Corbett National Park is India's first national park. The park get's its name from the famous hunter turned conservationist - Jim Corbett who spent a large part of his life in the region. The Park's location (foothills) is prime as it offers a right of passage for several species of birds in their annual migration from the higher reaches of the Himalayas.
Located in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas. The Park is demarcated in to several zones that visitors can visit on a day safari and / or night stay. These zones are Dhikala, Jhirna, Bijrani, Dhela, Sonanadi, Gargia, Pakhro and Durgadevi
Out of the five zones in Corbett, Dhikala and Bijrani are the most sought after. Dhikala is the biggest zone and the landscape and natural habitat is believed to support the highest density of tigers due to abundance in prey base. It's expansive grasslands support herds of elephants and other herbivores including the Indian hog deer. The Ramganga river flows through the zone and is home to not only the Indian marsh crocodile but also gharials and smooth coated otters.
Corbett is also a very attractive bird watching destinatio and known to have over 500 avian species that come and go during various seasons.
Forest Rest Houses of Corbett National Park
Corbett is the only Tiger Reserve that allows tourists to stay inside the core zones of the forest in government owned and operated forest rest houses. Getting an opportunity to stay in one of these historic (as they were built pre-Independence) forest rest houses is an unique experience.
However staying inside the Park in the forest rest houses is not by any means luxury, as the accommodation is basic, food simple and other issues include power outages, no television or cell phone network.
Bijrani Forest rest House in Bijrani Zone
The rest house at Bijrani has six rooms (Four with double beds and two with single bed) and dormitory consisting of four beds. The compound has its own canteen that serves food to the guests. Elephant rides into the jungle are available from here. The chances of spotting a tiger, Sloth bear and herd of elephants are quite high in this part of the park.
Dhikala Forest Rest House & Tourist Complex
This well-known tourist destination is located at the edge of Patli Dun valley through which the river Ramganga flows in numerous channels. It offers panoramic view of the valley with the Kanda ridge in backdrop. The old Forest Rest House at Dhikala is a historic structure, built over a hundred years ago.
Different kinds of accommodations are available at Dhikala. Along with the Forest Rest House, Cabins, Hutment, Annexe Dhikala also has 24 bunk beds in Log Hut. The rooms are comfortable with basis amenities.
A decent restaurant caters to the need of visitors. The restaurant serves buffet meals .
Visitors can enjoy wildlife movie show in the evening and also spend their leisure time reading books in the well stocked library.
Sultan Forest Rest House
Sultan Forest Rest House is the first rest house on the drive from Dhangarhi Gate to Dhikala Forest Lodge. Surrounded by Sal forest it is one of the best place for those who wish to relax in peaceful and serene environment. It is named after Sultan Sot (local seasonal stream) which flows through this region.
With only 2 double bedrooms Sultan Forest lodge is one of the smallest rest house in Dhikala zone of corbett national park.It provides a kitchen facility with a room attendant. Visitors have to bring the raw ration with them which can be cooked in the kitchen facility.
Sarapduli Forest Rest House
Sarapduli that is lies on the Dhangarhi-Dhikala Forest Rest House road downstream of Gairal on the flat southern bank of the Ramganga. It is preferred by wildlife lover as here one can spot movements of large mammals including tiger and elephants.
It has 2 double bedrooms and a dormitory with 6 bunk beds. It provides a kitchen facility with a room attendant. Visitors have to bring the raw ration with them which can be cooked in the kitchen facility.
Gairal Forest Rest House :
This rest house can be accessed by a short detour of the Dhangarhi-Dhikala main forest road. The prime attraction of this rest house is that it lies on the banks of River Ramganga. Tourists staying here can enjoy the crystal clear, fast flowing mountain river running through the scenic forests.
The compound has its own canteen that serves food to the guests.
Kanda Forest Rest House:
It is located at the highest point in the Jim National Park and provides excellent view of the Ramnganga valley .