As one leaves the plains and heads towards the meandering hills of Kumaon, an assuming and inconspicuous little village welcomes you to one of the most ironically significant wildlife destinations of India. The Jim Corbett National Park spreads majestically for over 500 kilometres from the village of Chhota Haldwani, home to the hunter turned conversationalist for decades. His erstwhile house, which was later turned into a museum, is a charming and affable reminder of the achievements of Jim Corbett, as he abated the village from the threat of man eating tigers, a species, far from endangerment at that time. Legendary tales emanate from the pictures and books in this simplistic but charming reminder of that marvellous era.
The national park is one of the most widely visited destinations by nature enthusiast and educationalists. Safaris, trekking trails, bird-watching and wildlife appreciation are the most significant offerings made by the park authorities. One has to get prior permission to enter the forest for Safaris. It is best to contact the home-stay that one might chose to stay in, as the owners are well connected to arrange for permits easily. The large spread of the reserved forests is able to maintain a rich variety of habitats.
There are a host of charming home-stays outside the park, which are owned by nature lovers and veterans of the region. These are highly recommended over the countless hotels which have sprung up in the cluttered town of Ramnagar.
Practical Information
- Season – November to June is the best time to visit the park. Monsoon rains are often a dampener and occasional landslides hinder trips for many tourists. One must check with home-stay owners to confirm the shape of the roads.
- Single/ Female Travellers – If one is staying within the Park, it is safe. Looking for a reliable home-stay is also suggested so that one is in the company of dependable people. Since there is no opportunity to wander into the town, the area is relatively safer than cities.
- Connectivity – Ramnagar, the closest town to Corbett national park is the best to reach by train. It is connected well to Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi. The park is about 6 hours drive form the capital city of Dehradun, Uttaranchal.
- Not to miss – The charming museum for a brief introduction to the life of Jim Corbett is a must. The safari in the jungle to spot a tiger is worth a try. One is sure to spot deer, wild boar and some elephants even if the tiger remains elusive.