Weather
Situated in Northern India, Jim Corbett National Park experiences extreme climate with three different seasons: summer, winter, and monsoon.
Summer Season in Corbett
Summer Temperature: 20°C to 40°C
Summer months onsets from March onwards, lasting till middle June. The temperature during the summers reaches 40 degrees and beyond on days. Days are scorching hot whereas evening can bring some respite with occasional thunderstorms and rains.
Monsoon Season in Corbett
Rainfall: 1400 mm - 2800 mm
Monsoon month commences from mid-June and, generally, closes during October after a drenching shower. Normally, the rains showers bring remittance from heat and dust. During these months, the park remains closed from June 16th to Nov 16th every year due to the risk of heavy floods and animal mating season. The dense jungle region and greenery make the whole area susceptible to humidity; this may rise as high as 98% during monsoon. Weather remains sultry and uncomfortable.
Winter Season in Corbett
Winter Temperature: 5°C to 30°C
Winters oncoming can be felt between October ends and mid-November. Temperature drops can be expected below 5 degrees in this season. Drop-in humidity by 50% soothes the monsoon sultry, and the days remain warm and sunny. Winter nights have low temperatures and are airy as cold mountain waves lower the temperature significantly.
Area: Corbett National Park-520.82 km2, Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary-301.18 km2, Reserve Forest-496.54 km2
Major wildlife Species: Nilgai, wild boar, sloth bear, tigers, elephants, civet, marten, otter, leopard, jungle cat, sambur, cheetal, hog deer, oral, hare, mongoose wild elephants, etc.
Best time to visit: Corbett can be accessed during every season except when the park is officially closed down for tourist. The visitors and tourists can choose their months to visit the park accordingly. Precisely, Corbett can be seen at its full swing during months of November to February and March to June. Summers are best to view larger animals, and winter brings in with itself large avifauna species. All photography buffs can pay a visit during April to June, just to come back with some of the best snaps. Although the park is closed during monsoon, the buffer zone remains open. A trip to the park during monsoons would leave you with a memorable travelogue!
Park Closed: June 15 to November 15
Month Max-Min
Nov to Feb 25°C - 30°C 4°C - 8°C
May to Jun 44°C - 46°C 19°C - 22°C
Rainfall: 1400mm - 2800mm
Word of Caution: Winter can be too cold at the park, so better stuff your luggage with lots of woolens and warm clothes.
Local Languages: Hindi, English, and Garhwali
Communication: All visitors must know, prior to their trip to Corbett National Park, that the park lacks any telecommunication facility: mobile, phone booths, etc. However, the park authorities can make use of their wireless equipment in case of an emergency.
Exit Restriction: Leaving the Tiger Reserve premises without obtaining a clearance certificate from the Forest Rest Houses is not permitted. However, if one leaves the premises, in case of an emergency, he/she will have to pay the entrance fee again to enter the park.
Clothing: Clothing is an essential part of visiting a wildlife sanctuary. Preferably, inconspicuous colors like green and khaki, which doesn’t scare away animals, should be used. Light cotton clothing in winters and heavy woolen clothing in summers are suggested.
Distances: From Delhi, 300 km; From Lucknow, 433 km; From Nainital, 100 km
Nearest Hospital: Ramnagar
Nearest Bank: Ramnagar (State Bank of India, Central Bank)
Nearest Petrol Pump: Ramnagar
Wildlife Forest Department Office: The Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Ramnagar-244715, Dist: Nainital, Tel: 05947-253977; Park Reception: Tel: 251489; Fax: 251376
We have zeroed on 10 activities which in our opinion is an absolute must if you happen to be in the Corbett National Park. Take your pick from the following:
