Jhirna zone
Jhirna is one of the most popular ecotourism zones in Corbett Tiger Reserve, known for being open throughout the year. Unlike other zones that close during the monsoon season, Jhirna remains accessible to tourists, making it a preferred destination for wildlife enthusiasts even during the rainy months. The zone is named after the Jhirna spring located within the area.
Jhirna zone was opened for tourism in 1994 and has since become a favorite among visitors for its consistent wildlife sightings. The entrance to Jhirna zone is through the Dhela Gate, which is located approximately 14 km from Ramnagar city. The zone features a mix of dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and grasslands, creating a unique habitat that supports a variety of wildlife. Jhirna is particularly famous for its sightings of sloth bears, leopards, and wild elephants.
Accommodation : Jhirna Forest Rest House
Jhirna offers comfortable accommodation options for visitors wishing to stay overnight. The Jhirna Forest Rest House (FRH) provides basic yet comfortable rooms with essential amenities. Additionally, there are private resorts and lodges located near the Dhela Gate that offer more luxurious stays with modern facilities.
Food & Other Services : Jhirna Zone
The Jhirna zone has limited food facilities inside the forest area. The Forest Rest House has a kitchen where visitors can cook their own meals or request a cook (subject to availability). Visitors are advised to carry essential food supplies. However, nearby resorts and hotels in Ramnagar provide excellent dining options.
Visitors can enjoy guided jeep safaris, nature walks, and bird watching sessions. The zone is also equipped with watchtowers that offer excellent views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife.
Night Stay
Jhirna FRH
Jhirna Forest Rest House is a charming accommodation located deep inside the Jhirna zone. The FRH is surrounded by dry deciduous forests and offers a tranquil environment for nature lovers. The building is well-maintained and provides basic amenities including comfortable beds, attached bathrooms, and a kitchen. Staying at Jhirna FRH gives visitors the opportunity to experience the jungle at its best, with sounds of wildlife echoing through the night.
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Jhirna FRH - Double Bed
Room Type: FRH - (Double Bed)
Location: Jhirna Zone
Entry Gate: Dhela Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 14 km
No. of Rooms: 4
Restaurant and Canteen: No (Kitchen available for self-cooking)
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Jhirna Dormitory
Room Type: Dormitory (Multi-bed)
Location: Jhirna Zone
Entry Gate: Dhela Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 14 km
No. of Beds: 8
Restaurant and Canteen: No
Private Resorts Near Jhirna
Several private resorts and eco-lodges are located near the Dhela Gate and along the Ramnagar-Kaladhungi road. These offer comfortable accommodations with modern amenities including swimming pools, restaurants serving multi-cuisine food, and guided safari services.
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Resort Accommodation near Dhela Gate
Room Type: Deluxe/Super Deluxe/Cottages
Location: Near Dhela Gate
Entry Gate: Dhela Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 10-15 km
No. of Rooms: Varies by resort
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes (Multi-cuisine)
Attractions
Jeep Safari
Jeep safari is the primary mode of exploring the Jhirna zone. The safari route takes you through dry deciduous forests, open grasslands, and along seasonal streams. Jhirna is known for frequent sightings of sloth bears, which are rarely seen in other zones. Visitors can also spot leopards, wild elephants, sambar deer, spotted deer, and wild boars. The zone remains open throughout the year, including monsoon, making it a reliable destination for safaris.
Sloth Bear Sightings
Jhirna zone is famous for its sloth bear population. These shy creatures are often seen foraging for termites and fruits during early morning and late evening hours. The dry deciduous forest of Jhirna provides an ideal habitat for sloth bears, and the chances of spotting them are higher here than in any other zone of Corbett.
Bird Watching
Jhirna zone is a haven for bird watchers with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area. Common sightings include various species of woodpeckers, barbets, orioles, kingfishers, eagles, vultures, and owls. The winter months (November to February) are particularly good for bird watching as migratory birds arrive in the region. The zone is also known for its population of red junglefowl and peafowl.
Dhela Gate and Interpretation Center
Dhela Gate serves as the entry point for Jhirna zone. Located near the gate is the Dhela Interpretation Center, which provides visitors with valuable information about the flora, fauna, and history of Corbett Tiger Reserve. The center features informative displays, maps, and exhibits that help visitors understand the ecosystem better.
Watchtowers
The Jhirna zone has strategically located watchtowers that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. These watchtowers are excellent spots for wildlife viewing, especially during early morning and late evening hours when animals come out to graze and drink water.
The zone is also known for its population of leopards, though sightings require patience and a bit of luck. Elephants are frequently seen in herds, especially during the summer when they come to the waterholes.
One of the unique features of Jhirna is that it remains open throughout the year, including the monsoon season (July to September), when other core zones remain closed. This makes Jhirna a reliable destination for wildlife enthusiasts even during the rainy months.
The zone is also home to several species of reptiles including monitor lizards, Indian pythons, and various snakes. The butterfly population is also remarkable, with many colorful species fluttering around during the post-monsoon season.
The chances of spotting a tiger in Jhirna are moderate but possible. The zone has a healthy tiger population, and sightings are reported regularly, especially near water sources during the dry season.
Open & Close Time
Open
The Jhirna zone remains open throughout the year, including during the monsoon season (July to September). Safari timings vary by season:
Summer (April to June): Morning 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM, Evening 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Winter (November to February): Morning 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM, Evening 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Monsoon (July to September): Timings vary based on weather conditions
Closed
Jhirna zone does not have an annual closed season like other core zones. However, safaris may be suspended on certain days due to extreme weather conditions, forest maintenance, or administrative reasons. Visitors are advised to check with the forest department before planning their trip.
How to Reach Jhirna
Jhirna zone is easily accessible from Ramnagar city. The main entry gate is the Dhela Gate, located approximately 14 km from Ramnagar city center on the Ramnagar-Kaladhungi road. The zone is well-connected by road, and taxis are readily available from Ramnagar railway station and bus stand. Please view the route map for detailed directions.
Jhirna Range Entry Timing & Safari Information
Entry to Jhirna zone is permitted through the Dhela Gate located on the Ramnagar-Kaladhungi road. Safari bookings can be made online through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website or through authorized travel agents. Entry timings are strictly enforced, and visitors must carry valid photo ID proof.
Safari Types Available:
- Morning Safari: 5:30 AM to 9:00 AM (Summer) / 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM (Winter)
- Evening Safari: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Summer) / 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Winter)
- Full Day Safari: Available on request (subject to availability)
Important Note: Jhirna zone is one of the few zones in Corbett Tiger Reserve that remains open throughout the year, including the monsoon season (July to September). This makes it an excellent choice for visitors traveling during the rainy months. However, weather conditions can be unpredictable, and visitors should check road conditions before traveling. During heavy rainfall, some forest roads may become muddy and difficult to navigate. It is advisable to book safaris and accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist season (October to June).