Visiting Jim Corbett National Park in Winter

Wondering what to do in Jim Corbett national park in winter? Keep reading

If you have the love and excitement to see different types of flora and fauna, visiting Corbett park should be definitely on your bucket list. 

Jim Corbett national park is the first national park of India located in Uttarakhand. It was established as Hailey National Park in 1936, renamed to Jim Corbett in 1956 in the memory of conservationist Jim Corbett.

The Jim Corbett park is stretched throughout the magnificent landscapes of Pauri Garhwal, Almora, and Nainital, covering 1318.54 sq km, of which 520 sq km is the primary area and the rest is buffer. Many tour agencies offer tour packages to visit this park. The park remains open to tourists through various entry gates, which vary depending on the season.

Visiting Jim Corbett National Park in winter

How to reach Jim Corbett national park?

The best way to go to Corbett National Park is by road from Delhi. Delhi is well connected by road, train, and air to India’s major cities. You must go from Delhi to Ramnagar, from where you may access the Corbett Park entrance gate. Drive-by car or take The Ranikhet Express, which departs from Delhi every day, stops in Ramnagar.

Distance from Delhi to Ramnagar – 245 km approximately.

Time taken to reach Ramnagar – 6 hours.

What are the winter months in the national park?

Winter Season : 

This park is a home for wonderful and unseen birds during the winter season, from October to February. During the winter, you can see magnificent Bengal tigers roaming around the park, in addition to birds. 

As a result, there is a good chance of seeing an endangered tiger in the wild. The temperature in this park drops to 5 degree Celsius at night. The daytime, on the other hand, is mild and pleasant. Animals come out during the day to soak up the sun, so you can readily spot them.

Monsoon Season :

Since fewer people are visiting this time of year, it is the perfect time to trek. The entire weather has an inviting vibe at that time when the temperature drops. It’s worth noting that traveling during the monsoon carries a danger of landslides and soil erosion. As a result, it can be a little risky. However, with exotic flora and magnificent plants all around, the beauty will be at its peak.

Summer Season :

The temperature remains relatively high during the summer months. The weather becomes hot and humid during the day, reaching temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius. During these months, you can go river rafting and have a close encounter with endangered wildlife and bird species.

Packing list for Jim Corbett National Park in winter

We are the best makers of winter wear in India, with a legacy of over 25 years. Every garment is thoughtfully designed, tested and graded for warmth. We help buyers make a decision on the layers you need based on the temperature and weather of the place. Reach out to us for a free consultation on our helpline / whatsapp +919820999006 and our winter wear expert will be happy to help you. 

Outerwear like puffer jackets, parkas or a coat

Traveling to cold places requires thermal layers such as jackets and raincoats on your packing list to keep you warm. The best thermal layer you can buy is Kosha’s waterproof coat. The jacket’s sleeves prevent air from passing through. A detachable hood and a waterproof breathable outer layer are attached to these coats.

 

Check the Fleece lined puffer jacket for men here

Check the Fleece lined puffer jacket for women here

Sweaters and Pullovers

Kosha makes Merino pullovers, Supima pullovers, and Buttoned Cardigans. Merino wool pullovers can be worn both ways.Supima pullovers are made from the finest cotton, which is known for its durability and shine. Cardigans worn over sarees are a stylish option, and you can get them at Kosha. Do not forget to carry warm sweaters when you visit Jim Corbett in winter.

Kosha’s sweater for men

Kosha’s sweater for women

Base layers 

A base layer is a layer worn directly on the skin.  Kosha’s itch-free base layers can also be doubled up as a T-shirt. It’s suitable for temperatures between 15 and -20 degrees Celsius. It’s made of Merino wool and Bamboo and has anti-odor characteristics. Kosha’s base layers can be used without washing for 3 to 5 days. It dries quickly due to its resemblance to fish scales.

 

Check out base layers for men here 

Check out base layers for women here 

Woolen bottoms – Snow Pants

Snow pants have to be included in your packing list because it gives comfort while trekking. Kosha’s snow pants are solid and comfortable. It is an excellent choice for cold-weather activities.

Check out snow pants for men here 

Check out snow pants for women here 

Warm accessories

Gloves, caps, mufflers, and shawls are included in the Accessories package. Gloves save our fingers from going numb. We can use monkey caps/mufflers to cover our ears.

Check out accessories here 

Warm shoes or boots

Check out winter boots for men here 

Check out winter boots for women here

Warm socks 

Socks are necessary when you stay at Corbett because the temperature drops extremely low. Kosha’s socks are available in two materials: Cotton and Merino wool.

Check out Kosha’s socks for men here

Check out Kosha’s socks for women here 

Things to do in Jim Corbett National Park in winter

Jungle Safari

One of the greatest ways to see Jim Corbett is to go on a jeep safari through the park’s forests and plains. This is arguably the most thrilling of all the things to do in Jim Corbett because you may see the exotic animals in their natural habitat. 

The park is divided into safari zones such as – Pakhro, Sonanadi, Bijrani, Durga devi, Dhela Jungle, Jhirna Jungle, Garjia Jungle.

Dhikala Safari Zone reopens every year on November 15th, Durga Devi and Bijrani Zone on October 15th, and Jhirna and Dhela Zones on October 15th. The Bijrani safari zones, which are known for their grasslands, host Elephant safaris. 

The safari is organized by the skilled personnel of Corbett national park. You can check the availability of Corbett jeep safari dates, resort timings and book in advance from their official website here. Virtual Jim Corbett tour is also available on the same website.

Elephant Safari

Elephant Safari is one of the best things to do in Jim Corbett National Park if you love elephants and want to spend time with them while having fun. Elephant Safari is the best way to explore forestland from a safe height of 9 to 10 feet, where you can see mammals, reptiles like crocodiles and pythons, and a variety of bird species.

The elephant ride is accessible in Dhikala and Bijrani and follows a set path to ensure that visitors and travelers get the most out of their experience.

During an elephant ride, only four people are allowed to sit atop the elephant. Children under the age of five, as well as adults, will be permitted for Corbett safari.

River Rafting

If you’re looking for something to do in Jim Corbett National Park, river rafting is one of the park’s biggest attractions, aside from the animals and birds. The Kosi River runs through the park and provides the ideal setting for group river rafting.

 

The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, is the greatest time to participate in this pastime. This activity is suitable for people of all ages and skill levels and is perfect for weekend getaways. The river’s route takes you through forests and hillsides, providing you with a unique experience as well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Corbett Waterfalls

The Corbett Waterfall is another undiscovered treat that you must not miss if you visit the Jim Corbett National Park. It’s around 22 to 25 kilometers from Ramnagar on the way to Nainital. Tourists can watch it from a safe distance, but they should avoid entering the waters, which may be inhabited by snakes and crocodiles.

Another entrance is from Kaladhungi, about 4 kilometers from the Ramnagar road. To get to this waterfall, you’ll have to walk a short 2-kilometer trail from the road.

Bird watching

Corbett Park is home to over 650 bird species, including migratory birds. Bird viewing is one of the most important activities to be included in the Corbett tour if you enjoy birds and have a soft spot for flying mammals.

 

The best time to visit this park for bird watching is during the winter months, from November to December. During this period, the migrating birds from Siberia flock to India to escape the cold.

Trekking

Trekking is now available at Jim Corbett National Park for all those hikers who enjoy discovering forests and wildlife on foot. Hiking is allowed in the park’s reserve forest area, particularly around the tiger reserve. 

Sitabani is ideal for trekking because it is a thickly populated forest area where you may come across elephants, tigers, jackals, deer, and even monkeys, which approach visitors/tourists in the hope of food. As a result, there is no food permitted in the forest. 

If you travel to the park in the winter, remember to bring thermals, sweaters, and coats to keep warm because it gets cold at night. Wear comfortable walking shoes as well. Many also opt for a combined Corbett Nainital Tour.

Visit Corbett Museum 

One of the most fascinating attractions in the National Park is the Corbett Museum. The museum is now housed in the cottage that once belonged to Jim Corbett, the legendary environmentalist for whom the park is named.

The museum has a lot of instructional material about the Bengal tiger, the infamous man-eaters, and other species. You can also read about Jim Corbett, his experiences, and his efforts to create a safe and habitable environment for animals. Souvenirs and local handicrafts are also available for purchase at a small shop.

Mountain Biking

If you’re looking for something thrilling to do in Jim Corbett, you can go Mountain biking. This national park is one of the best spots in Uttarakhand to go cycling. It’s even more special because of its clean, untouched paths, the vistas one can enjoy while riding, and the simple mountain roads that take you past forests and rivers.

Even though mountain biking is one of Jim Corbett’s most popular hobbies, there are a few things to consider before embarking on this adventure.Firstly, anyone under 18 years is prohibited from participating in this activity. Second, you’ll be required to complete a physical fitness exam to ensure that you get the most out of your ride.

Camping

Camping is one of the most relaxing and gratifying things you can do while visiting Jim Corbett National Park.Pick up the camping packages that include fishing trips, bonfires, and guided tours through the National Park’s magnificent woodlands. Camping also allows you to appreciate the natural splendor of the surrounding mountains and the beautiful night sky.

Garjia Temple

It is a sacred temple built near the Kosi river on a big rock. It is also one of the most well-known temples in the Nainital area, with hundreds of pilgrims flocking there between November and December. You will also witness the historic Lakshmi-Narayan (Vishnu) statue, dated back to the 9th century.

Before entering this famous shrine, visitors traditionally take a wash in the Kosi River. It is considered good to visit this temple on Kartik Poornima.  If you offer real prayer and seek blessings on this day, your requests will be granted. The temple remains open from 7 am to 6 pm.

I hope this blog has given you an idea of the activities open in Jim Corbett. Check out the Corbett tour packages offered by various agencies, compare what is included in the tour package, the weather, and safari zone entry, and then pack your bags for an exciting adventure. Have a safe and enjoyable journey:)

This blog post was written by Kosha team member – Keerthiga Rani