Jim Corbett National Park – There is something deeply humbling about being in the wild. No honking cars, no city lights—just the rustling leaves, the chirping of birds, and the raw, untamed beauty of nature. The magic of safari lies in that heart-racing moment, wondering which animals you may see next. A safari is about feeling the jungle vibe and experiencing something bigger than us.
When we think of safaris, Africa often comes to mind first. But India has its own incredible wildlife experiences to offer. Among the numerous animal reserves in India, Jim Corbett National Park holds a special place. Built-in 1936, it is the first national park that began wildlife conservation.
Whether you are an adventurer, a photographer, or just someone looking for a break from the ordinary, a safari in Corbett is an experience like no other.
Let me share what makes this park so special for anyone who loves wildlife.
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The Magic Of Jim Corbett – Why It Should Be On Your Bucket List
Located in beautiful Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is named after Jim Corbett. He started as a hunter but later helped save animals. For many years, people who love nature, wildlife, and adventure have been visiting Jim Corbett National Park.
If you are thinking of visiting this park, here are the reasons why it should be on your list of places to see.
- The park, founded in 1936, is the oldest and has a strong history of wildlife protection.
- With a large tiger population, this is one of the top places in India to see tigers in their natural habitat.
- It features diverse wildlife like elephants, leopards, deer, and bird species.
- It is easily accessible from Delhi.
- The park has various safari options to suit all preferences and budgets.
- It has year-round appeal, with different zones open in different seasons.
- You can choose from simple forest lodges to high-end resorts for your stay.
- While the royal Bengal tiger may be the star attraction, the park offers sightings of many other fascinating creatures like Leopards, Asiatic Elephants, deer species, reptiles, and various bird species.
Loading Packages...Best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park
Timing can make or break your Corbett experience. The park is divided into different zones that open seasonally, so planning when to visit is super important.
November-February
- This is the winter season.
- The temperatures range from 5-25°C.
- It is great for spotting tigers, elephants, and birds, especially migratory species.
March – June
- This is the summer season.
- The temperatures range from 30 to 45°C.
- Good for safaris as animals gather around water sources.
- Early morning and evening safaris are more comfortable.
July – October
- This is the monsoon season.
- The temperatures range from 24°C – 31°C.
- Most of the park closes due to heavy rain. However, some buffer zones stay open with limited safari options.
- The forest becomes very green, but thick plants make it harder to see animals.
How to reach Jim Corbett National Park
- By air: Pantnagar Airport is around 70 km from Ramnagar – the nearest airport to the park. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is well-connected internationally, from here you can hire a taxi or take a train to Ramnagar.
- By train: Ramnagar Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, with trains like Ranikhet Express and Corbett Park Link Express running regularly. From the station, taxis are available to various zones and accommodations.
- By road: Ramnagar is about 5-6 hours drive from Delhi via NH24. Regular buses run from Delhi, Nainital, Dehradun, and other towns to Ramnagar. The road trip offers beautiful views of the Himalayan foothills, making your journey more enjoyable.
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How to book your safari at Jim Corbett National Park
- Online booking through the official website opens 45 days in advance.
- Select your preferred zone, date, and time slot.
- Choose between a jeep – which occupies a max of 6 people or a canter occupies a max of 16 people.
- You must sign up and keep your ID ready.
- Make payment online.
- Print your permit and bring it along with ID proof.
Safari Zones at Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park has different safari zones, each with its own scenery and wildlife. Every entry gate gives access to a separate area of the park. Pick a safari entry gate that suits you.
Dhikala Zone
- This gate is open from 15th November to 15th June.
- The distance from Ramnagar is 32 km.
- Safari option – No Jeep Safari – only Day Canter Safari.
Jhirna Zone
- This gate remains open all year round.
- The distance from Ramnagar is 15 km.
- Safari option – Only Day Jeep Safari.
Bijrani Zone
- This gate is open from 5th October to 30th June.
- The distance from Ramnagar is 2 km.
- Safari option –Day Jeep Safari.
Durga Devi Zone
- This gate is open from 15th November to 15th June.
- The distance from Ramnagar is 28 km.
- Safari option – Day Jeep Safari.
Dhela Zone
- This gate remains open all year round.
- The distance from Ramnagar is 15 km.
- Safari option – Only Day Jeep Safari.
Phato Zone
- This gate is open from 15th November to 30th June.
- The distance from Ramnagar is 26 km.
- Safari option – Jeep Safari.
Garjiya Zone
- This gate is open from 15th November to 30th June.
- The distance from Ramnagar is 9 km.
- Safari option – Jeep Safari.
Sitabani Forest Zone
- This gate remains open all year round.
- Distance from Ramnagar is 4 km.
- Safari option – Day Jeep Safari.
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Ways To Experience Safari At Jim Corbett National Park
At Jim Corbett, the way you explore matters just as much as which places you visit. Here are your options.
Jeep Safari
Most people choose this option because it gives you more freedom to see the park. Open-top 4×4 Gypsies take you deep into the forest with a maximum of 6 visitors plus a driver and a mandatory forest guide. The jeep can pass through narrow trails and offers great visibility. A typical safari lasts about 4 hours.
It costs around ₹7,000-8,000 per jeep for Indian nationals and international tourists, ₹16,000-17,000 per jeep. You can take jeep rides through the park two times each day: early morning from 6 to 9 AM, or later from 2:30 to 6 PM.
You can book a Jeep safari online on the official Jim Corbett website up to 45 days in advance. They get filled quickly, so do not wait till the last minute!
Note – Check the latest cost for Jeep Safari at the time of booking.
Canter Safari
Available only in the Dhikala zone, canters are larger open vehicles that accommodate 16 people. These are budget-friendly but have limited movement and stop options. The upside? If you could not book a jeep safari, this might be your way into the popular Dhikala zone.
It costs around ₹2500 per person for Indian nationals and international tourists, INR 5000 per person. Canter safaris happen twice daily: morning (6:00 AM to 11:30 AM) and afternoon (12:00 PM to 5:30 PM).
Note – Check the latest cost for Canter Safari at the time of booking.
Elephant safari is temporarily closed based on the recent orders of the Uttarakhand High Court.
From Luxury To Budget – Your Stay Options In Jim Corbett
Around Jim Corbett National Park, you will find places to stay that fit every budget and style.
- Forest Rest Houses are managed by the forest department. They offer basic facilities inside the park for a true jungle experience.
- If you are seeking sustainable options, eco-lodges focus on minimal environmental impact and often involve the local community.
- Ranging from luxury to budget-friendly, private resorts in the buffer zones offer various amenities like guided tours and cultural programs.
- For those wanting wildlife with luxury, properties like Taj Corbett Resort offer premium experiences with spa facilities, gourmet dining, and naturalist-led activities.
Also Read: India’s Top 10 Ultra Luxury Resorts!
More than Just a Safari – Exciting Activities In Jim Corbett
While safaris are the main attraction, there is much more to explore in and around Jim Corbett National Park.
- Corbett Falls: Located about 25 km from Ramnagar, this 20-foot waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and makes for a peaceful excursion between safaris.
- Jim Corbett Museum: Jim Corbett Museum is in the scenic village of Choti Haldwani, Kaladhungi. This site honours Jim Corbett, who was a conservationist and nature expert. The museum displays his items, like his gun, cap, bag, letters, photos, and writings. You can learn about his efforts in creating the first national park in India and his work to help the local villagers.
- Garjiya Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Garjiya Devi is perched on a large rock in the Kosi River. Many people come to pray at this holy place throughout the year. The temple shows you how the local Kumaoni people live and their culture.
- Ziplining: Enjoy Ziplining at various camps and resorts in and around Jim Corbett. Professionals will guide you and ensure safety with gloves, helmets, and harnesses. Glide across the Kosi River or over treetops and enjoy scenic views. Remember Ziplining depends on the weather and is available seasonally.
- Suspension Bridge: The suspension bridge near Garjiya Devi Temple is a strong iron bridge stretching across the Kosi River. Here, you can take a dip, capture scenic views, and enjoy the beautiful sunset by the river. It is a great place to explore and enjoy nature.
Jungle Manners 101 – Safari Etiquette For A Great Experience
The forest lets us see animals in their natural home. Let us make sure we are respectful guests.
- Follow the Guide’s Instructions. They have the skills to guide you safely through the park.
- Loud conversations, music, or phone calls can disturb wildlife and reduce your chances of sightings – not just for you but for everyone in the area. Whisper if you need to talk and keep your phone on silent.
- Wear the right clothes. Choose green, brown, or grey to blend with the forest. Avoid bright colours like red or white, as they can scare animals. Mornings can be cold, even in summer, so bring a light jacket.
- No littering. This should go without saying some visitors drop plastic wrappers and bottles. Whatever you take in, bring back out.
- Stay inside the vehicle for your safety and to prevent disturbing the wildlife.
- Do not use flash – it bothers animals and is not allowed. If you have a big camera, make sure it stays quiet. Never ask to drive closer to animals for better pictures – this will upset them and could put you in danger.
- Be patient. Wildlife spotting takes time. You might wait hours, with no big animals, then suddenly see something spectacular.
- Enjoy everything about the forest – the sounds, smells, and even the tiny creatures are all part of the adventure.
Tips to Know Before Visiting Jim Corbett National Park
- The safari entry fee must be paid in advance.
- Carry the same ID you used for your online booking.
- Safari bookings for Jeeps and Canters cannot be refunded.
- You cannot enter the park after dark.
- Only the person named on the permit can use it—it cannot be given to someone else.
- Stay in your vehicle during jeep safari – no getting out.
- Safari vehicles have a set limit for visitors. If more people try to enter, they will not be allowed.
- Be patient. Trust the guides and drivers – they know what they are doing. Do not pressure them.
- Avoid bringing children under 6 years old as they may get restless during the 3-hour safari.
- Never give food to the wild animals, no matter what.
- Drinking alcohol, carrying weapons, or bringing hazardous items into the reserve is illegal and punishable by law.
- Keep the park clean. No plastic is allowed. You will pay a 500 rupee fine for littering or spitting.( the amount may vary).
Conclusion
A trip to Jim Corbett is not over when you leave; the forest whispers to you long after you have returned to city life. There is something truly special about watching a tiger stroll across a forest track at dawn, seeing a herd of elephants near the river, or simply listening to the forest come alive with bird calls as the sun rises.
What is special about Corbett is how easy it is to reach yet how truly wild it remains. In just a few hours from a big city, you can find yourself in genuine wilderness where nature rules. It is rare to find a place where untouched forests are so close to urban life. To make the most of your trip, consider our Uttarakhand Tour Packages. These packages include seamless travel plans, including safaris, stays, and other beautiful places to explore in the state.
