Jim Corbett

About Jim Corbett — India’s Oldest National Park

Jim Corbett, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, is India’s oldest national park and the launchpad of Project Tiger (1973). Spread over 1,288 sq km of sal forest, riverine grasslands, hills and the Ramganga river, it’s home to 600+ Asiatic elephants, 200+ tigers, leopards, bears, gharial crocodiles, and 600+ bird species. Named after the legendary British hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett (who shot 33 man-eating tigers in the 1920s–40s before becoming a wildlife photographer), the park is divided into 5 zones — each with different vibes.

Best Time to Visit

• November – June — official safari season
• March – June — highest tiger sighting probability (animals come to waterholes)
• November – February — cool, pleasant; better for elephant herds and birding
• 15 June – 15 November — Dhikala/Bijrani zones closed (monsoon)
• Jhirna and Dhela zones stay open year-round (buffer area)

Safari Zones

Dhikala Zone (the legendary one)

The deepest, most pristine zone — only zone where you can stay overnight inside the park at the Forest Rest House (FRH Dhikala). Drive through 30 km of undulating sal forest to reach the open chaurs (grasslands) where tigers and elephants are routinely spotted.

• Dhikala FRH stay — tickets only via online lottery. Book 90+ days ahead
• Day visit only on canter (20-seater) — book at the gate
• Highest tiger sightings in the park

Bijrani Zone

Most popular zone for jeep safaris — accessed from Ramnagar. Beautiful sal forests, the Bijrani Forest Rest House, decent tiger sightings. Open Oct 15 – June 30.

Jhirna Zone

Open year-round. Mix of meadows and forest — best for sloth bear sightings. Less competition for tigers.

Dhela Zone

The newest zone (opened 2014) — open year-round. Quiet, less-visited, decent tiger and elephant sightings.

Durga Devi Zone

Hilly, rugged zone — the stronghold of the elusive mahaseer fish in the Ramganga river. Great for forest atmosphere; lower tiger probability.

Sitabani Buffer Area

Outside the main park — no permit needed. Good for early-morning bird-watching and forest walks. Sitabani Temple inside.

Top Attractions Beyond Safaris

Corbett Waterfall

4 km outside Kaladhungi gate — lovely 60-ft waterfall in monsoon. Walking trail through the forest.

Corbett Museum (Kaladhungi)

Jim Corbett’s bungalow at Kaladhungi (now a museum). Photos, hunting rifles, manuscripts, the famous “Kaladhungi to Naini Tal” route map.

Garjia Devi Temple

Hindu temple perched on a giant rock in the middle of the Kosi river. Pilgrims visit during Kartik Purnima.

Sitabani Wildlife Reserve

Protected forest area with the ancient Sita Mata Temple (where, mythology says, Sita disappeared into the earth). Excellent forest walks.

Things to Do

• Tiger jeep safari (jeeps allowed in Dhikala day, Bijrani, Dhela, Jhirna, Durga Devi)
• Canter safari in Dhikala (20-seater, only option for day visits)
• Stay at Dhikala Forest Rest House (book 90 days ahead — magical)
• Elephant safari (in approved zones)
• Birdwatching at Sitabani & Kosi river
• Mahaseer fishing (catch & release, with permit)
• Visit Corbett Museum at Kaladhungi
• Day trip to Garjia Devi Temple
• Stay at a luxury jungle resort (Aamghati, Taj, Vanghat, Diya, Vana Tola, Solluna)
• Photography workshop with a wildlife photographer

Safari Booking

• Online via official portal: Uttarakhand Forest Department
• Book 60–90 days ahead for Dhikala, Bijrani; less needed for Jhirna/Dhela
• Two safaris per day — morning (sunrise) and afternoon
• Each safari: 3–4 hrs
• Cost: jeep ₹3,500–5,500 (6 seats); canter ₹2,000–3,000 per seat
• Foreigners pay ~3x Indian fees (separate slot system)

Local Food

• Most travellers eat at their resort — buffet options of multi-cuisine
• Pahadi cuisine — Kafuli, Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke (at quality resorts)
• Mahaseer fish — at riverside resorts (sustainable catch, in season)
• Best resorts for food: Aamghati, Taj Corbett, Vanghat (organic farm-to-table)
• Limited dining options outside resorts; Ramnagar town has basic dhabas

How to Reach

By Air

Closest airport: Pantnagar (PGH) — 80 km / 2 hr. Most fly to Delhi (DEL) 260 km / 6 hr drive.

By Rail

Closest station: Ramnagar (RMR) — 12 km from main gate. Direct overnight trains from Delhi (Corbett Park Link Express, Ranikhet Express).

By Road

Delhi 260 km (6 hr by NH9), Nainital 65 km (2 hr), Pantnagar 80 km (2 hr), Haridwar 220 km (5 hr). The Delhi–Corbett drive via Hapur/Moradabad is well-paved. See our fleet.

Travel Tips

• 2 nights minimum — to fit 3+ safaris (improving sighting odds)
• Wear forest colours — khaki, olive, brown. NO bright/white
• Layer up — early-morning safaris are cold even in summer
• Carry binoculars and a 200mm+ zoom lens
• Mosquito repellent essential
• Don’t pressure the guide if no tigers — chasing is illegal and stressful for the animals
• Stay close to the entry gate (Ramnagar / Kaladhungi) — far resorts add 30+ min to safari pickup
• Combine with Nainital + Mukteshwar for a Kumaon circuit
• Book Dhikala via the Uttarakhand portal lottery — sells out within minutes

Want to spot a wild tiger? Use the booking card or message Prithvi on WhatsApp — we’ll book your Dhikala FRH stay (when available), 3+ jeep safaris, and combine Corbett with Nainital for a 5-day Kumaon escape.