About the new tourist zone in Ram Nagar Forest Division

A new and exciting tourism zone has recently been inaugurated within the Ram Nagar Forest Division in the 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, called 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.

The Kota zone is strategically positioned adjacent to the existing Sitabani tourist zone and aims to enhance the wildlife viewing experience. The Kota tourist zone covers an impressive area of ​​26 km, with entry and exit facilitated by the Bhandarpani Gate, ensuring a seamless visit for all.

Although the official opening on March 22 was 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 notable feature of the new zone is the extensive use of the artificially created water bodies by the wildlife, indicating a positive impact on the local wildlife and their natural behavior in this newly developed area. This initiative not only enriches the visitor experience, but also contributes to conservation efforts by providing essential resources to the forest’s residents.

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is known for its tiger population and attracts visitors from both India and abroad. It was established in 1936 and is the oldest national park in India. It is known for its population of Bengal tigers and diverse flora and fauna. The park is divided into six major tourist zones namely Bijrani Safari Zone, Jhirna Safari Zone, Dhela Safari Zone, Dhikala Zone, Durga Devi Zone and Sitabani Buffer Zone. The park is a paradise for bird watchers. With more than 500 bird species living within its boundaries, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Two must-visit spots in the park are the Solluna Resort and the Kalagarh Dam, known for their abundant bird life.

Pakhro, the entry point for the Corbett Tiger Reserve, is about a two-hour drive from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehra Dun. It provides easy access to Sonanadi zone. Jhirna, Dhela and Garjia can be reached from Ramnagar. Another option is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is about 76 km away. The nearest railway station from Corbett is Ramnagar, which is about 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 about six hours by car.