Jim Corbett National Park

Safari in Jim Corbett

Enjoy the thrill of wildlife in Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, is India's oldest and most renowned wildlife sanctuary. Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, it spans over 520 square kilometers of diverse terrain, including dense forests, grasslands, and riverine belts. Named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, the park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The park is famous for its significant population of Bengal tigers, making it one of the best places in India to spot these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. In addition to tigers, Jim Corbett is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, deer, wild boars, and over 600 species of birds. The park's well-maintained safari routes offer visitors an exciting opportunity to explore its wilderness through jeep safaris and elephant rides.

Types of Safari

Choose your mode of adventure for exploring the Corbett wilderness.

Jeep Safari

Private 4x4 vehicles for a personalized jungle experience.

  • Capacity 6 Persons
  • Zones All Zones
  • Duration 3.5 Hours
  • Booking Advance Required

Canter Safari

The only way to visit Dhikala core zone as a day visitor.

  • Capacity Upto 16 Persons
  • Zones Dhikala Only
  • Duration 5 Hours
  • Type Open Roof Bus

Elephant Safari

Eco-friendly traditional safari through dense forest trails.

  • Capacity 4 Persons
  • Zones Buffer Areas
  • Duration 2 Hours
  • Experience Close to Nature

Tourism Zones

Explore the different zones of Jim Corbett National Park

Dhikala Zone

Dhikala Safari Zone – The Heart of Corbett Tiger Reserve

Dhikala Safari Zone is the most iconic and sought-after zone of Jim Corbett National Park, located in the core area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Known for vast chaurs, dense sal forests, and the scenic Ramganga River, it offers unmatched wildlife viewing.

Landscape & Environment

The zone features open grasslands, river belts, marshy patches, and dense forests. The Ramganga reservoir attracts wildlife throughout the day, especially during summer.

Best Time to Visit Dhikala

November to June is the best time to visit. March to June offers excellent tiger sightings, while winter is ideal for birds and scenic safaris.

Dhikala Safari Zone – Open & Closed Timings
  • Open: Mid-October to June (ideal for wildlife sightings)
  • Closed: July to mid-October (monsoon season, roads are inaccessible)
  • Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Afternoon Safari: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Safari Options
  • Canter Safari
  • Limited Jeep Safari permits
Bijrani Zone
Bijrani Safari Zone – Perfect for First-Time Visitors

Bijrani Safari Zone is one of the most popular and visitor-friendly zones of Jim Corbett National Park. Located close to Ramnagar, this zone is known for its easy accessibility, scenic beauty, and consistent wildlife sightings, making it ideal for first-time visitors to Corbett.

Wildlife & Sightings

Bijrani offers excellent chances of spotting Bengal tigers, leopards, wild elephants, and various deer species. The zone’s mix of dense sal forests and open grasslands creates a perfect hunting ground for predators.

Best Time to Visit Bijrani

October to June is the best season to enjoy Bijrani safari in Corbett.

Bijrani Safari Zone – Open & Closed Timings
  • Open: Mid-October to June
  • Closed: July to mid-October (monsoon season)
  • Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Afternoon Safari: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Safari Options

Jeep Safari only

Jhirna Zone
Jhirna Safari Zone – Open Throughout the Year

Jhirna Safari Zone is a popular choice among tourists because it remains open throughout the year, including the monsoon season.

Wildlife & Environment

Jhirna is famous for sightings of sloth bears, leopards, wild boars, and herbivores.

Best Time to Visit Jhirna

The best wildlife sightings occur between November and June.

Jhirna Safari Zone – Open & Closed Timings
  • Open: October to June (main season) and limited months during monsoon
  • Closed: Rarely closed; some safari areas restricted in heavy rain
  • Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Afternoon Safari: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Safari Options

Jeep Safari

Dhela Zone
Dhela Safari Zone – Newest Eco-Tourism Zone

Dhela Safari Zone is the newest tourism zone in Jim Corbett National Park, developed with a strong focus on eco-tourism and conservation.

Wildlife & Birdlife

Dhela is particularly famous for birdwatching with numerous migratory and resident bird species.

Best Time to Visit Dhela

October to June is considered the best season for Dhela safari in Corbett.

Dhela Safari Zone – Open & Closed Timings
  • Open: Mid-October to June
  • Closed: July to mid-October (monsoon season)
  • Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Afternoon Safari: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Safari Options

Jeep Safari

Sitabani Forest Zone
Sitabani Forest Zone – Mythology, Nature & Eco Tourism

Sitabani Forest Zone is a unique and spiritually significant forest area located outside the core zones of Jim Corbett National Park.

Nature & Wildlife Experience

Visitors can spot elephants, leopards, deer, wild boars, langurs, and birds.

Best Time to Visit Sitabani

Sitabani Forest Zone remains open throughout the year.

Sitabani Safari Zone – Open & Closed Timings
  • Open: All year round
  • Closed: None, though some forest trails may be restricted during heavy rains
  • Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Afternoon Safari: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Safari Options
  • Jeep Safari
Durgadevi Zone
Durgadevi Safari Zone – Offbeat & Less Crowded Experience

Durgadevi Safari Zone is located in the northeastern boundary of the park and is known for its hilly terrain and peaceful atmosphere.

Wildlife & Environment

Sightings include elephants, leopards, otters, deer, and a wide variety of birds.

Best Time to Visit Durgadevi

The ideal time to visit Durgadevi safari in Corbett is from November to June.

Durgadevi Safari Zone – Open & Closed Timings
  • Open: Mid-October to June
  • Closed: July to mid-October (monsoon season)
  • Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Afternoon Safari: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Safari Options

Jeep Safari

Garjiya Zone
Garjiya Safari Zone – Near Garjiya Temple

Garjiya Safari Zone is an emerging forest tourism area near the famous Garjiya Devi Temple, one of the most visited spiritual sites near Jim Corbett National Park. This zone offers a combination of religious tourism, forest exploration, and wildlife experience.

Wildlife & Scenic Beauty

Garjiya Zone features riverine forests, hills, and rich vegetation. Visitors may spot deer, elephants, monkeys, reptiles, and various bird species. Though tiger sightings are uncommon, the zone is known for its scenic drives and natural charm.

Best Time to Visit Garjiya

The best time to visit Garjiya forest safari is from October to June, especially early mornings when wildlife movement is higher.

Garjiya Safari Zone – Open & Closed Timings
  • Open: Mid-October to June
  • Closed: July to mid-October (monsoon season)
  • Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Afternoon Safari: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Safari Options

Jeep Safari

Safari Timings

Plan your safari with the following timings

Safari Type Morning Slot Afternoon Slot
Gypsy Safari 06:00 am to 10:00 am 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm
Elephant Safari Starts at 06:00 am Ends at 06:00 pm
Canter Safari 06:00 am to 11:00 am 11:15 am to 05:00 pm

Note: These timings can change or vary according to different seasons. Elephant safari happens all day at different times and it starts from 6 am to 6 pm, it only takes place for an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about visiting Jim Corbett National Park

The best time for tiger sightings is during the summer months (April to June) when tigers frequently visit water bodies. However, winter (November to February) offers pleasant weather and good wildlife viewing opportunities.

For peak season (November to June), it's recommended to book safaris at least 60-90 days in advance, especially for Dhikala zone which gets booked quickly. Online booking opens 45 days before the safari date.

Yes, Jim Corbett is safe for children. However, children must be supervised at all times during safaris. It's advisable to choose morning safaris as they're more comfortable for kids. The minimum age for elephant safari is 12 years.

Carry binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, hat/cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, light snacks, and comfortable walking shoes. Avoid bright colors and strong perfumes.

Yes, you can stay at Forest Rest Houses inside the park. Dhikala, Bijrani, and other zones have government accommodations. These need to be booked well in advance and offer an authentic wildlife experience.

Plan Your Jim Corbett Safari

Experience the wilderness of India's oldest national park with our expertly crafted safari packages.