Dhela Gate
Dhela Gate serves as the entry point to the Jhirna Zone, a popular tourist area situated on the southern boundary of Corbett Reserve Park. This zone is renowned for its diverse wildlife sightings, including rare encounters with tigers and sloth bears, set against the backdrop of a picturesque countryside rich in wildlife.
The geography of the Jhirna Zone primarily consists of dry deciduous forests, featuring a vast grassland known as the Laldhang Chaur. This grassland, or Chaur, is particularly favored by herbivores such as deer, chitals, nilgai, and elephants.
To access the Jhirna Zone, visitors must obtain safari permits from forest officials and hire safari vehicles accompanied by a naturalist or guide. Dhela Gate is conveniently located approximately 20 km from Ramnagar city, serving as the sole entry point to the Jhirna Zone throughout the year.
Unlike other gates in Corbett National Park, Dhela Gate remains operational year-round, offering visitors continuous opportunities for safaris in the Jhirna Zone. However, during the monsoon season, advance booking of safaris for Jhirna Gate is not possible due to unpredictable weather conditions. Safaris may also be subject to cancellation on rainy days to ensure visitor safety and wildlife conservation.
Vatanvasa Gate
Vatanvasa Gate, situated near the Palain River and accessible from Kotdwara via Dugadda, marks the entry point to the Sonanadi Range within Corbett Tiger Reserve. Formerly part of the Kalagarh Forest Reserve, it was incorporated into the boundaries of Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1991. This gate provides primary access to the Sonanadi Range of Corbett National Park.
The Sonanadi Zone is the only area in Jim Corbett National Park where tourists are allowed to roam freely. It is densely populated with various species of non-venomous snakes and is home to popular wildlife such as tigers, leopards, and elephants. Tourists can embark on wildlife safaris by vehicle through the Sonanadi Zone, offering close encounters with wild animals amidst the enchanting vegetation and natural beauty. This zone is notable for sightings of the Himalayan black bear and Albino Chital.
Visitors have the option to stay overnight at the Mundiyapani, Rathuadhar, and Kanda Forest Rest Houses, located approximately 40 kilometers from Kotdwara. These accommodations provide a serene environment for nature enthusiasts and wildlife observers.
The Vatanvasa Gate operates from October 15 to June 30, remaining closed during the monsoon season for the safety of visitors and to preserve the ecological balance of the area.
Garjiya Gate
The Garjia Safari Zone, also known as the Ringora Safari Zone, within the Corbett region, boasts a rich diversity of plant and wildlife. Located 9 km from Ramnagar city, Garjia is a prime destination for animal enthusiasts, particularly renowned for its population of Royal Bengal Tigers, offering excellent sightings for visitors. This zone encompasses buffer, tourist, and core areas, and is accessed through the Garjiya Gate.
Among the various zones in Jim Corbett National Park, Garjiya Zone ranks second only to Dhikala for jeep safaris. Its picturesque landscape features river streams, expansive grasslands (Chaurs), and dense Sal forests. Accommodation options in the Garjia zone include the Garjia and Malani Forest Rest Houses, providing comfortable stays for guests. Additionally, the zone offers an on-site canteen and restaurant for convenience.
The Garjiya Day Safari area in Corbett Tiger Reserve is open to visitors throughout the year, subject to weather conditions. For overnight stays, the Garjiya Ecotourism Zone operates from November 15 to June 14, providing extended opportunities to explore and experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.
Teda/Pawalgarh Gate
The Sitabani Forest Zone in Corbett Park is celebrated for its scenic landscapes and popular tourist destinations, ideal for nature hikes and explorations. Despite not being part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, Sitabani is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and operates under its own regulations, distinct from those of CTR.
The Teda/Pawalgarh Gate serves as the entry point to the Sitabani zone, situated approximately 27 kilometers from Ramnagar city. The Sitabani Forest Rest House offers a tranquil retreat amidst the natural beauty, accommodating visitors who seek to enjoy the area through day jeep safaris or overnight stays, requiring prior authorization for park entry.
Sitabani has gained prominence as a pilgrimage site due to its association with the Hindu epic Ramayana, where it is believed that goddess Sita, Lord Rama’s wife, spent time in these forests during her exile.
Unlike most safari zones that close during the monsoon season, Sitabani remains open year-round, offering tourists access from October 15 to June 30, making it a favored destination for nature enthusiasts and pilgrims alike.
Pakhro Gate
Pakhro Gate, now serving as the new access point to the Corbett Tiger Reserve near Kotdwar, has significantly reduced travel time from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport to the reserve to under two hours. This gate provides entry into the Pakhro Zone, which is renowned for its diverse wildlife population including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
Safari excursions into the jungle from Pakhro typically last 2-3 hours and are conducted via jeep, the preferred mode of transport within the reserve. Note that private cars are not permitted inside the forest area of the Tiger Reserve, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural habitat.
To ensure a seamless experience, it’s advisable to pre-book entry tickets for safaris into the Pakhro Zone at the Ramnagar office. The Pakhro Zone welcomes tourists from October 15th to June 15th, offering ample opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to explore this part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, with closures during the monsoon season.
