Sitabani forest zone of Corbett Park is called landscape area which is best known for nature walks and visiting popular attractions around. Though Sitabani is hard forest area and not under the Corbett Tiger Reserve therefore the rules and regulations of CTR is not applied in this zone. Sitabani area has become favourite spot for tourists walking because of its elaboration in the Hindu Epic Ramayana. The epic says that wife of Lord Rama – goddess Sita spent some days of her exile in Sitabani jungle. The entire jungle is protected and supervised by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Sitabani tourism zone is open all round the year for safari tours and there is no limit of gypsies entering in the area. Corbett Tiger Reserve Authority does not offer any kind of permit for the entry in to this zone. Instead, Sitabani Forest Department gives the permission for jeep safari in this region. It has also a popular old temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are shallow streamlets flowing through the Sitabani, which offer enjoyable retreats to the tourists passing by.

Flora and Fauna Found in Sitabani Forest Area :

Sitabani forest area is known for its varied variety of flora. This landscape shelters more than 600 species of trees, shrubs, bamboos, herbs grasses, orchids, woody climbers and wetland vegetation. Sal, Sheesham, Kanju, Dhak, Haldu, Peepal, mangoes and Rohini trees are some of the important evergreen flora of the Sitabani area.

Apart from all these Sitabani forest is great natural habitat for rich variety of fauna such as royal Bengal tigers, elephants, Sambhars, barking deers, porcupines and King Cobra. Sitabani is heaven for bird watchers.

Best time to visit Sitabani area : Though Sitabani zone can be visited throughout the year but the best time to visit throughout the year.

Procedure to book safari for Sitabani area – Advance booking is suggested for taking safari rides is Sitabani area. Though, Corbett Tiger Reserve Authority does not offer any kind of permit for the entry in to this zone. Instead, Sitabani Forest Department gives the permission for jeep safari in this region.

The best part about Sitabani forest area is you don’t need to get permit from Corbett Tiger Reserve. Only you need to book jeep in advance which is mandatory for planning safari tour in Sitabani area. On behalf of booked jeep we obtain entry permit on the spot at the safari entry gate.

During monsoon season almost all prime safari zones (except Dhela & Jhirna) are closed but Sitabani Zone remains open round the year.

Forest Rest Houses of Sitabani Zone

Sitabani Forest Rest House is one of the historical forest rest houses which was built in the year of 1940. Sitabani FRH is located 27 kilometres from Ramnagar city on the Powalgarh Road at an elevation of 515 m perched on a hilltop. You can also take the forest road from Bhandarpani to Sitabani. There is a watchtower in the FRH compound, ideal for bird watchers. The ancient Sitabani Temple, a national monument under the Archeological Survey of India, is close to the FRH which also has a sulfur spring. There are several caves in the forest around the FRH.