Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Corbett National Park now have an exciting new option to explore the park’s rich biodiversity with the addition of the Garjia Safari Zone, also known as the Ringora Zone. Introduced in recent years to accommodate the growing influx of tourists, Garjia offers a fresh and less crowded safari experience, especially during peak seasons when other popular zones like Bijrani and Dhikala often run fully booked.
Overview of Garjia Zone
Garjia is a vibrant and scenic area within the park, featuring dense forests, lush greenery, and a diverse array of flora and fauna. This zone is quickly gaining popularity among visitors for its serene environment and excellent chances of spotting wildlife, particularly the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. Positioned just about 9 kilometers from Ramnagar city, the Garjia zone is conveniently accessible and provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
The zone is composed of three distinct areas: a buffer zone, a tourism zone, and a core zone, which are carefully managed to protect the natural habitat while offering a memorable safari experience.
Wildlife and Landscape
Garjia is renowned for its rich wildlife population and diverse ecosystems. The dense forests are home to a variety of animals including tigers, leopards, elephants, and several species of deer. Bird watchers also find this zone rewarding due to the presence of numerous resident and migratory birds.
The scenic landscape, combined with the relatively cooler and calm environment, makes Garjia an excellent alternative for those seeking a tranquil yet thrilling jungle adventure. The zone is also known for its peaceful ambience and pristine natural beauty, making every safari ride a unique and refreshing experience.
Safari Experience in Garjia
Jeep safaris in Garjia are conducted with a limited number of vehicles allowed per shift, ensuring minimal disturbance to the wildlife and a better chance for visitors to witness animals in their natural setting. Tourists can opt for either half-day or full-day safaris, with the possibility of spotting tigers and other wildlife along the way.
Two forest rest houses, Garjia and Malani, provide comfortable lodging options for visitors wishing to stay overnight inside or near the zone. Staying in these rest houses allows guests to enjoy the forest’s natural ambiance and potentially catch glimpses of wildlife even outside safari hours.
Safari Timings for Garjia Zone
| Period | Morning Safari Entry | Evening Safari Entry | Morning Last Entry | Morning Last Exit | Evening Last Entry | Evening Last Exit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Oct to 14 Nov | 6:30 AM | 2:00 PM | 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM | 3:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 15 Nov to 15 Feb | 6:30 AM | 1:30 PM | 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM | 3:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| 16 Feb to 15 April | 6:15 AM | 2:00 PM | 7:30 AM | 10:15 AM | 3:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 16 April onwards | 5:45 AM | 3:00 PM | 7:15 AM | 9:45 AM | 4:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
How To Reach Garjia Safari Zone?
The main entrance to Garjia Zone is the Garjia Gate, situated approximately 9 kilometers from Ramnagar city. Upon entering through the Aamdanda gate, visitors traverse about 5 kilometers of the buffer area before reaching the core forest area, where the safari experience begins. The easy accessibility and well-maintained roads make Garjia a convenient choice for tourists.
