Phato Tourism Zone

The Phato Tourism Zone, added to Jim Corbett National Park in December 2021, is one of the newest and most pristine areas of the park. This zone offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural habitat, where animals roam freely among dense forests and grasslands. Phato remains relatively unexplored, providing a serene and offbeat experience for nature enthusiasts. The zone allows a maximum of 50 jeeps per safari slot, and entry is through the

Phato Gate

Location

Phato Gate is situated approximately 26 km from Ramnagar, opposite the Jhirna and Dhela zones. As the newest tourist area in Corbett, Phato has grown in popularity each year. Safari entries are strictly limited to 50 jeeps per slot to protect the natural habitat.

Attractions

Phato Zone is open year-round, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts at any time of the year. Visitors can expect to see a mix of common and endangered species, including Royal Bengal Tigers, Asian elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, hog deer, sambar, and wild boars. The area is also rich in reptile species like crocodiles, Indian pythons, cobras, gharials, and various lizards, alongside numerous bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers and photographers.

Flora & Fauna

The forests of Phato are predominantly Sal, interspersed with open grasslands known as chaurs. This diverse ecosystem provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting similar to other Corbett zones. The coexistence of large herbivores, predators, reptiles, and birdlife makes it a unique zone for both wildlife observation and eco-tourism.

Night Stay

For visitors seeking an immersive forest experience, Phato Zone offers overnight stays in government-built Tree Houses located deep within the forest. Staying overnight provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, with the chance to observe nocturnal wildlife. Permits for night stay are available at the Phato Gate, and online booking is expected to be introduced soon.

Phato Rest House Details

• Phato Rest House

  Room Type: Tree House, Mud Cottage
  Location: Phato
  No. of Rooms: Limited availability
  Restaurant & Canteen: Canteen available