Jhirna Zone is one of the popular zones among the six ecotourism zones in the Corbett National Park. The Corbett National Park is divided into the six tourism zone among which Jhirna zone is added much later in 1994. In order to extend the Tiger reserve zone, the farming lands of the Jhirna village and other two villages were included in the reserve territory and the villages were relocated at some other place nearby. And then, the land was redeveloped and turned into an exotic lush forest. Due to being operational throughout the year for the wildlife safari in contrary of other zones which are closed during the monsoon season (except the Dhela zone), the Jhirna zone witnesses much footfalls all-round the year.
The Jhirna jeep safari zone is one of the most eye-catching spots inside the Jim Corbett National Park and is visited by tourists by the Corbett Safari booking facilities. It lies at a distance of 16 km from Ramnagar and tourists need to have a special permit issued by the national park authority prior to making an entry to the zone. The Jhirna jeep safari region is an exciting zone which gives tourists some of the fascinating views of nature and wildlife. However, for the tourists visiting this zone, it is mandatory to stay at the forest rest house and bookings shall be done, by the authorities concerned, prior to their accommodation.
There is only one forest lodge in Jhirna zone with 4 rooms which are available for tourists to stay at night. But one can book a maximum of 2 rooms at a time for a maximum of 3 nights at a stretch. All the rooms have a double bed in it with having the attached bathroom. However, rooms are spacious and bathrooms are clean, but you will get the very little facility in the room. So, if you are looking for the luxurious holiday then it is not for you. This forest guest house is an ideal accommodation for true wildlife enthusiasts who can stay in the jungle with a minimum of facilities. There is no electricity here except solar electricity for the limited use.
Being located in the core of the Jungle, the dining facility in Jhirna FRH is limited. It means there is a kitchen in the guest house with the cook but visitors have to bring the raw materials with them in order to get the cooked food. The cook of the forest lodge will cook the raw items provided by you and serve you the hot meal. You can only bring the raw vegetarian items to be cooked and wine is prohibited inside the forest lodge.
You can use the safari which you have booked at the entrance of the zone to reach at the FRH in order to explore the deep insides of the forest in the daytime. You can indulge in bird watching here as there are a large variety of birds found in this zone. The guest house has a large, clean open area as its compound where you can roam and relax quietly.
Though a day visit to Jhirna Zone is open throughout the year, depending on the weather conditions, but the night stay at forest rest house is allowed only from the 15th Nov to 15th June of every year. In the remaining days of the year, the night stay remains closed for the tourists.
The entry gate of this zone is Dhela Gate, which is around 20 km from Ramnagar, the nearest town of Corbett Park. You have to show the entry permit at the gate in order to get inside the park. So, if you want to stay at the Jhirna FRH, you need to book the room at the FRH, hire a jeep safari and a guide which is mandatory to enter in the park.
Can be done using the registered jeeps. Taking registered nature guides is mandatory on all wild excursions.
Around Jhirna we have a large chaurs (Grass land) known as the Laldhang Chaur. This is the favored area by the wild herbivores like elephants and deer.
The terrain consists of large open grasslands, popularly known as Chaur. Its topography is mainly dry deciduous type with secondary forest. There are numerous natural streams inside the area. The stream beds are warm and accessible for exploring. There are cliff edges along with the streams, which can prove to be a good spot for bird watching.
Morning Safari Entry - 07:00 am & Exit- 10:00 am
Evening Safari Entry - 02:00 pm & Exit- 05:30 pm
Morning Safari Entry - 06:00 am & Exit- 09:30 am
Evening Safari Entry - 03:00 pm & Exit- 06:30 pm
Entry Gate: Dhela Gate.
Distance from Ramnagar: 15 km.
Open and Closed Period: Open throughout the year (subject to road and weather condition).
Safari Offered: Day Jeep Safari.
Maximum Number of Safari Jeep: 30 Jeeps per Shift (2 Shift in a day).
Forest Rest House: Jhirna FRH).
Exploration Time: 03 hours 30 min.
