Key points to remember before visiting Jim Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park which is India's oldest National Park is renowned for its Tiger Reserve. It is assumed that this park has more than 200 tigers along with other wild animals. It is spread in an area of 520 square kilometres having a beautiful landscape, dense forest, mountains, riverine belt, a large lake and abode of variety of flora and fauna. To promote tourism this park is mainly divided into 5 different zones namely Bijrani Safari Zone, Jhirna Safari Zone, Dhela Safari Zone, Dhikala Zone and Durgadevi zone. You can make your accommodation either inside or outside the park. There are very well maintained resorts in Corbett which provides all the basic amenities. While visiting this park remember these points to have a pleasant and hassle-free trip:

Prior booking: Whenever you plan a trip it is advisable to pre-book your accommodation to avoid last-minute chaos. Prior booking is highly recommended when you are planning a trip to Corbett National park because there is a very little chance of getting a reservation in the hotel around the forest area in the last minute. If you wish to book rooms in Jim Corbett forest rest house you should book at least 40 to 45 days in advance as the chances of getting rooms inside the park in the last minute is nearly impossible. Besides accommodation, pre-books your Safari as there are a limited number of jeeps which are permitted to enter in specific regions for different shifts.

Select appropriate accommodation: You need to be very wise before choosing your accommodation. If you wish to opt for all modern amenities like luxurious room, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, etc. you have to make bookings in hotels outside the park as a forest rest house in Jim Corbett Park provides only the basic amenities. If you are planning to take multiple safaris in different zones then you need to be very careful while selecting accommodation as there is a distance of around 15 km between the two Safari zones.

Planning Jeep Safari: If the tourist makes their stay inside the national park then they need not book separate Jeep Safari permit because they can avail morning and evening Safari of that particular zone. If one wishes to go for Jeep Safari of the Dhikala then it is compulsory to stay in the Dhikala zone as tourists accommodating outside this Park are not permitted to take this Safari. If a guest is staying outside this National Park they should book Jeep Safari 45 days in advance as there are a limited number of jeeps in each zone.  It is advisable to first get the Jeep Safari permit and then book your accommodation.

Carry appropriate attire: You need to carry the clothes according to the season in which you are visiting this park. If you visit in summer season then carry light cotton clothes, sunglasses, safari hats, sports sandal as it is relatively hot during this season. For clothes choose natural colours like Kakhi, Olive, brown which merges with nature.  In winters carry heavy woollen clothes, jackets, gloves, as you will feel freezing effects during morning and evening hours.

Adventurous activities: Apart from rich wildlife and jungle safaris, this Park also offers various adventurous sports and adventurous activities like wall climbing, pressure rocket, water roller, zip line, angling, bungee run, 8 obstacle course, bungee Trampoline, etc. There are various packages like regular, extreme and kids’ adventurous activities package. Various camps and workshops are also conducted here. Engage yourself in these adventurous activities to make your trip more thrilling and exciting.

General tips:

 *It is better not to go for non-refundable deals because in case of emergencies if there is any cancellation you may incur huge losses.

• Hire a guide during Safari who will help you to spot wildlife and avoid taking the wrong route in the forest.
• This reserve permits night stay on the premises but there is no Night Safari at this Park.
• Carry a litter bag while entering the park for disposing of the non-biodegradable waste like plastics, foils, bottles, cans, etc. as this waste may harm the wildlife.
• Do not disturb the wildlife by any action and keep a safe distance from them to avoid casualties.

Apart from the above points, make sure you don't have a campfire and do not blow a horn or play any kind of music here. Drive slowly and do not drive after sunset. Follow these simple tips to make your trip to Corbett National Park memorable one.