Ramnagar, 15 Oct: The Bijrani Zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) reopened this morning, formally signalling the beginning of the fresh tourism season for the park. Following the annual monsoon closure, the zone welcomed its first batch of tourists at 6 a.m. this morning and the visitors from across India and abroad arrived early to experience the jungle safari.
The reopening ceremony was conducted in traditional fashion, with CTR Deputy Director Rahul Mishra, SDO Amit Gwasakoti, Range Officer Naveen Pandey, forest personnel, and local MLA Diwan Singh Bisht jointly cutting the ribbon and flagging off the jeeps filled with tourists hoping to catch glimpse of various wild animals, tigers in particular.
It may be noted that the Bijrani Zone of the Corbett Tiger Reserve is customarily closed every year on 30 June, ahead of the monsoon, to ensure tourist safety due to the risk of rising river levels and damaged forest roads. The new season usually begins from 15 October, depending on the weather conditions.
This year too, multiple zones within Corbett Park are being readied to receive tourists from 15 October onwards. The Bijrani Zone has been the first to open and remains one of the most sought-after destinations within the reserve. Jungle safaris here operate in two shifts, in the morning and evening. Thirty jeeps are permitted to operate in each shift. On the very first day, all the sixty slots were fully booked, reflecting the high demand and excitement among visitors.
Renowned for its dense Sal forests, verdant landscapes, open grasslands, and rich biodiversity, the Bijrani Zone offers frequent sightings of tigers, elephants, deer, peacocks, parrots, and a wide variety of bird species.
Rahul Mishra, Deputy Director of CTR, stated that all necessary preparations have been completed by the park administration, keeping tourist convenience and safety in view. Safari routes have been repaired, jeep fitness checks conducted, and nature guides trained thoroughly. All the Gypsy drivers and guides have been instructed to strictly follow the prescribed rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. Mishra further stated that Dhikala, the most prominent zone of Corbett Park, will be opened from 15 November. Night stay facilities in various zones of the park will also be permitted from the same date, a facility that the tourists eagerly anticipate throughout the year. Entry fees for the safari have been fixed at Rs 4,200 per jeep, inclusive of guide charges and permit fees.
