By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 Dec: The winter tourist season has brought welcome news for visitors to the Corbett Tiger Reserve with the formal resumption of elephant safaris after a gap of nearly six years. Acting on directions issued by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Dehradun, the park administration has formally restarted the traditional safari service. This move is expected to significantly enhance the appeal of Corbett among domestic and international tourists. It may also be reminded here that elephant safari rides had already resumed after a gap of several years in Rajaji National Park on 24 November.
Renowned worldwide for its rich biodiversity, Royal Bengal Tigers and immersive jungle safaris, Corbett Tiger Reserve is likely to witness renewed enthusiasm among visitors following the return of elephant safaris, according to the wildlife enthusiasts. It may be reminded that the proposal for resumption of elephant ride safaris had been approved by the State Wildlife Board in its meeting held in June 2024, and the service has now commenced after completion of all departmental procedures.
In Corbett Tiger Reserve, elephant safaris have been introduced in two prominent zones of the reserve, Dhikala and Bijrani, and in both the zones, both the morning and evening shifts have been made operational. In the Dhikala zone, two elephants have been deployed on two designated routes, offering tourists close views of the Ramganga River, dense forests, expansive grasslands and a variety of wildlife. The Bijrani zone is operating one elephant on two routes, with each safari lasting two hours and providing an intimate experience of the forest and its natural habitats.
Park Warden Binder Pal Singh confirmed that tickets will be issued from the park reception centre on a first-come, first-served basis, with the fee fixed at Rs 1,000 per person for Indian tourists and Rs 3,000 for foreign visitors. Up to five persons, including children, are permitted on each elephant, while children below five years of age are exempted from the fee.
It may be recalled that elephant safaris had been suspended in Corbett as well as in Rajaji in 2018 following an Uttarakhand High Court order banning the commercial use of elephants under relevant animal welfare and wildlife protection laws. At the same time, many environmentalists and wildlife activists have expressed their disappointment over the resumption of elephant safaris.
