Saturday, April 14, 2007

Information about Corbett National Park



Corbett National park, popularly known as Corbett Tiger Reserve was established in 1936. The Corbett Tiger Reserve is spread across 1288 sq. kms. Huge!!!!!! Corbett Tiger Reserve has 3 parks –
Corbett National Park which covers 520 sq kms.
Sonanadi Wildlife sanctuary which covers 301 sq kms
Reserve Forest in 466 sq kms.

The main rivers flowing through this region/forest are Ramganga, Sonanadi, Mandal, and Palain.

You will find variety of animals here – ranging from wild elephants, tiger, leopard, wild beor to around 580 species of resident and migratory birds as well as reptiles like Gharial, Crocodile, Python, King Cobra.



The visitor seasons are in the image here. These are the government pamplets which you get when you go to information office in Ramnagar.

The Corbett National Park has various zones – Dhikala zone, Bijrani and Sonanadi. The entry fee and the jeep charges are different for these. And also the time required to spend also varies.

When you reach Ramnagar (around 15 kms from Dhikala gate), you need to go to the information office to get the day pass for day jeep safari. The entry fee for Jeep safari for Dhikala is Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 450 for foreigners.

For the entire list of tariff, refer the following pamphlet. These are government charges. And there wont be any change unless the government decides to update them.

When you reach the information office, one thing you should keep in mind is that the entry to the Corbett National park is limited i.e. everyday a fixed number of vehicles are allowed to enter the zone. After you reach there, you need to fill a form specifying your name and your companion’s names and age and address and all. Then submit it to the counter and pay in cash the entry fees. If you are lucky i.e. if you are in the limited number of tourists, you will get entry pass which you need to present at the Check post at Dhikala, Bijrani and Sonanadi.




One good thing is there are government tourists bunglows inside the forests. So you can get the priviledge of staying inside the forest. These huts/bungalows/rest houses are located in different regions inside the forests and they are well equipped with bathrooms, beds and ofcourse a canteen too! Based on your budget you can select them. The food inside is decent – you will get only vegetarian stuff – around Rs.80 per meal per person. These rest houses are protected by electric fencing.
The rest houses are beautiful and believe me, if you want to visit Corbett, make it a point that you get to stay inside forest. Generally, these are always packed meaning – you need to reserve them before hand – atleast 20 days in advance. The reservation can be done from three places – Dehradoon, New Delhi and Ramnagar itself.
The address and phone numbers are –
Reservation office
Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttarakhand
Chanderbani,
Near Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
Ph – 0135 – 2644691
Uttarakhand tourism
Barakhamba road,
Indraprakash building
New Delhi,
Ph – 011 – 23319835
Dy. Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve
Ramnagar – 244715
Ph – 05947-251489, 251376, 251012

After you take the pass and night reservation at the bungalows, next thing you need to take is an open gypsy. When going for safari, its very necessary you take an open gypsy. That way you can enjoy the forest greenery more and ofcourse the pure air too! For 2 days in Dhikala, a gypsy will cost around Rs. 2500. And for 4 hours to Bijrani, a gypsy will cost you around Rs. 500. This is all inclusive (if you get to see a tiger, the tip for the driver is includedJ)

In case you need more information or you need to know if your plan is right, just post in a comment – I will definitely reply!




38 comments:

Sagar Bhanagay said...

That's fantastic! Hope to visit this 'Land of Rudyard Kipling' some day :)

-Sagar

challoindia said...

information provided by sweta is realy helpful 2 all who wnt 2 visit corbet national park.thnx nd keep up gud work

Anonymous said...

Hi Sweta .. I saw your blog on Corbett National Park. It was very good , just the kind I was looking for .
Snehansu
LOVE2TRAVEL

Pravin said...

good info mam .. i m planning to go to north and visit Corbett .. long time due.

- pravin shinde

Surya said...

thats very helpful. when i fulfill this long and cherished holiday of mine, i will keep you updated Sweta

A2 said...

hi sweta, really neat info, just a few silly questions.
a. ramnagar to dhikala i am sure there would transportation, jeeps as u mentioned, is this the safari jeep too? do u hire for the days u would be staying in dhikala or u can hire jeeps inside at the frh's? and just for transportation hire at ramnagar

b. i believe one gets to stay a maximum of only 2 nights and 3 days at the frh, is it for all frh's or per frn i.e can have 2 nights at dhikala and then 2 nights at another frh?

thanks

Sweta said...

Hi,

Answers to what Arun asked -
>a. ramnagar to dhikala i am sure >there would transportation, jeeps >as u mentioned, is this the >safari jeep too? do u hire for >the days u would be staying in >dhikala or u can hire jeeps >inside at the frh's? and just for >transportation hire at ramnagar

You should take safari jeep from ramnagar to Dhikala. You do not get to hire them inside Dhikala. The jeep is with you for the entire duration of your stay inside Dhikala. So When you hire a safari jeep, better make a deal based on number of days.

>b. i believe one gets to stay a >maximum of only 2 nights and 3 >days at the frh, is it for all >frh's or per frn i.e can have 2 >nights at dhikala and then 2 >nights at another frh?

Yes, if you want to stay for more days at the frh, you need to come to Ramnagar and extend your bookings. They do not allot for more than 2 days. You can opt to continue ur stay in the same frh if its available. Most likely, due to rush, you wont get the same frh.

Kunal said...

Hi Sweta,Your work is really good, as I m from Corbett-Ramnagar and special thing is that I m working in corbett for more then 10years, my both elder brothers are Senior Naturist here in Corbett may b in your trip you hv met them named Khem and Amrit, any ways your informations r true, for more information abt Corbett you can contact me any time at thejungleguide@gmail.com and whenever you'll come here again pl. arrange a meet,it will b grt to see you here again, and you can promot my above email to those who asks you abt Corbett as Arun. Hopping for a reply. Bye.

A2 said...

thanks sweta

Unknown said...

Hi Sweta,
It was a thoughtfully scripted and very useful article. My name is Ram and I am planning a visit to Corbett this March. I have few questions,
1. I am planning a 1 day visit to corbett(incl. night stay)How are the facilities at FRH Dhikala? I have 2 yr old toddler with me.
2. Even if I have a reserved accommodation, do I still need to obtain the entry pass you had mentioned in your article?
3. If I come from kathgodam / lalkuan, what would be the best route to reach the forest office to get the pass and how to get the safari jeeps?

- Ram

Kunal said...

Hi,Sweta,this is Kostubh again from Corbett City Ramnagar the nearest town to Corbett Tiger Reserve. I actually again here to say you thanx bcos I got two queries through your blog.Anyways I m here again in your blog to say that I m working is Corbett for more than 10 years and also working for travellers as a travel person, so any time if anybody going through this blog wanna know any type of information regarding safari reservation or FRH reservation or resort booking,plz suggest them to contact me and I m sure they will get the best service for corbett.And plz keep it in mind its not for money only bt I love to help people so they can make there vacation more enjoying. You can mail me at thejungleguide@gmail.com or can call me directly at 09837092025 or at 05947253022.Msg for all: Corbett with 164 tiger is Asia’s No.1 Tiger Reserve for Tiger. Do a visit and b a part of tiger conservation programme.
Regards: Kostubh.

Sweta said...

Hi Kostubh. gud to see your mail again. I will definitely contact you when I plan to visit Corbett again and shoot some good videos with your help.
Keep in touch.

Kunal said...

Hi Sweta,I saw your reply and really I m glad to see it, Sweta you know today I got a clint through your blog .He is an IIT studend resident of Kerala bt study in Delhi.He is with his parents. He told me your Name and ask me what sud he do for Gairal visit. I met him and took him to my office and then arrange jypsi for him.You are going so famous......Thanx for this Blog again.
When do you comming.....I m eagerly waiting...do visit soon.

Sweta said...

Hi.. I will visit Corbett again for the exhilarating experience.. Right now plan to visit Yosemite National Park next weekend and yes, I will definitely update u abt it too.. Let me know if you need any info about it too. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Hello Sweta,

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Me and my bf are going to corbett next weekend. Can you please tell me more about condition of goverment cottages?Do you have any pics? You said that only vegetarian food is allowed inside park but we are fully non-vegetarian, so is it allowed to go out of the park anytime we want or we'll have to pay a fee everytime?

Thanks for your help.

Sweta said...

You can go outside the park any no of times but by paying extra fees everytime.

Koustubh,
you may want to comment on this?

The cottages are very good. Dont worry about it. I do have pictures. but not handy at this time.

And yes, even if you are non-veg, dont waste your time going out and coming in back :). The park is so cool that you will not regret going Veggie for a couple of days :).

Hope this helps! Enjoy your stay!

Gaurav Shonik said...

Hi Shweta, I was unable to find any concrete information about a fair deal to Corbett, till I read your blog and followed the information. Thank you so much for your assistance, which I believe you must be totally oblivious to. However, I am trying to call the booking office at 05947251376 and even Mr Sanjay at his personal number, to find out the status of our booking request, but to our frustration no one is either picking up the phone or responding through any other channel. Is there some way you can suggest, which will enable me to get in touch with someone who can resolve my issue? I would be very grateful to you.

Sweta said...

Hi Gaurav, Did you try all the numbers given ??
In worst case, you may contact Pandeyji, who is a senior naturist there and a localite there. His contact no is 09837092025 or 05947253022. He may help you. Personally, I have never taken any help from Koustubh Pandeyji.
Do update me if u get to contact them.
Thanks.

Gaurav Shonik said...

Hi Shweta, Hope you are doing fine. I am really grateful to you for your kind and swift response. However, it seems I will have to bank on luck as I have been in regular touch with Mr. Kaustubh Pandey( I got to him through your blog- Thanks once again), and have tried calling at all other numbers. However, there is one more query for you- The jeep can be hired for about Rs2500 for two days, but does it also include the fuel cost? If not, then how much , approximately, do you think will it cost extra?

Sweta said...

Hi Gaurav,
Yes, the jeep costs is all inclusive. But it may have increased a bit since fuel price hike and inflation :). Rs.3000 should be a good price for it.
Hope this helps.

Gaurav Shonik said...

Thank you very much Shweta for taking time out to answer my queries.
Have a good day.

Gaurav Shonik said...

Hi Shweta.
I finally went to the Corbett National Park, and it surely was worth the effort. The official paraphernalia was quite mismanaged, but the REAL thing, the forest and the animals, was a real treat.
And yes, we were lucky to spot a 9 footer male tiger enjoying a dip in the river. Sadly, that was the only tiger we could spot.
Thank you Shweta for the information you shared with us. It was very helpful and very accurate.
Have a good day.

Kunal said...

Hi Sweta...
For recent pics of tiger you can visit my blog i.e.

www.corbettsafari.blogspot.com

here I post all the pics of tigers i found during my safaris. So enjoy and if it is possible place it somewhere from where others can too excess this recent tiger activity.
Bye.

Goswami said...

Hi Sweta,
Good information, but by the time I find this blog I have booked Camp Corbette Resort. I'm reaching there in first week of June.I'm planning to go to morning safari by jeep they are charging around Rs. 2000.How is this camp corbett to stay
Goswami

Sweta said...

hi satyender, i dont know how is camp corbett :(. i think u find it out and update here so that people who are searching for info can get it here. Thanks for your help.

Kunal said...

hi Sweta,
As people ask you abt resort you plz refer them my contact, bcos pple ask you so they can get better informetion...for example Satyendra asked you abt corbett camp....and I know this property is not so good in case of service and also in view. and also i charge only Rs.1500/- for the safari and one more thing that resort never promise Bijrani for safari but I promise it. So always with a great trust you can recommend me. You can also ask Gaurav abt my services.

Goswami said...

Thanks Sweta for reply,
As I'm planning to reach there in second week of june, by that time the booking is closed for cottages as per information from Pandayji. But he told me to that the booking can be done only on daily bases and for that you have to stand in a que in 4:00 in morning.
Sweta what you suggest that mid june is right time to go there or I should plan some other time of year. Thanks.

Aswin S said...

Hi Sweta,

Nice of you help fellow travelers with this info. I am from Bangalore and planning to visit places around Delhi this month end. i will be traveling alone. My schedule leaves me just enough time to do a morning jeep safari in the park (no accommodation). I tried reaching some travel agents but it went in vein as they are not interested in people not going for accomodation. Can you suggest a place where I can get help.

-Aswin

Sumit said...

Hi Shweta,

Thanks for the information on Corbett ... though am fimiliar with the place. Happen to visit the park recently. I can suggext couple of properties in Corbett to stay ... Tiger Camp is my personal favourite. Apart from camp one can stay in Corbett Hideaway and Tarangi ... both of them are pretty nice.

Kunal said...

Mam,

i have created an special blog for those who love to read in HINDI...... Please if possible give a link in your blog for my new creation..... I assure you that I'll update it regularly... link is
http://corbettnationalparkinhindi.blogspot.com

arijit said...

Dear Mam,
Thanks a lot for such an informative blog and for replying to the questions.You are doing a wonderful job.I am a researcher from Delhi and will be visiting the corbett park on 28th november.I have already booked the Dhikala FRH for 28th night.I have a few queries--
1. I have sent them the DD for my booking .Will I get any booing slip via post?
2. Like ranthambore and many other parks,are there different safari routes in Dhikala zone also?If so, which zones are best?
3.Since my booking inside the prk is done, do i need to make another permit on that day to go inside the park?
4. What is the present rate of gypsy's if I want to book one for the whole trip,from Ramnagar to dhikala, 2 safaris in dhikala, night stay in dhikala and return to ramnagar next day.
Please see if you can help.
You can mail me also at
arijit123456@gmail.com
Thanks

arijit said...

Dear mam,
This is arijit again. Thanks for accepting my question. Am eagerly waiting for your reply
regards
arijit

Kunal said...

Dear Mr.Arijit,
Please find below answers for your queries,

1. I have sent them the DD for my booking .Will I get any booing slip via post?
Answer : May be a fax from CTR office if you have a fax No.

2. Like ranthambore and many other parks,are there different safari routes in Dhikala zone also?If so, which zones are best?
Answer : There are Four Zones in Corbett.
1.Bijrani Zone,
2.Jhirna Zone
3.Durgadevi Zone &
4.Dhikala Zone
and Dhikala is the best zone of Corbett and you are allowed to visit whole Dhikala Zone if you are staying in any FRH inside the Dhikala Zone.

3.Since my booking inside the prk is done, do i need to make another permit on that day to go inside the park?
Answer : There are some other Fees (Entries & Housekeeping -- for details you can see picture of Tarriff in Sweta's Blog)you'll have to pay at the time you'll take permit. No need of any extra permit as they'll charge all vehicle & entries in the same permit.

4. What is the present rate of gypsy's if I want to book one for the whole trip,from Ramnagar to dhikala, 2 safaris in dhikala, night stay in dhikala and return to ramnagar next day.
Answer : The best way (if you want a full time safari - No limit)is to book Day Rent + Fuel basis. So you'll have to pay Three days Rent & Fuel for your whole Tour. Rent is Rs.800/- to 1000/- per day depends on Gypsi condition & Driver's experties.
Regards
Kostubh Pandey
Corbett Tiger Reserve
09837092025
09359363083

Faizan said...

Hi.
I'm planning to visit Corbett this May. I'm a little confused about hiring the gypsy. I mean, once the resort booking is done, we book the gypsy for 3 days to take us around right? Will this vehicle be at our insuvidual service all throughout the tour? For pickup at resort and drop back at end of the day?

Sweta said...

Hi Faizan.
Do not get confused. book the gypsy after going there. Yes, the gypsy will be completely for you 24X7 for the number of days you book it.

Thanks,
Sweta

Unknown said...

hey shweta
this june i am willing to go corbett so plz send me the information,of national park,

hitesh said...

i am hitesh i want to see corbett on 25 may to 29 may 2010 . so, i want to know how to book a cottage in corbett national park ...plz tel me numbers or address of booking office.thanx..

Sweta said...

The address and phone numbers are –
Reservation office
Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttarakhand
Chanderbani,
Near Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
Ph – 0135 – 2644691
Uttarakhand tourism
Barakhamba road,
Indraprakash building
New Delhi,
Ph – 011 – 23319835
Dy. Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve
Ramnagar – 244715
Ph – 05947-251489, 251376, 251012