Jim Corbett National Park, a must-visit in Winter is the best time to get some great sightings of the tiger. In the pleasant weather, tigers are more active and are visible. You will often see them strolling and chilling on the grass with their lioness and cubs. They also mark their territories with scents, scratches, and vocalisation. Tigers are also not constantly moving; they sleep 16-20 hours as they wish to save that energy for hunting. They like to nap in cool and shady spots, and at times, even under an open sky. They love water and tend to spend time swimming for pleasure. You will also see them licking their fur to keep their coat clean.
They are more active during dawn and dusk. Hunting is more common during the cooler hours of the day. Well, tigers are great stalkers; no joke, it’s a fact that they have higher chances of a successful hunt. Younger cubs play in little water springs and ponds for their growing and learning process. They also love socialising, not on social media but amongst their tribe. They connect with other tigers briefly and peacefully as they share the same habitat. Yes, male tiger dont go on any dating app, but they seek a mate amongst their social interactions. A gentle waving tail is a sign of being friendly, and it’s quite relaxing for them.
They have cute soft toe pads, but don’t go on the word soft its with these feet it makes them walk silently in their habitat. It can walk 6-12 miles during the night hunt. The stripy tiger skin helps them camouflage and blend with their surroundings. They stalk and ambush their prey.
Jim Corbett National Park is India’s first national park, which was established in the year 1936. It was first known as the Hailey National Park. Solely to protect tigers. Later, as years passed, it was renamed to Ramganga National Park.
The Ramganga River, which is also a vital tributary of the Ganges, flows through this beautiful National park, hence the name change. Later, to pay tribute to the famous hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett from Nainital, the name of the park was changed again in 1957, and it is now famously known as Jim Corbett National Park. He also wrote a book called Man-eaters of Kumaon. The launch of Project Tiger was introduced in the year 1973. It’s India’s first Tiger Reserve. It protects the Bengal tiger and the rich biodiversity. It’s Asia’s Oldest National Park.
There are 260 beautiful species of tigers at the National park. Its the highest number in India. The tiger population is quite healthy, as it shows the efforts put in by naturalists and conservationists for years now. It makes it a pioneer project. Each year, there has been a great growth in the number of tigers. The habitat is well protected from poaching.
Let's get to know more interesting facts before we take you there
The forest officials identify the tigers with unique methods. Thats like so cool that they know each one of them and how they can keep track of them. Pugmark analysis are don ebay a Mobile software M-stripes to record and identify unique tiger footprints. So, by this survey, they give each tiger a unique ID. The officials also capture photos, not selfies with a tiger. These pictures are used for scientific analysis to identify each tiger’s body. DNA is checked from their dung to make sure the cameras are positioned in the correct place for tracking them. Some tigers are also captured, marked, and released to keep a count, but that sounds like a great task. These techniques help in monitoring the population, their health, and territorial behaviours.
Tigers eat large prey; they feast on deer, sambar, chital, swamp deer, wild pigs, and boars, but they can also hunt some gaurs, monkeys, porcupines, and cattle from near villages. They also hit on some rodents and birds, but they like bigger animals. You will see them drink some fresh water from natural resources and, especially atthe Ramganga river, lakes, and streams.
Tigers claim their territory by spraying urine, scent, and leaving claw marks. This is usually called Tiger Talk, a fascinating form of communication. Tiger’s smile too thats called flehmen response, they do this to analyse scents with their special mouth organ. It’s also known as tiger’s WhatsApp. Earlier in Jim Corbett, the Champawat tigers were known as man-eating tigers, but now things have changed, and it’s very rare. They are strong swimmers.
When to visit Jim Corbett
Winters are the best time to sight these beauties. So visit the park from November to February. To see them quench their thirst, you shall see them during spring near water resources in March- April. Monsoon is also a great season for classic experiences, and summer is fine too. So basically, go anytime during the year.
Jim Corbett National park- a guide
Do's and Dont's at Jim Corbett National park
You will need permits in advance to visit the park. You will also need to hire official guides. You will have to dress accordingly, especially wear dull colours, carry litter bags and drive slowly. Don’t forget you’re not alone, but with a guide, so follow all instructions to stay safe and also refrain from disturbing the animal.
Don’t talk loudly or make unnecessary noise. Smoking is prohibited. Feeding the animals is a complete no-no. Refrain from getting out of your vehicles. Don’t use flashlights on the animals. Don’t travel off-road; stay on track. Readup the Wildlife Protection Act. Always carry your ID card. Don’t go in the dark hours. Firearms and pets are not allowed. Camping or cooking in the reserve is totally prohibited, especially Non-veg.
How to reach Jim Corbett National Park.
Pantnagar airport is just 86 km away, so reach here from Delhi. Hop into a taxi to Ramnagar. Other airports like Bareilly and Dehradun are also great. If you like to come by train, then reach Ramnagar station, which is just 12 kms from the park. If you wish to come on a roadtrip then there are good connections from several major cities across North India, like Nainital, Dehradun and Delhi. So next time you’re planning a trip to the North dont miss out visiting this National park and create some Tiger memories.
