Destination: Jim Corbett National Park, Tiger Reserve Sanctuary
Route: Delhi - NH24 - Ghaziabad - Gadhmukteshwar - Gajraula - Mordabad Bypass - Uturn to left after 2nd toll- Kashipur - RamNagar - Corbett
Distance: 250 kms approx.
Type of destination: Easy 7 hrs drive from Delhi. Reserve two days (recommended) for good sighting.
Description: A must visit place if you are a wild life lover, nature lover, adventure lover. The Jim Corbett National park is located on the left side of the road connecting Ramnagar to Ranikhet & is spread ibn 1250+ sqaure kms. It is divided in five tourist zones namely :
1. Bijrani entry from Amadanda gate
2. Dhikala entry from Dhangari gate
3. Jhirna entry from Khara, Kalagarh gate
4. Domunda entry from Durgadevi gate
5. Sonanadi entry from Vatanvasa gate
You can take your own car inside the park or can hire a jeep safari, two wheelers are not allowed. Own car should have very good ground clearance (an SUV preferably) & 4x4 preferred (if you are willing to do the real interior routes). The permits are issued for a half day Safari (6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM) or a full day Safari (6:30 AM to 5:30 PM). For a Safari in Dhikala zone a night stay at Dhikala region is mandatory.
The permits can be obtained from CTR Reception at Ramnagar. Do not risk to get permits from the gate (though you can get) as only limited vehicles are allowed inside the park & at times you wont get permit from gate. The per person fee as in 2008 is Rs. 30 half day and Rs. 50 full day, vehicle charges are Rs. 75 for half day and Rs. 200 for full day. Guide (mandatory) fee is Rs. 200 half day and Rs.700 full day. While the jeep safari costs Rs. 1200 for half day and Rs. 1700 for full day. Inside the park you are not allowed to get down from the vehicle except for at the FRH or the watch tower. Smoking is also banned except for at these two places.
My words : Do not book private packages from Delhi. They are loots. Either book in Forest rest houses inside the Park or stay at Ramnagar & do a day Safari.
Places to visit: Dhikala is a must visit. Apart from the Corbett park, on the opposite side of road beyond the Kosi river is Sitabani. Worth a visit.
Tips: Patience is the key. Do not rush around, ask the guide to take you to lesser crowded routes. drive slow, so that you can stop quickle, when you spot the animals or birds.
Additional link: Official Website of Corbett National Park