Nainital. The world famous Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve has given a big gift to the tourists in this cold season. It is noteworthy that after about 6 years, permission has been given to restart elephant safari in Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve. As soon as the order was issued by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Dehradun, there was a wave of enthusiasm among the tourists from India and abroad coming to Corbett. Let us tell you that the restoration of elephant safari in Corbett, famous for its biodiversity, Royal Bengal Tiger and interesting jungle adventure safari, is being considered an important step for the tourism world. The State Wildlife Board had given the green signal to this project in June 2024, after which it was finally implemented after all the departmental processes were completed.
According to the order issued, elephant safari will resume in both the major zones of Dhikala and Bijrani. Two elephants will provide safari to tourists in Dhikala zone. Two special routes have been decided in Dhikala Zone, on which tourists will be able to have a close experience of the dense sal forest, Ramganga river, vast grassland and many wildlife. This zone has been a favorite of tourists in the past too and elephant safari will increase its attraction manifold.
This is how you will get tickets
A two-hour safari will be conducted with the help of an elephant in Bijrani zone. Here also two routes have been made on which tourists will be able to closely experience the beauty of the forest, wildlife activities and natural habitat. According to Dr. Saket Badola, Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve, tickets for the safari will be available at the reception center of the park and will be given on ‘first come, first served’ basis.
Foreign tourists will have to spend 3 times
For elephant safari, the ticket for Indian tourists has been fixed at ₹ 1000 per person, while the ticket for foreign tourists will be charged at ₹ 3000 per person. Maximum 5 people (including children) will be able to sit on one elephant. No fee will be charged from children below 5 years of age. Also, the duration of safari will be 2 hours. Dr. Badola said that efforts are being made to start the safari from the first week of December, so that the tourists coming during Christmas and New Year season can enjoy it.
Why was the elephant safari closed?
In the year 2018, the Uttarakhand High Court had banned the commercial use of elephants, due to which the elephant safari had to be closed. Since then, mahouts, local guides, tourism businessmen and wildlife lovers have been continuously demanding its restoration in a controlled and safe manner. He said that elephant safari increases awareness towards wildlife conservation. It also shows the tourists the true form of the natural forest without the sound of machinery. Now after getting the permission, there is an atmosphere of happiness in the local community.
These views will be more interesting
The view of the forest looks even more exciting from the height of the elephant. During safari, one gets the opportunity to see the activities of deer, wild elephant, gaur, various birds and sometimes even tiger-leopard. Ramganga shore and grassland of Dhikala are considered the main attractions of elephant safari. According to Corbett administration, this safari will be started soon with complete preparations.
