Sitabani - History, Timings & Entry Fee

Wildlife

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Jim Corbett National Park): 25 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 4-6 Hours

Transportation Options: Cab

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 25 km from Ramnagar, Sitabani buffer zone is very famous tourist spot of Corbett National Park nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas in Uttarakhand. This buffer zone is not part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. This is the only forest in Corbett where tourists can take a wild trek inside the forest.

Managed by Archaeological Survey of India, Sitabani is a famous zone for bird watching and has an ashram situated inside the jungle. In the peak tourist season in Corbett National Park, some of the wildlife move to Sitabani. The dense Sal forests of Sitabani Forest Reserve is home to varied wildlife like tigers, leopards, elephants, spotted deer, sambhar, wild boar etc. There are about 35 Royal Bengal tigers in this reserve. The park is also popular with several vibrant colored bird species.

Sitabani temple is situated inside the Sitabani Reserve and is dedicated to Goddess Sita. According to the legend, Sita, wife of Lord Rama spent few days of her exile in Sitabani. An ancient temple dedicated to Sage Valmiki is also situated in the reserve. Sitabani temple is visited by devotees in large numbers during the day of Ramnavami. There is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva nearby.

Sitabani is open throughout the year for Safari tour and there is no limit of vehicles entering the area. When tourists don't get permit into Corbett Tiger Reserve, they choose to visit Sitabani. Most of the tourists entering Sitabani zone are avid bird watchers. Sitabani forest department issues permit for this safari.

Safari Timings: 5.30 AM - 8.30 AM & 2.30 PM - 5.30 PM (Timings change depending on Season)

Jeep Safari Including Permits (Max 6 Persons) - Rs. 8000 per Jeep for Indians & Rs. 15000 for Foreigners

Note: Entry Fee & Safari Charges are subject to change by the management without any prior notice.