Uttarakhand has the amazing Jim Corbett National Park, with a beautiful Phato Zone that goes beyond the usual idea of beauty. This destination offers a unique and captivating experience for those who want a break from the ordinary life and a connection with the natural world.
Going on a trip to enjoy nature is a special and enriching experience. In today’s world, where travel options are increasing and new beautiful places are being discovered every day, it’s important to choose destinations away from busy cities. People want to explore and enjoy nature, and now, even experiences that used to be expensive are more affordable.
Instead of dealing with the complications of buying air tickets and making travel plans, travelers can use their money for the experiences they’ll have at their chosen destinations like Jim Corbett National Park.
Entry Gate of Phato Zone
The Phato Zone in the Terai West Forest Division officially started in January 2022, making it a significant addition to the ecotourism options in Jim Corbett National Park. Before this, there were seven gates allowing visitors to go on day safaris in the park. Now, a new gate has been opened specifically for Jungle Safaris in the Phato Tourism Zone, giving more choices to tourists. The Forest Department managed the opening of this gate.
The Phato Zone in Jim Corbett is now the eighth tourism zone operating from Ramnagar. This new gate not only grants access to Corbett Park and Sitabani Tiger Reserve but also offers an extra opportunity for Jungle Safaris.
The entry gate of this zone located in Mohan Nagar Gujar Jhala of Maldhan, just 24 kilometers from Ramnagar. Tourists can enjoy exciting safaris within an 18-kilometer stretch of the forest from this entrance. The Photo Gate allows 100 jeeps every day, with 50 jeeps allowed in the morning and another 50 in the afternoon. The zone includes new features like pathways, a fresh range, unique treehouses, scenic viewpoints, and encounters with elephants.
Initially, Phato Gate is exclusively open for Jungle Safaris, providing day safaris for visitors. However, there are plans for future developments, focusing on offering a distinctive night stay experience. Tourists will have the chance to stay in tree houses, and currently, five such structures have already been completed.
Safari Timings and Price
The timings for safaris in this Zone can also be divided into two parts: morning and evening. Each day, 100 Jeeps are allowed to enter the zone, and the timings may vary based on the season, i.e., winter and summer.
| Winter timings | ||
| Safari Types | Entry Time | Exit Time |
| Morning Safari | 07:00AM | 10:00AM |
| Evening Safari | 02:00PM | 05:30PM |
| Summer timings | ||
| Safari Types | Entry Time | Exit Time |
| Morning Safari | 06:00AM | 09:30AM |
| Evening Safari | 03:00PM | 06:30PM |
As far as the cost of Jeep Safari in the Phato Zone is concerned, it can range from ₹5500 to ₹6500. If you are interested in knowing the individual cost, you can divide the given cost by 6. Since these rates are per jeep, and a jeep can accommodate 6 adults and 2 children, the individual cost would range from ₹900 to ₹1100.
Quick Facts about Phato Zone
- Zone Entry Gate: Phato Gate
- Safari Zone Name : Phato Ecotourism Zone
- Operational Period : Throughout the year
- Night Stay: Allowed from 15th Nov to 15th June.
- Safari Timings : Morning and Evening
- Maxium Number of Jeep Allowed: 50 in Morning and 50 in Evening
Nearby Attractions
As the Phato Zone entry gate is 23 KM away from Ramnagar, the nearby attractions would be the same as those for Dhikala Zone, Bijrani Zone, Dhela Zone, and Durga Devi Zone. These attractions are listed below.
Garjiya Devi Temple (36 KM): The Garjiya Devi Temple is located 36 kilometers away. It’s a special place known for its importance in spirituality and its rich mythological significance.
Kosi River (26 KM): The calm Kosi River is found 26 kilometers from the Phato Zone entry gate. It’s a peaceful spot with lovely views, perfect for a relaxing time.
Dhangarhi Museum (40 KM): Explore the Corbett’s history by visiting the Dhangarhi Museum, which is 40 kilometers away. This museum keeps and displays things from the past, helping us understands the Corbett’s heritage.
Shri Hanuman Dham (29 KM): Shri Hanuman Dham is 29 kilometers away and is a special place for people who follow Lord Hanuman. Many people visit this temple for its spiritual atmosphere.
Sitabani Temple (46 KM): Sitabani Temple is 46 kilometers away from the entry gate. This temple has a lot of stories from history and mythology. It’s surrounded by nature, providing a peaceful space for thinking and praying.
How to reach Phato Zone :
Latitude – 29.3339° N, Longitude – 78.9769° E
The entry gate of this zone, called Phato Gate, is just 23 KM away from Ramnagar. Hence, you first need to reach the city of Corbett, Ramnagar, which is well-connected by rail and bus transportation. The nearest airport is Pant Nagar Airport, approximately 105 km from the entry gate of Phato.
Phato Zone : An Unforgettable Mix of Wildlife and Wilderness
In February 2024, we had the pleasure of visiting the Phato Zone in Jim Corbett National Park, and I must say, it was an experience that will stay with us forever. Nestled in a dense and lush forest, Phato offers a different vibe compared to other zones quieter, deeper, and raw in its natural charm.
We were incredibly lucky to spot a tiger not once, but twice during our stay! It was a surreal moment watching the majestic cat move through the trees. But the excitement didn’t stop there we also saw two herds of elephants, a massive male tusker, and even a bear with two cubs. The wildlife sightings were beyond our expectations and absolutely breathtaking.
We stayed for one night at the Phato Forest Rest House (FRH), and the experience was peaceful and close to nature. A big shoutout to Mr. Sachin at the canteen, who made sure we had delicious, home-style meals his warmth and hospitality added a special touch to our visit.
Our guide, Mohan Joshi, deserves a special mention. He was not only extremely knowledgeable, but also friendly, patient, and truly passionate about the forest and its wildlife. His insights and sharp spotting skills turned our safari into a deeply enriching experience.
That said, Phato’s forest is extremely dense, which makes wildlife spotting more challenging compared to open grasslands. This isn’t a bad thing in fact, the thick jungle adds to the mystery and authenticity of the safari. However, a good guide and experienced driver make all the difference in such terrain.
Unfortunately, not everyone gets that. Some visitors have reported being accompanied by college students posing as guides, who were uninformed and disengaged. This is something the management seriously needs to fix wildlife tourism deserves professional guidance, not just a seat warmer in the front.
Final Thoughts:
Phato Zone is a hidden gem with rich wildlife and deep jungle trails. If you’re lucky with your guide and driver, it can be one of the most thrilling safari experiences in Corbett. But if you’re not, it can feel underwhelming so choose your safari operator wisely and always ask for an experienced guide.
Highly recommended for nature lovers, bird watchers, and serious wildlife enthusiasts just come prepared for the unpredictable beauty of the wild.
