Sitabani Safari Zone
Sitabani Forest Zone in Corbett Park is called the landscape area which is best known for nature walks and visiting popular attractions in the area. Although Sitabani is a hardwood forest area and does not come under the Corbett Tiger Reserve, CTR rules and regulations do not apply in this zone. The Sitabani area has become a popular trekking spot due to its portrayal in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The epic says that Lord Rama’s wife – Goddess Sita spent several days of her exile in the jungle of Sitabani. The entire jungle is protected and under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The Sitabani Tourist Zone is open all year round for safari trips and gypsies are not restricted from entering the area. Corbett Tiger Reserve Authority does not offer any kind of permit to enter this zone. Instead, the Sitabani Forest Department gives permission for jeep safaris in the area. It also has a popular old temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shallow streams flow through Sitabani, offering a pleasant refuge to passing tourists.
Flora and fauna found in the Sitabani forest area:
The forest region of Sitabani is known for its rich diversity of flora. This landscape harbors more than 600 species of trees, shrubs, bamboos, herbs, grasses, orchids, creepers and wetland vegetation. Sal, Sheesham, Kanju, Dhak, Haldu, Peepal, Mango and Rohini trees are some of the important evergreen plants in Sitabani region.
Apart from all these, Sitabani Forest is a great natural habitat for a rich variety of fauna like Royal Bengal Tigers, Elephants, Sambharas, Barking Deer, Porcupines and King Cobra. Sitabani is a paradise for bird watchers.
Sitabani Safari Booking Procedure – Advance booking is recommended for Sitabani Safaris. However, Corbett Tiger Reserve Authority does not offer any permit to enter this zone. Instead, the Sitabani Forest Department gives permission for jeep safaris in the area.
The best thing about Sitabani forest area is that you don’t need permission from Corbett Tiger Reserve. You only need to pre-book a jeep which is mandatory for planning a safari in the Sitabani area. On behalf of the ordered jeep, we obtain an entry permit on the spot at the safari entrance gate.
During the monsoon season, almost all the main safari zones (except Dhela and Jhirna) are closed, but the Sitabani zone remains open throughout the year.
Forest Rest Houses of Sitabani Zone
Sitabani Forest Rest House is one of the historic forest rest house which was built in 1940. Sitabani FRH is located 27 kilometers from Ramnagar town on Powalgarh Road at an altitude of 515 m on a hill. You can also take the forest road from Bhandarpani to Sitabani. There is a lookout tower on the grounds of the FRH, ideal for bird watchers. The ancient temple of Sitabani, a national monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, is located near the FRH, which also has a sulfur spring. There are several caves in the forest around FRH.
Safari Timing Winter and Summer
Winter Timing: Morning: – 06:30am – 10:00am and Afternoon : 01:30pm – 5:00pm
Summer Timing: Morning: – 05:00am – 08:30am and Afternoon : 03:00pm – 6:30pm