Best Jim Corbett Safari Zones: Guide to Dhikala, Sitabani & More

Is the Sitabani, Dhela, or the Phato zone better? The Jim Corbett National Park Safari has eight zones that convey their own uniqueness. But does it matter which zone is picked? This blog will give you an idea of what every Corbett safari zone is all about, which will help enhance your adventure at the national park.

Table of Contents

The Tiger Safari Zones We Didn’t Know Jim Had!

Yes, it is possible to explore, experience, and enjoy the best safari in Jim Corbett because there are eight zones. These zones are:

	Zone Name	About the Zone
1	Dhikala	The best above the rest of the Jim Corbett zones! So, you will get to see the wild boar, Hog Deer, or well, the tiger, and other wild animals.
2	Bijrani	Witness the Royal Bengal Tiger and other wildlife sightings, along with the peaceful beauty of nature.
3	Jhirna	Tigers, yes, but also wild bears, and bird species that you rarely get to see in the city.
4	Garjiya	The Garjiya or Ringora zone is a recently opened zone, and has remarkable views to offer with breathtaking landscape scenery.
5	Sitabani	A buzzer zone that offers a place to worship and also walk through a dense forest. Oh, and around 600 bird species!
6	Phato	This zone does offer wildlife; however, the tourists cannot help but admire the beauty of nature here.
7	Dhela	Prepare to see several types of trees, such as the Haldu, the Sal, and more. The wildlife here loves to enjoy dips in the water bodies around.
8	Durga Devi	Two rivers come together: Ramganga and Mandal, and it’s a mesmerising sight. Safari lovers will fall deeper in love with animal sightings, including the Mahaveer fish in the river streams.

8 Gateways to Jim Corbett Safari Zones

What are the timings for all these amazing tiger safari zones?

1. Dhikala Zone: Best for Overnight Safari Adventures

The Dhikala zone is open from 15^th November to 15^th June, remains shut during the monsoon, and is purely for overnight visits. The Canter Booking Safari costs Rs 2500 per seat for Indians. The booking cost for foreigners is Rs 5000 per seat. Jeep safaris are not available, so be sure to hire a private jeep driver along with a naturalist to take them through the safari.

2. Bijrani Zone: Ideal for Tiger Sightings

You can get a day visit at the booking price of Rs 7500 per jeep (Indian), and Rs 16000 per jeep (foreigners). Take a morning safari of about 3 hours or an evening one for 2.5 hours during the winter season. The summer season will have you wake up an hour earlier from 6.00 am to 9.30 am, while the evening safari tour is from 3.00 pm to 6.30 pm.

3. Jhirna Zone: Year-Round Wildlife Exploration

Open throughout the year, the exploration time here takes three hours and thirty minutes. Last-minute bookings might be a safer bet during the monsoon season. Bookings done in advance usually face cancellations due to heavy rains.

4. Garjiya: Scenic Beauty for Peak Season

Here’s a fun fact about Garjiya! It is a zone especially open to those who are unable to get a safari booking during peak season.

5. Sitabani: Birdwatching and Nature Walks

This buffer is also open throughout the year, where you can visit places of worship and also go for walks and admire nature.

6. Phato: A Wildlife Wonderland

The Jeep Safari Jim Corbett has to offer in the Phato zone is a wonderland of wildlife. Here, 50 jeeps are allowed per day with morning and evening safaris for 3 hours each.

7. Dhela: Flora and Fauna

This zone is open to visits all through the year as long as you are open to a 3-hour tiger safari.

8. Durga Devi: Exotic Birds and Rivers

The Durga Devi zone is home to several exotic birds, and not to miss out on animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Black-Faced Monkey, Jackal, etc. The safari here takes place for 3 hours and 30 minutes, offering day safaris across 11 jeeps per day.

November to February are the best times to take on the Jim Corbett National Park safari adventure. However, if you are not a winter person and rather prefer the summer time, book your trip between March and June.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Safari

As we mentioned earlier, the Jim Corbett National Park Safari offers 8 zones that bring their own uniqueness to the table. So, which one tiger safari zones to choose and which one to probably go for in another season?

The Dhikala-Bijrani Tiger Safari Zone is the perfect choice if you want to go for an overnight stay with family or friends. Here, you can stay overnight, plus this is a popular zone among others. Make no mistake, every zone gives you the best safari in Jim Corbett, and you will get to see tigers. However, every zone is different from the other, such as the Sitabani zone, where you can walk through a dense forest, witnessing animals and birds altogether.

So, whichever zone you book, make sure you are considering what you want to explore. Is it the birds? Then go for either of the Jim Corbett zones: Durga Devi, Sitabani, or Jhirna. If you want to just go for a day visit, then book any of the zones except for the Dhikala zone.

Tips for planning your trip to the Jim Corbett National Park Safari

Pick the season that is right for you. Exclude monsoon!
Choose whether you want to visit by road, air, or railway.
Pick any of the tiger safari zones.
From lodges to resorts, book your accommodation based on the number of people.
Permits are necessary, so carry a valid ID including your booking and accommodation details.
Pack appropriate clothing based on the season.
Your safari bag should have mosquito repellent cream tubes, walking trails, sunscreen, medicines, a first aid kit, binoculars, and reusable water bottles.

FAQs About Jim Corbett Safari Zones

1. What is the best Jim Corbett National Park safari zone for tiger sightings?

If you’re chasing that tiger selfie, Dhikala and Bijrani are your best bet. Seriously, these zones are like the VIP lounge for Royal Bengal Tigers—dense jungles, tons of prey, wild drama. Your odds go way up here compared to the other zones.

2. Can I visit Jim Corbett safari zones during the monsoon?

Jhirna, Sitabani, and Dhela don’t take a break—they’re open all year, rain or shine. The rest, such as Dh shut down from mid-June to mid-November. So if you show up during monsoon, just stick to the zones that aren’t on vacation.

3. Which zone is best for birdwatching in Jim Corbett?

Sitabani, Jhirna, and Durga Devi. Sitabani’s the real MVP—over 600 bird species, no joke. You might even spot a Himalayan kingfisher if you’re lucky.

4. What are the different types of safaris in Jim Corbett?

If you wanna roam around Jim Corbett, you’ve basically got three options: jeep safari, canter safari, and the elephant safari. Each one’s got its own vibe, so just pick what feels right.

5. Which safari is best in Jim Corbett, morning or evening?

Honestly? Drag yourself outta bed for the morning safari (yeah, I know, it’s early, but trust me). Animals are way more active before it gets crazy hot, so your odds of spotting something cool go way up. Evening safaris are alright if you’re not a morning person, but you might just end up watching deer munch grass. Morning wins, hands down.

So, which of the eight zones would you pick to explore the Jim Corbett National Park Safari? The adventure should always go on, so in that case, book one every year with either friends or family.