Jhirna Zone

Jhirna Forest Zone in Jim Corbett National Park

Jhirna is located on the southern periphery of Corbett Tiger Reserve. The animal population also comprises sloth bear and wild elephants which provide great sights for the wild life enthusiasts. Jhirna zone is open throughout the year. The Jhirna jeep safari zone is one of the most eye-catching spots inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Day visit to Jhirna Zone is through Dhela Gate which is 20 Kms from Ramnagar. Its main topography mainly constitutes deciduous and secondary forest interspersed with plush open grasslands that offer amazingly good visibility of wild animals.
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.

Jhirna Forest Rest House

Jhirna zone is one of the six tourism zones of the most illustrious tiger reserve of India, Jim Corbett Reserve Park. Located on the southern edge of the Corbett reserve forest, the Jhirna zone is the home to a large variety of flora and fauna. Many years ago, this place was a village which later relocated to somewhere else and the land had been incorporated into the reserve park. The land then developed into the densely grown forest and large grassland which is home to animals like nilgai, sambhar, cheetal and wild boar. These animals attract tigers to this area which makes this zone a favorite among tourists due to higher chances of seeing a tiger.
The large population of wild elephants and sloth bear also attracts wildlife enthusiasts in this zone. Along with wild animals, this zone has the amazing landscape with large grassland known as Chaur. The Chaur is usually a favorable place for herbivore like elephants and deer, which further invites predatory carnivores like a tiger. The zone has many river channels with warm stream beds and cliff edges make it an ideal spot for birding. There are various types of birds found in this place due to which it is the best zone for bird watchers. The best thing about the Jhirna zone is that it remains open all round the year for day safari if the weather is favorable.

Accommodation in Jhirna Forest Guest House

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.

Dining Facility in Jhirna Forest Guest House

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.

Activities at Jhirna 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.

How and When to Visit Jhirna FRH

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.

Attractions

Jungle Safari

Can be done using the registered jeeps. Taking registered nature guides is mandatory on all wild excursions.

Chaurs (Grass Lands)

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.

FLora & Fauna

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.

Day Canter Safari Timings

Winter Safaris Timings-

• Morning Safari Entry- 07:00 am & Exit- 10:00 am
• Evening Safari Entry- 02:00 pm & Exit- 05:30 pm

Summer Safaris Timings-

• Morning Safari Entry- 06:00 am & Exit- 09:30 am
• Evening Safari Entry- 03:00 pm & Exit- 06:30 pm

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