Bijrani Zone of Corbett National Park: A Day with the Tiger

The alarm goes off at 4 am for Adventure in Bijrani Zone , and as I rub the sleep from my eyes, the darkness outside is still palpable. A crisp breeze rustles the leaves, and the nearby River Kosi river in Ramnagar  seems to awaken with a gentle murmur. I gaze at the moonlit mountains, their peaks almost touching the star-studded sky.

While some of my fellow travelers indulge in stargazing and night photography, I find myself entranced by the profound silence enveloping us.

Bijrani Zone Entry Gate

The Aamdanda gate serves as the entrance to Bijrani zone, just 1 km away from Ramnagar city. After entering, there’s a 5 km buffer zone before reaching the core area. Two forest rest houses, Bijrani and Malani, offer accommodation for overnight stays with prior booking.  It is supposed to be  the Jim Corbett Jungle Safari best zone among adventure travelers.

Corbett National Park

Suddenly, the summons arrive on our mobile phones, and we hastily make our way to embark on Adventure in Bijrani Zone with the tiger in the heart of Corbett’s forests. It’s our second attempt to encounter this majestic creature, following a full day spent exploring the wilderness.

It is a great moment as the Bijrani Zone of Jim Corbett National Park is about to reopen after the monsoon season, while the other gates remain closed.

Jeep Safari in Bijrani Zone

As we board our jeeps, anticipation hangs thick in the air. Dawn breaks as we venture into the forest of Bijrani Zone , sunlight filtering through the dense canopy of Sal trees.

Our group’s naturalist, Om Das , keeps us engaged, pointing out the diverse array of wildlife that inhabits Corbett. With over 600 bird species recorded in the park, every moment is filled with the possibility of spotting something extraordinary.

We catch sight of a mongoose darting across the path, while others in our group are fortunate enough to glimpse the elusive yellow-throated marten, along with langurs and deer.

Yet, despite our best efforts, the tiger remains elusive, perhaps having sensed our presence and moved on. Disappointment flickers among the tiger enthusiasts in our group, but Om Das reassures us, describing the tiger as a “large-hearted gentleman” who may grace us with his presence another day.

Conclusion

As we head back, the birdwatchers among us are content with their sightings, but for those yearning for a glimpse of the tiger, there’s a lingering hope that one day, amidst the forests of Bijrani Zone in Corbett National Park, our paths will cross with that of this magnificent creature. Until then, the allure of the wild beckons, promising countless adventures yet to unfold.