Asia's First National Park
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Established 1936 · Asia's First National Park

Jim Corbett National Park

India's first and most iconic wildlife destination, at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas in Uttarakhand.

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Overview

Jim Corbett National Park — India's First and Most Iconic Wildlife Destination

Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most famous and beloved wildlife destinations in India. Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, this legendary park sits at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty that takes your breath away the moment you arrive.

The park is home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and hundreds of other wild species that make every single safari here a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you spot a tiger crossing the forest trail or watch a herd of elephants bathing in the river, every moment inside Jim Corbett stays with you for life.

Spread across a total reserve area of approximately 1318 sq km including a core area of 520 sq km and a buffer zone of 798 sq km, Jim Corbett National Park is a stunning mix of forested hills, riverine belts, open grasslands, marshy depressions, and the beautiful Ramganga Reservoir. The park sits at an altitude ranging from 1300 to 4000 feet, giving it the unique and rich ecological characteristics of the sub-Himalayan zone.

Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a nature photographer, a family traveller, or someone who simply wants to escape the noise of city life and reconnect with nature, Jim Corbett National Park offers an experience that is deeply rewarding and completely unforgettable. It is not just a park — it is a living, breathing forest where nature thrives in its most raw and beautiful form.

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Quick Facts

Everything you need to know about Jim Corbett National Park at a glance.

Location
Nainital District, Uttarakhand, North India
Total Area
Approximately 1,318.54 sq km
Core Area
520 sq km Core Zone
798 sq km Buffer Zone
Established
1936 (India's First National Park)
UNESCO
Part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves
Project Tiger
First National Park to launch Project Tiger in 1973
Wildlife
50 Mammal Species
580 Bird Species
25 Reptile Species
617 Plant Species
Nearest City
Ramnagar (Approx. 3.5 km)
A Living Legacy

History of Jim Corbett National Park

The story of Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most inspiring conservation stories in the world. It begins not in a government office but in the forests of the Kumaon hills, where a remarkable man named Edward James Corbett spent his life protecting both people and wildlife.

1860s

The Early Days — 1860s

The history of this land goes back even further than most people know. In the late 1860s, a tribe called the Buksas from the Terai region settled here and began farming the land. However, they were evicted following the arrival of British colonial rule in India. A British officer named Major Ramsay managed this area and was among the first people to take steps to protect its forests and wildlife. He banned agricultural practices and prohibited the establishment of cattle stations to protect the natural habitat. Then in 1879, the forests of this area were officially constituted into a reserve forest, with only restricted tree felling permitted. This was one of the first major efforts to protect and preserve this beautiful natural area.

1900s

Proposals and Boundaries

TFrom the early 1900s onwards, the idea of creating a formal national park here began to take shape. British conservationists E R Stevens and E A Smythies strongly proposed the creation of a national park in this region. In 1907, the British colonial administration seriously considered this proposal and began exploring the idea of establishing a game reserve. Over the following decades, detailed mapping and boundary setting of the proposed park area took place, slowly paving the way for what was to come.

1936

Asia's First National Park Is Born

On August 8, 1936, the park was officially established across an area of 323.75 sq km through a special Act of legislation. This was a truly historic moment because it made this forest not only India's first national park but also the first national park in all of mainland Asia. The park was named Hailey National Park in honor of Sir Malcolm Hailey, the then Governor General of the United Provinces. From the very beginning, hunting inside the park was strictly prohibited. However, timber cutting for domestic purposes was still permitted at this time

World War II

A Dark Period for the Park

During the Second World War, the park suffered greatly from excessive poaching and illegal timber cutting. The chaos and urgent resource needs of the war years made it extremely difficult to enforce conservation rules, and the forest and its wildlife paid a heavy price during this difficult period

1954-55

Renamed Ramganga National Park

In 1954-55, the park was renamed Ramganga National Park after the beautiful Ramganga River that flows through its heart. This was the first of two significant name changes that the park would go through in quick succession.

1956

Renamed Jim Corbett National Park

In 1956, following the passing of the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, the park was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in his eternal honor. The park area was also expanded to 520.82 sq km at this time. This name has stayed ever since and today Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most recognized and celebrated wildlife park names in the entire world.

The Legend Behind the Name

Who Was Jim Corbett?

Jim Corbett was born in 1875 in Nainital, Uttarakhand, and he spent most of his life, mostly, in the jungles of Kumaon. He was a British hunter, a tracker, a naturalist, and also a well known author, though people sometimes forget the whole mix of roles. He got noticed mainly for going after man-eating tigers and leopards that had been tormenting local villages across the area, and in doing so he saved hundreds of lives. But the part that really makes him sort of legendary is that later he shifted his focus into wildlife conservation, with serious passion, for his era. He even helped nudge the British authorities to set up this national park, and to safeguard the wild life of the Kumaon hills, for generations ahead.

Choose Your Adventure

Types of Safari in Jim Corbett

Choose your mode of adventure for exploring the Corbett wilderness.

Jeep Safari Open Gypsy

Jeep Safari

The Jeep Safari or Gypsy Safari is the most popular and widely preferred way to explore Jim Corbett National Park. An open top jeep carrying a maximum of 6 adults and 2 children along with a mandatory nature guide and driver takes you deep into the forest zones.

The open design gives you pretty good visibility , and also the chance to watch and photograph wildlife right up close, like for real. Jeep safaris are on offer across the Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durga Devi, Garjia, Phato and Sitabani zones.

Canter Safari 16 Seater

Canter Safari

The Canter Safari is a larger vehicle safari that is available exclusively in the Dhikala Zone. A canter can carry more passengers making it a good option for larger groups.

The Canter Safari takes you through the vast grasslands and forest interiors of the Dhikala Zone, which is the most tiger-rich area of the entire park.

Elephant Safari

Elephant Safari

Jim Corbett National Park is pretty much also famous for its elephant safari, especially during the early morning hours around the Dhikala Zone. With an elephant safari you glide pretty much silently through the tall grass and dense forest, and it gives a sort of close knit, very unique wildlife encounter.

This setup is quite helpful for spotting tigers that are resting in the open grassland pockets, since jeeps can’t really go there.

11 Safari Zones

Explore Safari Zones of Jim Corbett National Park

Each zone offers a unique landscape, wildlife experience, and safari atmosphere. Understanding each zone before you book will help you choose the one that best matches what you are looking for.

Dhikala Zone

Dhikala Zone

Heart of Corbett

  • Gate: Dhangarhi

Dhikala Zone — Best for Tiger Sightings

Dhikala is the largest, most famous, and most exciting safari zone in Jim Corbett National Park. Located deep in the core of the forest, it is considered the heartbeat of the entire park. The zone is known for its vast open grasslands called chaurs, the beautiful Ramganga Reservoir, and an extraordinary density of tigers and elephants.

Dhikala is the only zone in Corbett where a Canter Safari is allowed, making it accessible for bigger groups. To get inside the Dhikala Zone, visitors need to have their prior accommodation already booked at the Dhikala Forest Rest House, making it a more exclusive, deeply immersive experience. There is an iconic watch tower near the Dhikala Forest Rest House and the gharial point along the river — honestly these are among the most memorable places across the whole park.

Best For: Tiger sightings, elephant herds, scenic grasslands, overnight forest stay Safari: Elephant Safari and Canter Safari Season: October to June
Bijrani Zone

Bijrani Zone

Perfect for First-Time Visitors

  • Gate: Amdanda

Bijrani Zone — Most Popular for Day Safaris

Bijrani Zone is the second most visited zone in Jim Corbett National Park and is really quite popular with day safari visitors coming from across India. It is close to the Bijrani Gate so you get a nice mix — dense sal forests, open grasslands, and several water streams too, which bring in a lot of wildlife all through the day.

People keep reporting multiple tiger sightings here, making it one of the most thrilling zones for wildlife fans and photographers who are looking for those sharp moments. The scenery stays visually beautiful across the whole year as every season changes the vibe a little. If someone wants to stay near the forest, the Bijrani Forest Rest House and Malani FRH are the go-to accommodation choices.

Best For: Tiger and leopard sightings, dense forest safari, wildlife photography Safari: Jeep Safari only Season: October to June
Jhirna Zone

Jhirna Zone

Open Throughout the Year

  • Gate: Dhela

Jhirna Zone — Open All Year Round

Jhirna Zone is located towards the southern edge of Jim Corbett National Park and holds the very important distinction of being the only zone that remains open throughout the entire year, including the monsoon season from July to September. Added to the tourist circuit in 1994, Jhirna is an excellent zone for spotting sloth bears, leopards, elephants, sambar deer, and a wide variety of bird species.

The zone has its own distinct and beautiful landscape with dry river beds, open scrub forest, and rocky terrain that gives it a completely different character from the other zones of Corbett.

Best For: Year-round safaris, sloth bear and leopard sightings, birdwatching Safari: Jeep Safari Season: Open throughout the year
Dhela Zone

Dhela Zone

Eco-Tourism Zone

  • Gate: Dhela

Dhela Zone — Newest and Less Crowded

Dhela is one of the newest tourism zones in Jim Corbett National Park, and it sits in the buffer region of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Since it has been opened only recently for visitors, animal sightings here are pretty excellent — mainly because there is much lesser human disturbance compared to the older and more famous zones.

The area is filled with mixed forest, some open grassland patches, and seasonal water streams which draw in elephants, deer, leopards, and also a rich variety of birds. Dhela is also much less crowded than Dhikala and Bijrani, so it feels like a perfect pick for visitors who want a calmer, more personal kind of wildlife experience, rather than the usual bustling atmosphere.

Best For: Quiet and uncrowded safari, good wildlife sightings, birdwatching Safari: Jeep Safari Season: Open throughout the year
Durga Devi Zone

Durgadevi Zone

Offbeat & Less Crowded Experience

  • Gate: Durgadevi

Durga Devi Zone — Paradise for Bird Lovers

Durga Devi Zone is situated in the northeastern part of Jim Corbett National Park and is known for its beautiful location near the Ramganga River. It is widely regarded as one of the absolute best birdwatching zones in the entire park, with over 580 bird species recorded across Corbett and a significant number of them visible in this zone alone.

The zone also offers good sightings of leopards, elephants, and sambar deer making it rewarding for all kinds of wildlife lovers. The beautiful combination of a flowing river, dense forest, and open riverside grasslands makes Durga Devi Zone one of the most visually stunning safari zones in all of Jim Corbett.

Best For: Birdwatching, river landscapes, leopard and elephant sightings Safari: Jeep Safari Season: October to June
Garjia Zone

Garjiya Zone

Near Garjiya Temple

  • Gate: Ringora / Garjia

Garjia Zone — Where Wildlife Meets Spirituality

Garjia Zone is one of the most scenic and unique safari zones in Jim Corbett National Park. Located near the famous Garjia Devi Temple on the banks of the beautiful Kosi River, this zone offers a wonderful combination of wildlife encounters and natural river landscapes.

Large herds of elephants frequently come down to the Kosi River to drink and bathe, making elephant sightings almost guaranteed here. Leopards, sambar deer, chital, and a wide variety of birds are also regularly spotted. The presence of the ancient Garjia Devi Temple adds a spiritual dimension that makes this zone truly one of a kind.

Best For: Elephant sightings, river landscapes, birdwatching, spiritual visit Safari: Jeep Safari Season: October to June
Phato Zone

Phato Zone

Offbeat Gem

  • Buffer Zone, Corbett Reserve

Phato Zone — An Offbeat Gem for True Nature Lovers

Phato Zone is one of the most offbeat and least crowded safari zones in Jim Corbett National Park, making it a perfect choice for travelers who love peace, solitude, and an authentic forest experience. Located in the buffer area of Corbett Tiger Reserve, this zone is covered with dense mixed forests, open grassland patches, and seasonal streams that attract elephants, leopards, deer, jungle cats, and a rich variety of birds.

Because very few tourists visit this zone, wildlife here is far less disturbed and more relaxed, giving you a genuinely intimate and memorable wildlife encounter deep in the heart of the Corbett forest.

Best For: Offbeat safari, peaceful wildlife experience, elephant and leopard sightings, birdwatching Safari: Jeep Safari Season: October to June
Sitabani Zone

Sitabani Buffer

Mythology, Nature & Eco Tourism

  • Gate: Teda / Pawalgarh

Sitabani Zone — A Peaceful Forest Buffer

Sitabani is a forest buffer zone that sits outside the core area of Jim Corbett National Park and is one of the very few zones where you do not actually need a forest permit just to enter. So it becomes a very good and convenient choice for visitors who could not secure a permit for the main safari zones. The place feels calm, there is a lot of birdlife around, and you can often get decent sightings of elephants, sambar deer, chital, and wild boars across the year.

Sitabani is also home to the ancient Sitabani Temple, which is historically important and spiritually significant too, adding a lovely cultural and devotional layer to the whole forest visit experience.

Best For: Permit-free entry, peaceful forest walk, birdwatching, spiritual temple visit Safari: Jeep Safari Season: Open throughout the year
Hathi Dagar

Hathi Dagar Zone

Offbeat Gem

  • Eco-Tourism Zone, Corbett Reserve

Hathi Dagar Zone

Hathi Dagar is one of those lesser known buffer zones near Jim Corbett that most visitors haven’t even heard about, and honestly it makes the place feel kinda special, like a quiet secret. As the name hints, “Hathi” meaning elephant, this area is tied pretty strongly to elephant movement, so you’ll usually see herds flowing through the stretch, particularly in the early morning and then again towards evening. The forest is fairly dense too, with a mix of sal trees and a few more open patches, so it gives that slightly shaded, half-quiet vibe. Since human traffic is low, the wildlife tends to act more naturally, and it is less jumpy around vehicles or sudden noises, not fully tame, just calmer.

Apart from elephants, you can expect sightings of deer, wild boars, and a good number of birds throughout the safari. The whole vibe here is quieter and more raw compared to the busier zones, so if you're someone who prefers an offbeat experience over a crowded jeep convoy, Hathi Dagar is worth considering.

Best For: Elephant sightings, offbeat experience, peaceful safari Safari: Jeep Safari Season: Open throughout the year
Bhandarpani Zone

Bhandarpani Zone

Scenic Hills and Tea Garden Views

  • Eco-Tourism Zone, Corbett Reserve

Bhandarpani Zone — Scenic Hills and Tea Garden Views

Bhandarpani Zone is a bit different from the typical Corbett zones because of its hilly terrain and the presence of old tea garden patches in and around the area. The landscape here is honestly quite beautiful, with rolling slopes, mixed forest cover, and some really lovely viewpoints that give you a different perspective of the Kumaon hills compared to the flatter grassland zones like Dhikala.

Wildlife sightings include leopards, barking deer, langurs, and various hill birds, and since the terrain is a little different, the overall safari experience feels fresh even if you've already done a few safaris elsewhere in Corbett. It's also a good option if you're looking to break away from the typical tiger-focused crowd and just enjoy the scenery and a slower paced jungle drive.

Best For: Scenic hill views, leopard and bird sightings, a different kind of safari experience Safari: Jeep Safari Season: Open throughout the year
Mohaan Zone

Mohaan Zone

Riverside views

  • Eco-Tourism Zone, Corbett Reserve

Mohaan Zone — Riverside Forest Near the Ramganga

Mohaan Zone kinda sits along the banks of the Ramganga River, in a calmer buffer stretch of the Corbett landscape, and it’s known for those really lovely riverside views, plus safari routes that feel a bit more peaceful. The mix of flowing water, dense forest cover and a few open patches close to the riverbank makes it a nice little place for birdwatching and yes you can often spot wading birds and raptors right near the water’s edge.

As for wildlife, people do report elephants, deer and, from time to time, leopards, mostly near the river where the animals come in for a drink. Since Mohaan doesn’t have the same big, constant rush of tourists as Dhikala or Bijrani it tends to give you a more relaxed tempo and honestly a better chance to just enjoy the whole setting, without that feeling of being hurried.

Best For: Riverside views, birdwatching, peaceful and uncrowded safari Safari: Jeep Safari Season: October to June
Stay Inside the Jungle

Corbett Forest Rest House

A stay at a Forest Rest House inside Jim Corbett National Park is, honestly , one of those experiences that kinda goes beyond a normal wildlife vacation. These rest houses are handled by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and they're placed quite deep in the core areas of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, so you feel like you're living right in the center of the jungle, far from resorts, distant traffic noise and that whole tourist buzz.

The best known and also most requested Forest Rest House in Corbett is Dhikala Forest Rest House. It sits in the biggest zone of the park, looking out over the wide Ramganga reservoir and the open grasslands. Morning there starts like this , you wake up and then you're already outside with bird sounds around you, a bit of elephant calling in the far distance , and the quiet rustle of deer moving through the grass… all of it before breakfast.

There are other Forest Rest Houses too, you can find options in zones like Bijrani, Gairal, Sarpduli, Khinnanauli, and Sultan. Each one gives a straightforward, no-fuss stay that feels real and tightly tied to the natural world. The facilities are basic, sure, but they're comfortable enough. Meals are arranged by the rest house staff, so you don't have to think too much.

Bookings for Corbett Forest Rest Houses should be done through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website. Right now availability is extremely limited, demand is high, so planning ahead matters a lot. If you want a night inside the jungle, advance booking is not optional.

01

Bijrani Forest Rest House

Bijrani Forest Rest House feels like one of those most popular places to sleep overnight in Jim Corbett National Park, and it's placed in the well known Bijrani safari zone. In day-to-day terms, the stay is surrounded by thick sal forest pockets and also some open meadows, so you kind of end up right inside one of Corbett's active wildlife passageways. Tiger sightings, around the Bijrani zone , are seen often, which makes an overnight stay here extra thrilling for wildlife lovers. The accommodation itself is fairly plain and it is handled by the forest department, while basic meals are served for guests. Because the rush stays high most seasons, it's really best to do advance booking via the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website , if you want to secure your dates.

02

Gairal Forest Rest House

Gairal Forest Rest House is a hidden gem among Corbett's stay options, situated along the banks of the Ramganga River inside the park. The location is incredibly scenic, with the sound of flowing water and dense forest on all sides creating a deeply peaceful atmosphere. Wildlife activity around Gairal is consistent, with elephants, deer, and various bird species frequently spotted near the riverbanks. The rest house offers basic but comfortable accommodation managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. It is ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers who want an intimate and quiet jungle experience away from the more visited zones of the park.

03

Sarpduli Forest Rest House

Sarpduli Forest Rest House is like a calm ,and somewhat lesser-known stay option that sits deep inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It's tucked within thick forest, with natural grassland patches around, so the whole place feels a bit offbeat for travellers who genuinely lean toward solitude rather than the usual buzz. What happens with wildlife in and around the Sarpduli area is fairly natural and undisturbed, so guests get this real sense of being inside a working forest ecosystem, not some staged show. The facilities are basic, the way you'd expect from a forest department property, but the moment you wake up inside the jungle, that simplicity somehow compensates quickly. Also advance booking is a must, since the availability here stays extremely limited.

04

Khinnanauli Forest Rest House

Khinnanauli Forest Rest House feels like one of those more remote, kind of quiet stay places you can find inside Jim Corbett National Park. It sits tucked in dense green cover, so it suits people who are serious about wildlife watching or nature photography, and who also want to spend longer inside the jungle, with no resort-type distraction. The nearby woods hold decent wildlife variety, and the calm vibe makes those early morning and late evening sightings especially rewarding. The rooms are simple, pretty functional too, and everything is handled by the forest department entirely, plus meals are available for the guests who are staying there. Since the room count is rather limited, you really need to book well ahead of time using official channels, otherwise it becomes a bit difficult.

05

Sultan Forest Rest House

Sultan Forest Rest House is sort of a peaceful , scenic stay place that sits inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve, so guests get a quiet and very immersive jungle time. The rest house sits amid mixed forest terrain plus little grassland patches, and that helps keep a strong variety of wildlife around—deer, elephants, and a range of bird types are common. When you stay at Sultan you mostly wake up to forest sounds rather than alarm clocks , and later in the day you just spend your evenings observing the treeline for any movement, no rush. The accommodation is basic, and it is handled by the Uttarakhand Forest Department, with meals provided there, simple ones. Also note, advance booking via the official Corbett Tiger Reserve portal is mandatory for every guest.

06

Phuloi Forest Rest House

Phuloi Forest Rest House is a bit of an under the radar stay option, honestly it sits in such a good place, deep inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It's not near the main tourist zones , so it somehow feels quieter, more like you've slipped into the wild rather than booked a normal room. Phuloi gives you one of the raw, authentic jungle stays you can find within the park, and it's pretty unlike the usual, more arranged stays. Around it the forest is dense and mostly untraveled, so you get these perfect conditions for natural wildlife to move around all day… and yes, also at night. Everything feels a little grounded, like the habitat is doing its own thing, without much interruption. Guests staying here often describe the experience as being completely alone with the forest — no resort sounds, no traffic, just pure wilderness. Facilities are minimal as expected, but for genuine nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Phuloi Forest Rest House is an unforgettable experience.

07

Lohachaur Forest Rest House

Lohachaur Forest Rest House is a scenic and tranquil stay option situated within the broader Corbett Tiger Reserve landscape. The rest house is set amidst open grasslands and mixed forest, offering excellent natural light for wildlife photography during both morning and evening hours. The open terrain around Lohachaur makes wildlife spotting relatively easier, with elephants, deer, and various grassland bird species frequently visible from the property itself. Accommodation is simple and functional, maintained by the forest department, with basic meal facilities available for guests. Like all Forest Rest Houses in Corbett, advance booking through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website is strongly advised.

08

Crop Forest Rest House

Crop Forest Rest House feels like one of those quieter, slightly off beat places you can actually stay in while inside Jim Corbett National Park. It sits amid dense, green vegetation and the usual natural forest cover, so it kind of gives you a straightforward, undisturbed jungle feeling that is, honestly, getting harder to find with all the faster, more hectic wildlife tourism nowadays. You'll notice the animals move around in a natural and steady way, so if you're patient, or you enjoy wildlife photography, this can be quite rewarding. The stay itself is pretty basic and uncomplicated since it's managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department, yet the forest setting pretty much compensates for the lack of comforts. Also, early reservation is important, because availability is limited, like very limited.

09

Sarapduli Forest Rest House

Sarapduli Forest Rest House is located downstream of Gairal on the flat southern bank of the Ramganga River, making it one of the most centrally positioned rest houses in the Dhikala Zone. The opposite northern bank rises steeply into a ridge, creating a dramatic and beautiful natural setting around the property. Large mammal movement here is consistently high, with tigers and elephants frequently spotted in and around the area. Sarapduli is also an excellent spot for crocodile watching and birdlife observation along the riverbank. Wildlife photographers particularly love this rest house for its calm surroundings and strong sighting potential throughout the season.

10

Malani Forest Rest House

Malani Forest Rest House is one of the most remote and deep-forest stay options available inside Jim Corbett National Park, situated approximately 20 kilometres from the Bijrani zone entry gate on the northwest ridge of the reserve. This extreme remoteness is precisely what makes it special — the forest here is thick, undisturbed, and rich with wildlife activity, especially during summer months when animals move toward the upper forest areas in search of water and food. The rest house has two rooms with attached bathrooms and a common dining area. Electricity is solar-powered and water availability can occasionally be limited during peak summer.

11

Jhirna Forest Rest House

Jhirna Forest Rest House is located on the southern edge of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, positioned along the Ramnagar to Kalagarh road. The Jhirna Zone was a farming village until 1994 when it was successfully relocated under Project Tiger, and the landscape here carries a drier, more open character compared to zones like Dhikala. The rest house sits within a grassland area called Laldhang Chaur, which is a favourite grazing ground for chital, nilgai, elephants, and deer. Sloth bear sightings are a notable highlight of this zone. Jhirna is one of the few zones open year-round, making its rest house a viable option across all seasons.

12

Dhela Forest Rest House

Dhela Forest Rest House dates back to 1926 and offers two double bedrooms with all basic necessities. No non-vegetarian food is allowed inside, and there is no canteen, so guests must bring their own ingredients, with a chef available to prepare meals. Located in the southeastern part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, Dhela Zone was opened for tourism in December 2014 and remains open throughout the year. The zone supports tigers, leopards, elephants, nilgai, and a vast range of bird species, making it particularly loved by birdwatchers. Hot water and evening electricity are available through solar energy, and safari here begins 30 minutes earlier than resort-based visitors.

13

Morghatti Forest Rest House

Morghatti Forest Rest House is nestled within the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, which forms an important part of the broader Corbett Tiger Reserve landscape. This rest house is particularly celebrated among dedicated birdwatchers, as the dense mixed forests surrounding Morghatti support an exceptional variety of bird species throughout the year. The Sonanadi area is known for its perennial streams, dense sal forests, and bamboo clusters, creating a lush and naturally active ecosystem. There are no villages within the sanctuary, which means the forest here remains genuinely quiet and undisturbed. A drive through this area offers one of the most peaceful and authentic jungle experiences available in Corbett.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett National Park is open for most of the year and each season offers a completely different kind of wildlife and nature experience. Choosing the right time to visit depends entirely on what you are looking for.

October – February
Winter Season
Peak Safari Season · 5°C - 25°C

The winter months, from October to February are kinda the most comfortable and widely popular time to visit Jim Corbett National Park, really. Weather stays cool and quite pleasant too, with temperatures that can drop to about 5°C at night and then move up to around 25°C during the day. Clear skies , fresh forest air , and those misty mornings that pop up out of nowhere make the whole place feel kind of magical for jungle safaris, if you know what I mean. Also this season is really the best for birdwatching—migratory birds come in big numbers from Central Asia and Europe. And you can expect steady wildlife sightings of elephants, deer, and leopards, plus the forest seems alive with constant activity.

Best for Wildlife Sightings & Photography
March – June
Summer Season
Tiger Season · 20°C - 40°C

Summer is the best season for serious wildlife enthusiasts and tiger trackers. As temperatures rise and water sources reduce, tigers, elephants, and other animals are forced to come out into the open near water bodies and river banks, dramatically increasing the chances of sightings. The dry forest also improves visibility as the dense undergrowth thins out, making it easier to spot animals from the safari jeep. April and May are considered the peak months for tiger sightings in Jim Corbett National Park.

Best for Tiger Sightings
July – September
Monsoon Season
Lush Landscapes · 18°C - 32°C

During the monsoon season, most safari zones of Jim Corbett National Park are closed due to heavy rainfall. Only the Jhirna Zone and Dhela Zone remain open during this period. However, the forest in monsoon is at its most beautiful, like lush green, misty, and full of life. This season feels ideal for offbeat travelers and nature lovers, who’d rather have a calmer more atmospheric forest experience, honestly.

Best for Nature Lovers & Bird Watching
Biodiversity

Flora and Fauna of Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett National Park is one of the richest biodiversity zones in all of Asia. Its diverse landscape of hills, grasslands, riverine belts, and wetlands creates a perfect habitat for an extraordinary range of plant and animal life.

Flora

In Jim Corbett National Park the forests are mostly dense, moist deciduous kind of growth, you could say in a way that is both normal and still impressive. You find the park is packed with over 600 different plant species , ranging from towering trees down to ground-level shrubs. There are medicinal herbs, lively wildflowers, and all sorts of other smaller plants that just quietly coexist there. Overall forest cover counts for about 73 percent of the entire park area, while roughly 10 percent is taken up by open grasslands.

Dominant Trees
Sal The dominant tree species covering much of the forest.
Sheesham Common along riverbanks and moist regions.
Khair A valuable hardwood species found throughout the park.
Haldu Known for its bright yellow timber.
Rohini Frequently found in mixed deciduous forests.
Peepal A sacred tree supporting diverse bird life.

Grass species such as Tiger Grass, Kansi, Spear Grass, and Narkul form important grassland habitats called chaurs that are crucial feeding and hunting grounds for tigers and elephants. Medicinal plants including Amla, Bael, and various herbs are also found throughout the forest, making Jim Corbett an important zone for both wildlife and botanical research.

Fauna

The wildlife of Jim Corbett National Park is truly extraordinary. The park is home to 50 species of mammals, 600 species of birds, 33 species of reptiles, and countless insects and amphibians.

Major Mammals
Bengal Tiger The park's most iconic predator.
Asian Elephant Large herds can often be spotted near rivers.
Leopard A secretive and elusive big cat.
Sloth Bear Commonly seen in forested regions.
Sambar Deer A major prey species for tigers.
Chital Frequently spotted grazing in grasslands.
Reptiles

Mugger Crocodiles, Gharials, Indian Pythons, Monitor Lizards and King Cobras are among the notable reptile species found in the park.

Birds – A Birdwatcher's Paradise

More than 580 bird species have been recorded, including Great Hornbills, Crested Serpent Eagles, Fish Eagles, Kingfishers, Owls, Woodpeckers and numerous migratory birds during winter. During winter, migratory birds from Central Asia and Europe arrive in large numbers, making the Ramganga Reservoir and wetland areas spectacular for bird photography.

Getting There

How to Reach Jim Corbett

Ramnagar is the main entry point and headquarters for Jim Corbett National Park. All safari zones and forest gates are accessible from Ramnagar, which is approximately 3.5 km from the park entrance.

By Air

The nearest domestic airport to Jim Corbett National Park is Pantnagar Airport, located approximately 80 km away. From Pantnagar, private taxis and cabs are easily available for a comfortable drive to Ramnagar and the park.

For international travelers and those coming from distant cities, Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is the most convenient option at approximately 260 km from Ramnagar. From Delhi, visitors can hire a taxi for a direct 5 to 6 hour drive or take a train to Ramnagar.

Pantnagar Airport

By Train

Traveling by train is the most popular and convenient way to reach Jim Corbett National Park, especially from Delhi. Ramnagar Railway Station is the nearest railhead and is directly connected to New Delhi by several trains

• Ranikhet Express
• Corbett Park Link Express
• Kathgodam Express (via Kathgodam)

By Road

Jim Corbett National Park is well connected by road from all major cities in North India. The roads are in good condition and a self-drive road trip to Corbett from Delhi is a very popular option among families and groups.

Delhi → Ramnagar — 270 km (5–6 hrs)
Nainital → Ramnagar — 65 km (1.5 hrs)
Haridwar → Ramnagar — 180 km (3–4 hrs)
Dehradun → Ramnagar — 230 km (4–5 hrs)

Route Chart

Distance guide from major cities to Jim Corbett National Park.

Delhi 240 km
Nainital 65 km
Dehradun 160 km
Lucknow 427 km
Bhimtal 82 km
Mussoorie 192 km
Kanpur 440 km
Chandigarh 332 km
Shimla 418 km
Kathgodam 60 km
Bareilly 155 km
Noida 250 km
Forest Etiquette

Do's and Don'ts

Important guidelines to follow during your visit to Jim Corbett National Park.

Do's Inside the Park

Make sure you get a proper safari permit before you step into the park, and keep it with you the entire time. Try not to forget it even for a moment.
Help the forest stay clean, carry a litter bag with you during the safari. After the tour, dispose of every waste item properly in the dustbins that are clearly marked, not anywhere else.
Obey all park rules too, and avoid driving through forest stretches at night, this is strictly banned.
While you’re on the safari, you must go with an authorized nature guide. They make the whole wildlife trip feel more real, because they understand the park’s flora fauna and the way animals behave .
Treat wildlife with respect and keep a safe distance from all animals, because you are in their natural habitat.
Enjoy the calm sounds around you, like birdsong and forest life, instead of radios, speakers , or any other noise-making gadgets.
Wear earth-toned clothing such as khaki, olive green, brown, or other muted shades , so you don’t disturb the animals.
If you are staying in a Forest Rest House, save resources by turning off lights, fans, and water taps when they are not needed.
And before you check out of a Forest Rest House, obtain the required clearance certificate from the relevant forest authorities.

Don'ts Inside the Park

Please do not bring firearms, or any kind of weapons, into the park. If it’s inside the forest zone , carrying arms is strictly forbidden.
Avoid smoking or lighting any fires in the park, because even a small spark can cause a real dangerous forest blaze.
Visitors are not permitted to cook food or bring non-vegetarian items into the park.
Don’t play the loud music, or use transistors, tape recorders, or any other sound-producing thing, just keep it quiet.
Try not to ask your driver or guide to leave the designated safari route, because driving off-route can disturb wildlife and also damage the natural habitat.
Avoid making unnecessary noise, shouting, or blowing vehicle horns inside the park premises.
Do not enter any safari zone without a valid permit for that particular area.
Never feed, tease, or attempt to approach wild animals. Such actions are dangerous and may result in heavy penalties.
Do not try to enter restricted forest areas or remain inside the park after the permitted visiting hours.
Safari permits are non-transferable and can only be used by the person for whom they were issued. Misuse of permits is strictly prohibited.
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Essential information about location, safari zones, wildlife, and travel details for Jim Corbett National Park.

Jim Corbett sits in Nainital district, Uttarakhand — where the plains meet the Himalayan foothills. Ramnagar is the base town for permits, safaris and accommodation. From Delhi it is roughly 270 km, about five to six hours by road. Trains like Ranikhet Express run directly to Ramnagar station. Pantnagar Airport is 80 km away but has limited flight options.

April–May for serious tiger sightings — heat forces animals into the open near water. October–February for comfortable weather and spectacular migratory birdlife. Monsoon (July–September) closes most zones except Jhirna and Dhela — fewer sightings but the jungle looks stunning.

Eight zones: Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durga Devi, Garjia, Phato and Sitabani. Three stay open year-round including monsoon: Jhirna, Dhela and Sitabani. The rest operate October to June only.

Jeep safari carries six adults plus two children with a guide — flexible, personal, available across most zones. Canter is a large open vehicle carrying more passengers, available only in Dhikala. Less flexible but works well for groups or when jeep permits are sold out.

Yes, though limited. Operates mainly around Dhikala in early mornings. Elephants can push through tall grass where jeeps cannot, getting you closer to resting tigers without disturbing them.

Road: ~270 km via NH 9, five to six hours. Train: Ranikhet Express or Corbett Link Express to Ramnagar station — most convenient option. Flight: Fly to Pantnagar Airport, then 80 km cab to Ramnagar.

Yes — it’s one of the few national parks in India that permits this. Dhikala and Bijrani Forest Rest Houses are located within the core zones.

Jhirna and Dhela run jeep safaris through July–September. Other zones close due to flooding and unsafe tracks. Jhirna has operated year-round since 1994. Sightings are less predictable but the jungle looks completely different — thick, green and misty.

Royal Bengal Tigers (one of the highest densities in the world), Asiatic Elephants, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, wild boars, gharials and mugger crocodiles at Ramganga Reservoir. Over 580 bird species recorded — winter months are exceptional for migratory birdwatching.

Corbett Tiger Reserve covers roughly 1318 sq km total. The core national park is 520 sq km (strictly protected). The surrounding buffer zone is about 798 sq km, added in 1991, allowing limited tourism and human activity.

August 8, 1936 — India's first national park and the first in mainland Asia. Originally named Hailey National Park, renamed Jim Corbett National Park in 1956 after the conservationist's death.

Best zone for birdwatching in all of Corbett — the Ramganga River edge habitat pulls in enormous species diversity. Leopards and elephants are spotted regularly too. Less crowded than Dhikala or Bijrani, making it popular with wildlife photographers.

Speed limit 20 km/h. Always carry your permit. Wear muted colours (khaki, olive, brown). No deviating from safari routes. Firearms, loud music, smoking, non-vegetarian food — all banned inside the park. Do not feed or approach wildlife. Permits are non-transferable. Violations lead to heavy penalties and removal.

The national park is the core 520 sq km strictly protected zone. The Corbett Tiger Reserve is the larger umbrella covering that core plus the 798 sq km buffer zone — totalling 1318 sq km. Buffer zones like Dhela, Phato and Sitabani allow limited regulated tourism.

About 73 percent dense forest — mostly moist deciduous with sal as the dominant species, plus teak, haldu, bamboo and banj oak at higher elevations. Around 10 percent is open chaur grassland, critical hunting and feeding ground for tigers and elephants. Over 600 plant species recorded in total.
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