Jim Corbett National Park is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India, close to the Himalayas. It is the oldest national park in India, which was established as Hailey National Park in 1936. Then it was named after Jim Corbett, a great hunter and conservationist. This national park is very large and has an area of around 521 square kilometers. This park has all types of areas which a nature enthusiast would love to visit like forests, grasslands, rivers, etc. Do you know that there is a wide variety of plants and animal species that live in this park? There are many activities that you should definitely try in this national park. If you are making a Jim Corbett safari booking then in this blog, we will tell you some of the best activities that you must try.
1. Jungle Safaris
There are two types of safaris that you can enjoy in Jim Corbett National Park:
- Gypsy Safaris: This safari is a nice choice if you are traveling with a few friends or less family members. Gypsy safari will take you deep into the forest. Popular zones include Dhikala and Bijrani, which are known for good wildlife viewing and beautiful scenery. It is best to go for gypsy safaris in the early morning or late afternoon to increase your chances of seeing wild animals.
- Canter Safaris: These are suitable for larger groups and mainly run in the Dhikala zone. Though less flexible than jeep safaris, canter safaris enable bigger groups to enjoy the forest together.
Wildlife Viewing Tips For Jungle Safaris:
- November to February is a great time of year to visit here.
- Summer season is good for seeing tigers.
- Animals like elephants, leopards, deer, and sloth bears are commonly seen.
- Be quiet and patient while watching animals.
- Use binoculars for better spotting.
2. Bird Watching
Did you know that Jim Corbett National Park is a great birding destination with around 650 species of birds (approx.)? Some of the most notable birds include the Great Hornbill, Red Junglefowl, Crested Serpent Eagle, and Siberian Crane. The park is inhabited by resident birds, which stay there throughout the year, and migratory birds, which come from other places during specific times of the year.
To see the birds, some best locations in this park are the Sitabani Forest Reserve and the Kosi Riverbanks. The best time to spot the birds will be in the early morning hours. The visitors can join the guided tour with bird experts to explore all these species of amazing birds. Carrying good binoculars and a bird guidebook will be helpful for viewing and identifying the species. The advantage of a guided tour is that one can learn more about the birds and their behavior from experts.
3. River Rafting
The Kosi River is a wonderful destination for adventure activities, particularly during the post-monsoon season. Do you know that one of the most favorite activities here is river rafting? If you have not tried this activity then you must try this at least once because it is suitable for both beginners and experts. These types of activities allow you to experience the beauty of nature in this region as you travel up the river.
These water sports are very relaxing and quiet, making them a great way to explore the surroundings. Along the riverbanks, you can also spot wildlife and different species of aquatic animals. No matter your level of experience, participating in water sports can be an exciting and enjoyable way to enjoy the Kosi River and its natural beauty.
4. Elephant Rides
Another option for moving around in this national park is elephant rides since they enable tourists to view areas from a higher position than if they were walking or using gypsy or canter. Such elephant rides can take visitors to areas that are almost inaccessible on foot or by vehicle, hence visiting animals and smooth landscapes.
Over time, more people have started to feel uneasy about the moral problems of using elephants for rides. This is a developing awareness that elephants should be treated with kindness and respect. It is because of this that visitors are encouraged to promote ethical practices aimed at protecting the well-being of these elephants. So you should definitely select the Jim Corbett tour packages from companies that care for the health and happiness of the elephants.
5. Photography Tours
The best photography times for wildlife are early morning and late afternoon when the sun’s rays provide soft, warm light that captures the beauty of the park well. In winter, fog could add a mystical touch to the landscape. Summer dry plants also make it easy to spot the animals, hence good for photography.
To take the best photos, a telephoto lens is suitable as it will show clear images of animals at a distance without involving you in getting close to them. A strong tripod is also important so carrying it with you ensures that your camera is steady and takes sharp pictures. Try to show wildlife and the surroundings by taking photos from different angles and arranging the subjects in different ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jim Corbett National Park is a great place to visit for nature lovers and for those who love adventure. The park has many animals and birds, and it contains beautiful views and exciting things to do in it. If you enjoy watching wild animals on a safari, bird watching, river rafting, or riding an elephant then you can choose from many different activities.
Also remember to be more careful and patient with animals and nature to avoid causing harm or damage, especially during wildlife tours and elephant rides. If you plan to go to Jim Corbett Park then make sure that you indulge in all these activities. Your visit will surely be memorable and rewarding. And if you are looking for Jim Corbett tour packages then you can visit our website as we provide the best deals and discounts on these packages.
