15 Best places to visit in Jim Corbett (Tourist attractions in and around).
It may be that you are looking for the best places to visit in Jim Corbett. If you want to plan a holiday to thrill yourself with wildlife, one of the best locations in India for this is Jim Corbett National Park. This park is well-known as one of India’s top national parks, with a variety of plants and animals. People visit this place to see amazing and sometimes dangerous animals like tigers, lions, and elephants. It is in Uttarakhand, next to the Ramganga River. It’s famous for having about 160 tigers and a wide variety of plants and animals.
But when people plan a short trip to this national park, they also want to know about other interesting places in Jim Corbett to make their visit even better.
Therefore In this article, we’ll talk about the best places you can visit in and around Jim Corbett National Park. Some of the top spots include Corbett Waterfall, Garjiya Devi Temple, Jim Corbett Museum, Birjani Ecotourism Zone, Jhirna Ecotourism Zone, Dhangarhi Museum, Kosi River, Durga Devi Temple, Sitabani Temple, Dhikala Zone, Kyari Camp, Dhela zone, and many more.
Here are 15 Best Places to visit in Jim Corbett
There may be many places in and around Jim Corbett to visit, but here we are talking about some notable and best places to visit in Jim Corbett.
1. Corbett Waterfalls
Corbett waterfall is a peaceful place located 3 kilometers from Kaladhungi. It offers a calming experience with the sound of flowing water. Unlike the crowded Kempty Falls in Mussoorie, Corbett Falls is less visited by tourists and locals.
The clear water descending from a height is a beautiful sight, and the path to reach the falls is also delightful. The falls drop from a height of 20 meters, surrounded by the pleasant chirping of numerous birds, creating a peaceful and charming atmosphere.
The surrounding area is spacious and provides great facilities for parking and camping, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. There is also a nearby attraction called the ‘Nature Walk’ museum, where visitors can experience the pure beauty of nature in its original form. These features contribute to making this place one of the best place to visit in Jim Corbett.
2. Garjiya Devi Temple
The Garjiya Devi Temple is located 13 km away from Ramnagar City, the gateway to Corbett. Tourists visiting Corbett often go there because of its proximity. Additionally, one of the ecotourism gates, Garjiya Gate, is named after this temple.
The temple is a special place where people worship a goddess named Garjiya Devi. She is considered the daughter of God Giriraj and the wife of Lord Shiva. This temple is in Garjiya Village and is very important to the people living nearby. They believe that if they pray here, their wishes will come true. Besides Garjiya Devi, people also worship other gods like Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Saraswati at this temple.
This temple holds rich mythological significance, making it extremely popular among both locals and tourists. Consequently, it has become one of the best places to visit in Jim Corbett.
3. Jim Corbett Museum
The Corbett Museum is a fascinating attraction within the Jim Corbett National Park, located in Kaladhungi, just 3 km from the main town. Positioned strategically along the route from Nainital via Khurpatal, the Kaladhungi location is a notable site for tourists.
The museum used to be the home of Jim Corbett, a famous hunter who later became an environmentalist dedicated to wildlife conservation. This special museum gives us a peek into the life and work of this remarkable person in the jungles of the Kumaon hills. Visiting the Corbett Museum is not just an experience, but also a chance to learn about the significance of wildlife while exploring the large and impressive area of the Jim Corbett national park.
4. Bijrani Ecotourism Zone
Birjani is a beautiful ecotourism zone known for its thick forests, wide grasslands, winding streams, and diverse wildlife. It’s a dry section of the park with different types of plants. Since the time of the British, Birjani area was famous for its good hunting opportunities.
Now, it’s a popular place for tourists to visit in Jim Corbett for a day. To experience the adventure, you can book a jeep safari or an elephant safari and get ready for exciting encounters with wildlife.
Safari adventures are available both in the morning and evening, restricted to areas outside the core zones to minimize disturbance to the wildlife. Controlled access is implemented along designated routes to manage the number of vehicles.
5. Jhirna Ecotourism Zone
Situated at the Southern corner of Corbett National Park, about 18 kilometers from Ramnagar, Jhirna is well-known for providing great opportunities to observe wildlife. Originally a village, it was later moved, and now it has turned into a dense forest. During a safari in Jhirna ecotourism zone, visitors can see Nilgai, Cheetal, and Sambhar in their natural surroundings.
The area is also home to a significant number of sloth bears and wild elephants. Those staying at the Forest Rest House (FRH) in Jhirna may even have the chance to spot tigers, as they frequently visit the area during the night time.
Personal vehicles cannot go into the specific area. If you want to visit the Jhirna Zone, you need to book a Jeep Safari. Each jeep can take up to six adults and two children. Also, there are rules about how many jeeps can go into the area to protect the environment and promote responsible tourism.
6. Durga Devi Temple
This old temple is a special place for tourists in Kotdwar near Jim Corbett national park, especially for those who worship Goddess Durga. People visit it for its beautiful architecture that tells stories about different Hindu gods.
The temple is in the middle of the dense forest in the National Park, making it even more peaceful, with the Ramganga River nearby. It’s a calming and spiritual place that many people find soothing.
Within the temple premises, there is a modest courtyard where devotees can offer prayers to Goddess Durga. A notable feature of the temple is a sculpture depicting Goddess Durga alongside other deities, including Lord Shiva and various divine figures.
7. Sitabani Temple
The Sitabani temple is devoted to Mata Sita, making it a perfect place for those interested in religious landmarks in Jim Corbett national park. According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Mata Sita spent some days in exile during the Agnipariksha phase here.
This location is also referred to as the birthplace of Lord Ram’s sons, Love and Kush. According to ancient stories, it is believed that Mother Sita came to the Sitabani forest with her sons Luv and Kush and stayed for a while.
In the area around the current temple, you can find old artifacts like amlaka stones, a Ganesha sculpture without a head, a doorjamb, and intricately carved slabs. These items suggest that the place has a long history. However, it’s important to clarify that the temple standing there now was built at a later time and is not ancient.
The historical and mythological significance of this temple makes it one of the best places to visit in Jim Corbett National Park.
8. Shri Hanuman Dham Temple
Hanuman Dham is situated in a calm & peaceful area of Ramnagar called Choi. It’s renowned to providing a peaceful atmosphere to its visitors. It’s a well-known attraction in the Ramnagar and is devoted to Lord Hanuman. The temple’s architecture is impressive both inside and out.
This popular tourist spot has a gateway with decorations depicting two fishes, representing luck and prosperity. The temple has a majestic appearance with ornate columns arranged in a chhatri-style. Inside Hanuman Dham, there are areas for sitting, meditation, a center for the disabled, and a grand temple dedicated to Shri Hanuman.
Shri Hanuman Dham temple is situated just 8 KM away from the city of Corbett, Ramnagar. Due to its proximity to Ramnagar, it has become one of the best places to visit in Jim Corbett during your trip.
9. Dhikala Ecotourism Zone
Have you ever thought about staying in a house inside the forest? Dhikala is the perfect place if you like that idea! Get ready for a special kind of vacation in the middle of the wilderness. Picture yourself listening to the birds singing, the powerful roar of tigers, and the soft sound of the wind on a calm night. It’s one of those exciting places to visit in Jim Corbett national park that you definitely want to experience.
This ecotourism zone is home to a variety of reptiles and mammals. If you’re lucky, you might get to see famous wildlife like Royal Bengal Tigers, Cheetah, Chital and Elephants, which are well-known in this national park.
If you stay in the forest rest house, you will have the option to explore the zone with a Jeep Safari; otherwise, you can explore the zone with available option Canter Safari.
10. Kalagarh Dam
The Kalagarh Dam is built on the Ramganga River, which originates from Dudhatoli Hill in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India.This dam is surrounded by the picturesque landscape of Jim Corbett National Park, making it a best place to visit in Jim Corbett. It is also famous as Ramganga Dam, The construction of this dam commenced in 1962 and 1975 was the year when it has completed.
In this area Bird watching enthusiasts can enjoy observing a variety of bird species. Many wildlife enthusiasts visit this part of the sanctuary to see waterfowl that migrate to this dam during the winter season.
Hence, if you find yourself with additional time during your visit to this National Park, considering the inclusion of this location in your list of places to visit in Jim Corbett national park is highly recommended. The dam stands at a height of 128 meters, classified as an earth and rockfill type, and its installed capacity of 198 MW makes it a significant attraction.
11. Kosi River
The Kosi River is a Himalayan river. It is originates from Dharpani Dhar at an elevation of 2,500 meters in the Baramandal region of Almora district in Kumaon, Uttarakhand.
After its source in Dharpani Dhar, the Kosi river meanders through valleys and the town of Ramnagar in Uttarakhand before entering the Tarai regions of Uttar Pradesh, where it eventually confluences with the Ramganga River, the river on which the Kalagarh Dam is built..
Riding the exhilarating rapids of flowing water is always an exciting adventure. After exploring Jim Corbett National Park, many visitors enjoy river rafting in this area. Additionally, the river is a habitat for various migratory birds, making it a notable spot for bird watchers to capture amazing photographs of wildlife.
12. Dhangarhi Museum
The Dhangarhi Museum is located on NH 121, precisely at the entry gate of the famous ecotourism zone Dhikala. It serves as the point where tourists enter the Dhikala Zone.
The museum is renowned for its 4-5 minute 3D movie and the display of animal skeletons, making it a key attraction for travelers. Historians, heritage enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers consider it a must-visit destination.
This museum stands as a testament to the challenges faced by man-eating tigers throughout history. It sheds light on the life and adventures of Corbett, featuring impactful exhibits such as the hunted untamed animals and glass cases displaying the heads of tigers and elephants engaged in violent encounters.
13. Dhela Ecotourism Zone
The Dhela Ecotourism zone, a key component of the Corbett Jungle Safari, proudly holds the second-highest tiger spotting status in the year 19-20. Tigers have been frequently sighted in proximity to the zone’s entry gate, signifying a dense population of these majestic creatures.
This ecotourism Zone is distinguished by its rich and varied flora, encompassing Sal, Rohini, Haldu, Bahera, and Kusum vegetation. Its fauna includes tigers, leopards, Asiatic elephants, sloth bears, and king cobras. The Dhela zone is particularly renowned for its diverse bird species.
Visitors can partake in Jeep Safaris during both morning and evening shifts, with a strict limit of 15 gypsies allowed to enter the zone in each shift. Dhela is especially acclaimed for bird watching, and it remains accessible throughout the year. The zone shared its entry gate with Jhirna zone.
14. Phato Ecotourism Zone
The Photo Zone is a vast forest covering an area of 2516.70 hectares. Here, you have a special chance to see various animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, deer, and elephants up close. You can explore this area on a designated jeep safari, allowing you to get a close look at different bird species too. Human-made water reservoirs strategically placed in the phato ecotourism zone make life easier for wildlife.
Royal Bengal Tigers are often seen near these water bodies. The diverse range of animals and birds in the Phato Jungle Safari adds to the beauty of the forest. This zone is the thickest forest Corbett National Park and the entire state of Uttarakhand. Going on a jeep safari in the Phato ecotourism Zone is a delightful and enjoyable experience.
15. Durga Devi Zone
The Durga Devi Zone stands as the hill safari zone, offering a captivating blend of wildlife beauty and adventure within the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Positioned on the North-Eastern side of the reserve, the area is intricately traversed by the Ramganga and Mandal rivers at multiple points.
Renowned for wildlife sightings, this zone is particularly famous for observing wild elephants and otters near Domunda Bridge. The river in the Durga Devi Zone is home to the renowned Mahseer fish. The lush green forest in this region is a great place for bird watching.
The Durga Devi Zone is tailored for individuals seeking to appreciate the beauty of nature rather than focusing solely on tiger sightings. Despite not being a prime tiger-spotting area, the Durga Devi zone boasts a substantial population of elephants compared to other regions within the reserve.
Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is popular among tourists worldwide. Therefore, we have discussed the best places to visit in Jim Corbett. We hope you will find these places appealing and consider including them in your list of places to visit during your trip to Corbett.
FAQs about Best Places to Visit in Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett National Park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including approximately 160 tigers, making it one of India’s top national parks. Visitors come to experience wildlife and witness animals like tigers, lions, and elephants in their natural habitat.
Some notable attractions include Corbett Waterfall, Garjiya Devi Temple, Jim Corbett Museum, Birjani Ecotourism Zone, Jhirna Ecotourism Zone, Dhangarhi Museum, Kosi River, Durga Devi Temple, Sitabani Temple, Dhikala Zone, Kyari Camp, Dhela Zone, and more.
Garjiya Devi Temple, located 13 km from Ramnagar City, is dedicated to Goddess Garjiya, daughter of God Giriraj and wife of Lord Shiva. It holds mythological importance, and locals believe that praying here fulfills their wishes.
Bijrani is known for its thick forests, grasslands, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy jeep or elephant safaris, encountering wildlife such as Royal Bengal Tigers, making it a popular destination for thrill-seekers.
Jhirna, located at the Southern corner of Corbett National Park, is famous for wildlife observation. Safaris offer glimpses of Nilgai, Cheetal, Sambhar, sloth bears, and wild elephants. Jeep safaris are the primary means of exploring the zone.
Dhikala offers a unique stay inside the forest, allowing visitors to experience the wilderness. Wildlife sightings may include Royal Bengal Tigers, Cheetah, Chital, Elephants, and various reptiles and mammals.
Dhangarhi Museum, located at the entry gate of Dhikala Zone, features a 3D movie and displays animal skeletons. It focuses on the challenges faced by man-eating tigers, providing a unique perspective on wildlife conservation.
Durga Devi Zone offers a captivating blend of wildlife beauty and adventure. Known for observing wild elephants and otters, it’s a great place for nature lovers, focusing on appreciating the beauty of nature rather than just tiger sightings.
