A new and exciting tourist zone has recently been inaugurated within the Ram Nagar Forest Division in Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, offering visitors the unique opportunity to encounter the diverse wildlife synonymous with the Corbett landscape, including tigers, leopards, and elephants. This addition, named the Kota tourist zone due to its location within the Kota range of the forest division, has been introduced to the public by Ramnagar's Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Diganth Nayak.
Strategically positioned adjacent to the existing Sitabani tourist zone, the Kota zone aims to enhance the wildlife viewing experience. The Kota tourist zone spans an impressive area of 26 km, with its entry and exit facilitated through the Bhandarpani Gate, ensuring a seamless visit for all.
Despite its official opening on March 22nd being a subdued event due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct, the zone has quickly risen in popularity among tourists. DFO Nayak reports a remarkable attendance of over 6,000 visitors since its inauguration, underscoring its immediate success and appeal.
A noteworthy feature of the new zone is the extensive use of the artificially created water bodies by the wild animals, indicating a positive impact on the local wildlife and their natural behaviors within this newly developed area. This initiative not only enriches the visitor experience but also contributes to the conservation efforts by providing vital resources for the forest's inhabitants.
Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is famous for its tiger population and attracts visitors from both India and abroad. Established in 1936, it is the oldest national park in India and is renowned for its population of Bengal tigers and diverse flora and fauna. The park has been divided into six major tourism zones, which are Bijrani Safari Zone, Jhirna Safari Zone, Dhela Safari Zone, Dhikala Zone, Durga Devi Zone, and Sitabani Buffer Zone. The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. With over 500 bird species residing within its boundaries, the park is a paradise for bird watchers. Two must-visit spots within the park are the Solluna Resort and Kalagarh Dam, renowned for their abundant birdlife.
Pakhro, the entry point for the Corbett Tiger Reserve, is about two hours from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehra Dun. It allows easy access to the Sonanadi zone. Jhirna, Dhela and Garjia are accessible from Ramnagar. Another option is Pantnagar (PGH) Airport which is around 76km away. The nearest railway station from Corbett is Ramnagar which is around 12 km from the park and the station is directly connected to the railway stations in Delhi. The journey to this scenic park from Delhi takes approximately six hours by car.