mountain roads that take you through forests and rivers make it even more special. Even though this is one of the most sought-after activities in Jim Corbett, there are a few parameters you must be aware of before going mountain biking.

Firstly, people under the age of 18 are strictly not allowed to participate in this activity. Secondly, a physical fitness test is conducted to ensure that you can make the most of your ride.

River crossing is something which is fun yet dangerous and easy at the same time. Dangerous because you need to maintain balance while crossing the river, against its flow. If the current is strong, you might get washed away as well.

Easy because if you choose the right spots and go for shallow river crossings, instead of deep ones, you will be much safer. If you know swimming then it will be an added advantage. There are 3 rivers that flow through and close to Corbett, namely Corbett river, Ramganga and Kosi River.

All three have many points where one can cross them by foot. There’s another way of crossing river and that is by using ropes. In this, the rope is tied from one end to another, and you have to climb across the single or double rope bridge while holding ropes and maintaining balance. 

If you’re wondering what to do in Jim Corbett National Park, make sure you go river rafting because it is one of the main attractions of the park, apart from the animals and birds. The Kosi river flows through the park and offers the perfect opportunity to go river rafting in groups.

The best time to partake in this activity is during the monsoon season, which is between June and September. People of all ages and all levels of expertise can experience this activity. The course of the river takes you through forests and hillsides, offering you a unique experience and gorgeous views of the surrounding nature at the same time.

Even though there are several activities in Jim Corbett National Park that you can enjoy, there is none quite like rock climbing. Whether you are a professional rock climber or a novice, the thrill of climbing the face of the Himalayan mountains is truly one of a kind.

The activity requires physical fitness, concentration and teamwork and the reward at the end is the breath-taking view of the surrounding mountain ranges and the forests of the national park. Visitors are provided with all the necessary gear and training required to complete the activity safely and successfully.

Corbett Museum is one of the most fascinating places in the whole National Park. The museum is now located in the bungalow that used to be the house of the famous conservationist- Jim Corbett- after whom the park has been named.

The museum is home to a lot of educational material that teaches visitors about the Bengal tiger, the infamous man-eaters and other animals that reside there. You can also discover stories about Jim Corbett, his adventures and his efforts to build a safe and habitable environment for the animals. A small shop also sells souvenirs and hand-crafted local items that one can buy.

Taking a stroll by the Kosi River that flows through the place is one of the most peaceful and rewarding things to do in Jim Corbett National Park. The clear water of the Kosi River, which originates in Dharpari Dhar in Almora, flows through the National Park, offering visitors a chance to experience the cool winds and scenic beauty it offers.

The river bed of the Kosi is filled with boulders, which makes the surroundings picturesque and the river unpredictable. Rapid tides and strong currents characterize the river which makes it ideal for activities such as camping, picnics, river rafting or simply relaxing on the banks.

Rappelling is another exciting activity that people can enjoy when they are visiting the Jim Corbett National Park. You can slide down the length of a fixed rope along the face of the mountain-side while enjoying the thrill of the adventure as well as the gorgeous views that your vantage point has to offer.

While this activity is not as physically exhausting as mountain climbing, it still offers a unique adrenaline rush. Make sure you don’t miss out on this activity when you are visiting the park.