Last Updated: February 2026
When I think of wildlife holidays in the Northern part of India, the place that comes to my mind immediately is Jim Corbett National Park, especially as it is close to the Himalayas. Located in between the Himalayas and Shivaliks in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett is India’s oldest national park. It was established in 1936 and remains one of the finest places in the country to spot Bengal Tigers in the wild.
In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know to plan your Jim Corbett safari in 2026, including zone-wise details, updated safari fees, booking process, best time to visit, how to reach, and accommodation options. Whether you are a first-time wildlife enthusiast or a repeat visitor, this article should help you plan a well-informed trip 🙂 …
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Makes Jim Corbett National Park Special?
Jim Corbett is not just any national park. It holds the distinction of being India’s first national park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. The park was later renamed after Jim Corbett, a famous British hunter who turned conservationist and convinced the British Raj to protect this region, mainly for Bengal Tigers. A statue of Jim Corbett stands at the park entrance as a remembrance.
Spread over approximately 1,300 sq km, Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is one of the top ten national parks in India by area. The altitudes inside the forest vary between 400 m to 1,200 m, and the landscape is a wonderful mix of open grasslands interspersed between dense vegetation, predominantly Sal and Peepal trees, with lakes, hills, marshes, and the Ramganga river flowing through the forest like veins.
As per the 2022 Tiger Census, Corbett is home to over 260 Bengal Tigers, making it one of the highest tiger-density parks in the world. Close to 600 species of birds (including residents and migrants) and 500 species of plants and trees call Jim Corbett their home. Other animals such as leopards, Asiatic elephants, deer, otters, mongoose, yellow-throated martens, and Himalayan black bears are also found here.
During summer months, you can witness one of the largest congregations of elephants in India. Each herd might have more than a few hundred elephants at times. The vast area of the park makes animals elusive, so good tracking and patience are essential for spotting them.
What Are the Safari Zones in Jim Corbett National Park?
Ecotourism in Jim Corbett is allowed only in designated zones. Many core zones remain closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall. Ramnagar is the gateway city, and you need to hire registered gypsy vehicles (jeeps) for a safari inside the forest. As of 2026, there are six main tourism zones. Let me walk you through each one.
Bijrani Zone
Bijrani is the closest entry from Ramnagar (just 2 km from the Amdanda gate) and is one of the most popular zones for tiger sightings. The landscape here is a mix of river plains and open grasslands, which makes it easier to spot wildlife.
Bijrani is an absolute wilderness, especially when night falls. There is no electricity here (be sure to charge your camera batteries before entering). You are provided only with solar lamps. There is no mobile connectivity either, which makes it the perfect retreat for a digital detox. When we visited, “Sharmili,” the tigress, crossed right in front of our jeep. That is an experience that would not fade from memory anytime soon.
A minimum of 4 safaris (2 days) is needed to cover this zone properly. The forest rest house here is an erstwhile hunting complex now converted to accommodate visitors. Canteen food is available at an additional cost. Bijrani zone is open from 15th October to 30th June.
Dhikala Zone
Arguably the most beautiful and sought-after zone in Jim Corbett, Dhikala is often called the crown jewel of the park. The entry from the Dhangarhi gate to the forest rest house takes about an hour through dense Sal forests. As we waited patiently in our jeep with only the sound of the wind blowing or an occasional rustling of leaves, the mind becomes calm and embraces silence.
Tallgrass sways gently in the wind and reveals spotted deer or the endangered hog deer foraging for food. On a late evening, we were lucky to witness a herd of elephants cross the Ramganga River near Sambhar road along with their little ones. We watched them engage in a mock fight, smaller elephants pampered by the older ones, and big tuskers scattered here and there.
The sunrise view from the reservoir at one end of the zone is worth sacrificing your sleep. “Parvaali” is another famous tiger in this part of the jungle, and she is often very bold in front of gypsy vehicles. A minimum of 4 safaris (2 days) is needed to do proper justice to Dhikala.
Keep in mind that for Dhikala, staying at the forest rest house is mandatory for a jeep safari. You cannot do a day visit by jeep here. However, there is a canter ride (shared 16-seater bus) that can be booked for day visits. Dhikala has patches of mobile connectivity for Airtel and BSNL. Buffet food at the main canteen is quite good. There is also a smaller canteen with cheaper but less tasty food. The zone is open from 15th November to 15th June.
Durgadevi Zone
The hilly terrain of Durgadevi makes it a paradise for birdwatchers. Varying altitudes along with dense tree cover provide an excellent opportunity to spot birds. The entry gate is about 26 km from Ramnagar. Safari vehicles take you further past the Domunda bridge where you can spot the famous Mahseer fish. Plan to book one or two safaris in this zone. It is open from 15th November to 15th June.
Jhirna Zone
Jhirna is unique because it is open throughout the year (subject to weather conditions). It is located about 20 km from Ramnagar. While it may not have the dramatic grasslands of Dhikala, Jhirna offers consistent wildlife sightings across seasons, including leopards and sloth bears. This zone is a good option if you are visiting during the monsoon months when other zones are closed.
Dhela Zone
Dhela is the newest ecotourism zone, located about 15 km from Ramnagar. Like Jhirna, it is also open year-round (subject to weather). It has a mix of grasslands and deciduous forests. Dhela is a good backup option when bookings for Bijrani or Dhikala are full, as it typically has better availability.
Sonanadi and Pakhro Zones
These are newer additions to the tourism zones, with Sonanadi being part of the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary adjoining Corbett. These zones offer a more remote and less-crowded safari experience. Open from 15th November to 15th June.
How to Book a Jim Corbett Safari Permit in 2026?
All safari bookings for Jim Corbett are done through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website at corbettgov.org. I strongly recommend booking directly through the official portal to avoid scams and inflated prices. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the booking process.
Day Visit: A day visit permit allows you to enter a specific zone for one safari (morning or evening). No overnight stay inside the park. Booking opens 45 days in advance for Indian nationals and 90 days in advance for foreign nationals.
Night Stay (FRH Booking): If you want to stay inside the forest at a government rest house, booking also opens 45 days in advance. For Dhikala zone, night stay is mandatory for a jeep safari. The maximum stay allowed is 2 nights. I highly recommend staying inside the forest for at least one night, as the early morning and late evening safaris offer the best wildlife sightings.
Canter Safari (Dhikala only): If you cannot get a Dhikala night stay booking, you can book a canter ride (shared 16-seater bus). Canter booking opens 30 days in advance.
Keep in mind that each safari is about 3.5 to 4 hours long. Morning safaris typically run from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM and evening safaris from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM (timings may vary slightly by season). A naturalist must accompany each vehicle, and a maximum of 6 people can be accommodated in a jeep (excluding driver and naturalist). The naturalist helps identify and spot animals and birds, so listen to their guidance.
For booking-related queries, you can contact the Corbett Tiger Reserve Help Desk at +91 9759363344 or +91 5947251489. They are available between 10 AM and 5 PM IST on weekdays.
How Much Does a Jim Corbett Safari Cost in 2026?
The safari fees at Jim Corbett have multiple components. Let me break them down clearly so you can budget properly. All prices below are as per the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website and are applicable as of 2025-2026.
Day Visit Safari Fees (Jeep Safari)
| Fee Component | Indian Nationals | Foreign Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Entry permit (per jeep, up to 6 persons) | Rs 3,380 | Rs 6,680 |
| Naturalist/Guide charges | Rs 900 | Rs 900 |
| Gypsy/Jeep charges (Bijrani) | Rs 2,700 | Rs 2,700 |
| Gypsy/Jeep charges (Jhirna, Dhela, Durgadevi) | Rs 3,000 | Rs 3,000 |
| Total per jeep (approx.) | Rs 7,000 – Rs 7,900 | Rs 10,300 – Rs 10,600 |
So for a group of 6 Indian nationals, the per-person cost comes to roughly Rs 1,200 – Rs 1,400 per safari. I suggest going with a group of 4-6 friends to split costs. Solo travelers can also find shared jeep options through local tour operators in Ramnagar.
Canter Safari Fees (Dhikala Zone Only)
| Fee Component | Indian Nationals | Foreign Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Canter seat (16-seater, per person) | Rs 1,500 + 18% GST | Rs 3,000 + 18% GST |
| Total per person (approx.) | Rs 1,770 | Rs 3,540 |
Night Stay Fees (Forest Rest House)
| Fee Component | Indian Nationals | Foreign Nationals |
|---|---|---|
| Room charges (per room, 2 persons) | Rs 3,500 – Rs 5,050 | Rs 10,450 |
| Vehicle + driver (Bijrani, Jhirna) | Rs 5,750 | Rs 5,750 |
| Vehicle + driver (Dhikala, Sarpduli) | Rs 7,250 – Rs 7,750 | Rs 7,250 – Rs 7,750 |
| Guide charges | Rs 900 | Rs 900 |
| Food charges (per person, per meal) | Rs 350 – Rs 400 | Rs 350 – Rs 400 |
For a 2-night Dhikala stay for 2 Indian adults, budget approximately Rs 20,000 – Rs 25,000 total (including room, vehicle, guide, and food). This gets you 4 safaris, which is ideal for thorough wildlife exploration. Discounts are available for senior citizens (50% off room rent and entry fee) and students aged 12-18 (75% off entry fee).
What Is the Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett National Park?
The best time to visit Jim Corbett is from November to June, with the peak wildlife sighting season being March to May. Each season has its charms, so let me break it down for you.
Winter (November to February): The forest is at its most scenic during winter. Early morning mists and safaris on cold mornings are an experience of a lifetime. Imagine a tiger emerging from the fog and crossing the mud road. Tiger sightings are slightly harder in winter as the grass is tall and dense, but the overall atmosphere is magical. Carry warm layers, as early morning safaris can be quite cold.
Summer (March to June): This is the peak season for tiger spotting. As the heat increases, wildlife gathers around water sources, making sightings more frequent. April and May also see large herds of elephants migrating into the park. If your primary goal is to spot a tiger, summer is your best bet. However, it can get quite hot during afternoon safaris (temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius).
Monsoon (July to October): Most zones are closed during monsoon due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Only Jhirna and Dhela zones remain open for day safaris (subject to weather). I would suggest avoiding this period unless you specifically want a monsoon wildlife experience.
Zone-Wise Open Period and Distance from Ramnagar
| Zone | Entry Gate | Distance from Ramnagar | Open Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhikala | Dhangarhi | 18 km | 15th Nov to 15th Jun |
| Bijrani | Amdanda | 2 km | 15th Oct to 30th Jun |
| Jhirna | Jhirna | 20 km | Open year-round (subject to weather) |
| Durgadevi | Durgadevi | 26 km | 15th Nov to 15th Jun |
| Dhela | Dhela | 15 km | Open year-round (subject to weather) |
| Sonanadi | Sonanadi | ~30 km | 15th Nov to 15th Jun |
How to Reach Jim Corbett National Park from Delhi?
The nearest city to Jim Corbett is Ramnagar, which is approximately 260 km from New Delhi. Ramnagar is well connected by road, rail, and you can also fly to a nearby airport. Here are your options.
By Road (Recommended for Self-Drivers)
The drive from Delhi to Ramnagar takes about 5-6 hours via the Delhi – Hapur – Moradabad – Kashipur – Ramnagar route (approximately 260 km). The road is mostly a well-maintained highway. I recommend starting early to avoid traffic, especially around Hapur and Gajraula.
By Train
Several trains connect Delhi to Ramnagar (station code: RMR). The most popular is the Ranikhet Express (15013) which departs from Delhi Cantt in the evening and reaches Ramnagar early the next morning around 4:15 AM. Trains also run from other cities like Lucknow, Moradabad, and Bareilly. The Ramnagar railway station and bus stand are close to each other, making onward travel convenient.
By Bus
Uttarakhand State Transport (UTC) buses ply from Delhi (Anand Vihar ISBT) to Ramnagar on a regular basis. You can book online at the UTC official website. Private buses and Volvo services are also available. The journey takes 6-8 hours depending on traffic.
By Air
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (about 80 km from Ramnagar). You can hire a taxi from Pantnagar to Ramnagar. Alternatively, Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) is about 220 km away. Most visitors prefer to fly into Delhi and then take a train or drive, as it tends to be more cost-effective.
What Are the Important Rules for Jim Corbett Safari?
These are the essential rules you must keep in mind before entering Jim Corbett National Park. Violating these can result in penalties or being denied entry.
- A permit is required to enter the forest. Book it in advance through the official website.
- Cancelling or rescheduling the permit is not allowed after booking. The booking fee is non-refundable.
- Entry is restricted only to the zone for which the permit is obtained.
- Walking or trekking inside the forest is prohibited except at designated areas.
- Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. You must hire a registered gypsy vehicle.
- Carry valid photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, or Passport) as it must be shown at the entry gate.
- Canteen food is available only at Dhikala and Bijrani zones. For other zones, kitchen facilities may be provided where you can cook your own food.
- Avoid littering inside the park. Do not shout or make loud noises when spotting animals.
- No smoking, alcohol, or plastic bottles allowed inside the park.
- Wear earthy, muted colours (olive green, brown, khaki). Avoid bright colours and white, as they can startle animals.
Where to Stay Near Jim Corbett National Park?
Besides the government forest rest houses inside the park (which I covered in the booking section above), there are many hotels and resorts in the periphery of the park around Ramnagar. Here are some options across budget ranges.
Budget (Rs 1,500 – Rs 3,000 per night):
- Corbett Motel is a budget accommodation located on a mango farm. Good value for money. The food here is very good. The hotel owner Mr. Ranjith can also help arrange and book safaris and jeeps. Contact: 05947-253033.
- Several budget guesthouses and homestays are available in Ramnagar town.
Mid-Range (Rs 3,000 – Rs 7,000 per night):
- Tiger House Corbett is a mid-range hotel located a little further from Ramnagar with comfortable rooms.
- Corbett Mango Bloom is a mid-range resort in the range of Rs 4,000 – Rs 5,000 per day.
Luxury (Rs 8,000+):
- Several luxury resorts like Jim’s Jungle Retreat, The Solluna Resort, and Taj Corbett Resort are available for those looking for a premium experience.
I would suggest staying in Ramnagar or nearby if you are on a budget. However, if you can manage the forest rest house booking (especially at Dhikala or Bijrani), that experience is unmatched. Waking up inside the forest to the sounds of birds and the distant calls of animals is something that no resort outside the park can replicate.
What Should You Carry for a Jim Corbett Safari?
Based on my experience, here is a quick packing checklist for your Jim Corbett trip. You can also check my detailed article on things to carry on a trip for a comprehensive list.
- Camera with a telephoto lens (200mm or longer) for wildlife photography. Fully charged batteries and extra memory cards.
- Binoculars for spotting birds and distant animals.
- Warm clothing for winter visits (November to February). Early morning safaris can be very cold.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for summer visits (March to June).
- Earthy-coloured clothing (khaki, olive green, brown). Avoid bright colours.
- Insect repellent and basic first-aid kit.
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN card, or Passport) for entry.
- Power bank since there is no electricity in most forest rest houses.
- Reusable water bottle (no plastic bottles allowed).
Can You Combine Jim Corbett with Nainital?
Yes, absolutely. Nainital is only about 65 km from Ramnagar and makes for a perfect add-on to your Jim Corbett trip. You can also visit Sattal, which is a cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes, about 25 km from Nainital. It is a much quieter alternative for those who want to avoid the crowds of Nainital.
If you have more time, you can extend your Kumaon itinerary to include places like Almora, Binsar, and Mukteshwar. The Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is full of hidden gems that are worth exploring beyond the standard tourist circuit. Check my article on offbeat places in Uttarakhand for more ideas.
Why Is Ecotourism at Jim Corbett Important?
Ecotourism is important to save our forests. The revenue from tourism directly benefits the local people. They are employed as drivers, naturalists, and caretakers of forest rest houses. People also take a keen interest in preservation and anti-poaching since their livelihood depends on it. The Government also spends on conservation efforts.
Already, wildlife is in a vulnerable position all over India due to rapid development activities putting many species under threat. So, we need to make sure not to cause further damage to the environment while staying inside the park. You can read about other Himalayan zoological parks in my previous article.
If you are planning other wildlife and nature experiences in Uttarakhand, do check the Valley of Flowers trek, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful treks in India. For pilgrimage combined with trekking, the Char Dham Yatra 2026 is another excellent option in the state.
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Enjoy the wilderness, lush greens, lakes brimming with water, monkeys jumping about, elephants taking a mud bath on a hot afternoon, or the elusive tiger staring at you with its gleaming eyes. Visit Jim Corbett for the love of nature, to have an immensely rich experience.
I hope this guide on Jim Corbett National Park is useful for those planning their visit. If you have any questions about safari booking, zone selection, or trip planning, feel free to ask in the comments section below. If you know friends or family who are planning a wildlife trip, do share this article with them. You can also find more travel guides for Uttarakhand on the blog. For other details, discussions, queries, and finding travel partners, please go through the DwD Community 🙂 …
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Jim Corbett National Park?
I recommend at least 3-4 days for a proper Jim Corbett experience. This allows you to cover 2 zones (ideally Dhikala and Bijrani) with 4 safaris each. A weekend trip with 2 day-visit safaris is also possible but you may miss out on the deeper forest experience.
What are the chances of spotting a tiger at Jim Corbett?
Jim Corbett has one of the highest tiger densities in India with over 260 tigers as per the 2022 census. The chances of spotting a tiger are moderate to good, especially during March to May when water sources draw animals out. However, wildlife is unpredictable, so patience is key. Book multiple safaris across different zones to maximize your chances.
Is Jim Corbett safe for families with children?
Yes, Jim Corbett is very safe for families. Children enjoy the jeep safari experience and the chance to spot elephants, deer, and birds. Keep in mind that children below 5 years are generally not recommended for long safaris due to the bumpy rides and strict silence rules. The forest rest houses at Dhikala and Bijrani are comfortable for families.
Can I visit Jim Corbett during monsoon?
Most zones are closed during monsoon (July to October). Only Jhirna and Dhela zones remain open for day safaris, subject to weather conditions. Night stays inside the park are not available during this period. While you can still visit, wildlife sightings are less predictable during monsoons.
What is the difference between jeep safari and canter safari at Jim Corbett?
A jeep safari uses a gypsy (open-top 4×4 vehicle) that seats up to 6 passengers. It allows you to go deeper into the forest and is available in all zones. A canter safari is a shared 16-seater bus that operates only in the Dhikala zone for day visits. Jeep safaris offer a more intimate and flexible wildlife experience, while canter safaris are more affordable per person.
How do I book Jim Corbett safari online?
You can book through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website at corbettgov.org. For day visits, booking opens 45 days in advance. For forest rest house accommodation, it also opens 45 days prior. You will need to provide valid photo ID details, preferred zone, and date. Payment is online via credit/debit card or net banking.
What is the best zone in Jim Corbett for tiger sighting?
Dhikala and Bijrani are considered the best zones for tiger sightings. Dhikala has vast grasslands where tigers are often spotted near water bodies. Bijrani also has open grasslands that provide good visibility. However, I suggest booking multiple zones if possible, as tiger movements are unpredictable and you may get lucky anywhere.
How much does a Jim Corbett trip cost from Delhi for 2 persons?
A budget Jim Corbett trip for 2 persons from Delhi for 3 days and 2 nights can cost approximately Rs 12,000 – Rs 18,000 per person. This includes train tickets (Rs 300-500), 4 safari permits split between the group (Rs 1,200-1,400 per safari), accommodation outside the park (Rs 1,500-2,500 per night), and food (Rs 500-800 per day). If you opt for Dhikala night stay, budget Rs 20,000 – Rs 25,000 total for the 2-night stay including safaris and food.
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Truly amazing…. Especially the detail… Felt like lonely planet… Keep it up Ajay
Very informative
Thanks Ajay! Hope you have a great time at Jim Corbett when you go!