Overview of Corbett Tiger Reserve
Jim Corbett National Park was named after Jim Corbett the famous known hunter and naturalist. Jim Corbett National park was counted the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative. This is an ancient National Park in India which was authorised in 1936 as Halley National Park. This initiative was taken to take a step forward to protect the endangered Bengal Tigers.
Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is situated in Nainital district and Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. This park consists of nearly 488 different species of plants and animals. Jim Corbett National Park constitutes 520.8 km sq area of hills and the elevation ranges from 1300 to 4000 ft. Its a place where one should go once a year somewhere you have never been before. Jim Corbett is one of the most beautiful and largest National Park in India.
Important things to know about Corbett National Park
SMOKERS are only allowed to inhale the natural and refreshing air.
Not to yell or tease the animals and don’t try to domesticate them by feeding them.
Major parts of the forest are just not ideal to step out of the Jeep or Canter.
Keep the park neat and clean follow the rules and regulation during safari in Corbett
The park is an ecosphere so don’t make it a dustbin.
You are exploring the forest not to be the prey to carnivores.
Walking & Trekking inside the Tiger reserve is strictly prohibited.
Authorized cross-filed guide is essential on all expeditions.
After sunset driving inside the Corbett National Park is prohibited.
Carrying any kind of arm and ammunition is prohibited within the Tiger Reserve.
Visitors need to have on clothes of colours which combine with the Natural surroundings (Khaki, Olive green, other dull colours).
Any kind of non vegetarian food and use of liquor is strictly prohibited inside the Corbett National Park.
Online safari bookings in Corbett are to be done well in advance to have a best safari experience.
Music is not allowed inside of Jim Corbett National Park.
History of Corbett Tiger Reserve
Being the oldest national park in India the Corbett Tiger Reserve holds a huge and remarkable history that tells the princely state of Tehri Garhwal. After evicting the Boksas tribe in early 1860s, the British embarked on preserving the forest against cultivation and cattle farming. In late 1879 the forest was comprised into a Reserve Forest after that in early 1900s the idea of setting up a national park in Corbett was a feedback. Sir. Jim Corbett suggested to create a boundary in the year 1936 and further it was known as Hailey National Park. It was never the less the first Asia’s national park and one of the tiger reserves. After the independence,, the park was renamed Ramganga National Park and there again the name Corbett National Park was assigned in the period 1955-56. This was one of the thirteen protected areas covered by “World Wildlife Fund” under their Terai Arc Landscape Programme.
Wildlife and Biodiversity in Tiger Reserve
Flora of Tropical Forests
If you truly love nature you will find the real beauty here in Jim Corbett National Park because the forest of Corbett, however slighted by a man, no doubt must have been a great delight to God for they were the best he ever planted. Corbett is not only a wildlife sanctuary but is also an ideal place to become familiar with several species of plants and trees. This Ambiance makes it an ideal destination for wildlife photography. The forest ranges from Chir Pine and Banj Oak to Kanju, Date Palms, Jamun, Aamla, Bel, Kusum, Mahua, and Bali.
The Corbett National Park is also famous for a variety of species of flowers like Kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata) with pink to white flowers, Semal (Bombax ceiba) with big red blooms, Dhak or Flame-of-the-Forest (Butea monosperma) with bright orange flowers, Madaar or Indian Coral (Erythrina indica) with scarlet red flowers, and Amaltas (Cassia fistula) with bright yellow chandelier. If home is Corbett, then the park is the heartbeat here.
Fauna and Tiger Sightings
Corbett Tiger Reserve is a house for Bengal Tigers, whereas Leopards are also easily spotted in Corbett. Animals Like barking deer, sambar deer, hog deer and chital, Sloth and Himalayan black bears, Indian grey mongoose, otters, yellow-throated martens, Himalayan goral, Indian pangolins, and langur and Rhesus macaques are quite often sighted. The species of various cats like jungle cat, fishing cat and leopard cat.
One of the major attractions is the Indian python and the park is also a haven to several species of birds like the crested serpent eagle, blossom-headed parakeet, and the red jungle fowl. There are 500 species of birds in Corbett, 33 species of reptiles, seven species of amphibians, seven species of fish and 36 species of dragonflies. The majestic Fauna of Corbett can be experienced during the Safari tour of Corbett.
Jungle Safari Experience in Corbett Tiger Reserve
Corbett National Park is segregated in five zones that is Dhikala, Jhirna, Bijrani, Sonanadi and Domunda. In this Bijrani, Jhirna, Sonanadi and Domunda comes within the Jeep safari Zone whereas Canter Safari Zone only covers Dhikala Zone. Maximum six people and minimum one person accommodates in the Jim Corbett jeep safari at a time. Canter safari in Jim Corbett is big open jeep safari goes only Dhikala Zone. Experiencing safari in Corbett is the wildest untouched and it is magic in itself. Online safari bookings are to be done in advance for the Corbett safari tour.
Jungle Safari Gates in Jim Corbett National Park:
The Tiger Jungle Safari in Corbett is distributed in six gates given as follows:
Dhikala Gate in Corbett National Park: Dhikala Gate is the renowned gate as the Dhikala is the most loved tourist accommodation. This gate is accessible via Ramnagar, Dhangari and the main entrance of Dhikala Forest Lodge. Dhikala Tourist Complex is 32 km away from Dhangari Gate and Dhangari is in the 19kms from Ramnagar. Dhikala Forest Lodge is located 43 Kms away from Ram Nagar Town. It is the main core zone and inaccessible during monsoon. Dhikala forest lodge is open for accommodation for tourists inside the forest.
Jhirna Gate in Corbett National Park: Jhirna gate is located in the distance of 16 km from Ramnagar. This is the only gate which remains open all the 12 months. This consists of a lodge which has two rooms. One can stay a night there and go for elephant safari next morning.
Durga Devi Gate in Jim Corbett National Park: Durga Devi Gate is the in 28 kms from Ramnagar known to be the farthest. It is near the banks of Ramnagar River and is in the hilly area. One can see the famous Mahasheer fish in the river water.
Sitabani Gate in Jim Corbett National Park: The name Sitabani of the gate is because of the temple and the river residing in it. Sitabani gate is known for bird watching in Corbett. This is the closest gate from Ramnagar at a distance of 4 Kms.
Bijrani Gate in Jim Corbett National Park: Bijrani Gates entrance is via Aamdanda, about 1 kms from Ramnagar. One needs to cross the distance of 5 kms buffer zone before reaching Bijrani. Bijrani has a forest lodge which has six rooms and a dormitory consisting of four beds. You can also take an elephant safari from here.
Dhangari Gate in Jim Corbett National Park: This is a gate which is connected to dhikala gate, Dhikala is the biggest gate for jim corbett safari. one has to reach Dhikala via Dhangari gate. Only those who have permit to stay overnight in the park are allowed to take the safari. You can stay for night in the park from one to three nights. It takes about one to one and half hour to reach Corbett forest lodge inside the park.
Types of Safaris in Tiger Reserve
Jeep Safari in Corbett :
Jeep safari is one of the mode of jungle safari in Corbett National Park. This is the best mode to explore the wilderness and flora & fauna of Corbett National Park. Corbett Online safari bookings are available for Jeep safaris.
Canter Safari in Corbett:
Canter safari in Corbett is the economical safari option in Corbett National Park. Canter is a shared safari and can accommodate 22 persons in the safari.
Elephant Safari in Corbett:
Elephant safari is an exciting safari trip in Corbett for the tourists. Elephant rides in Corbett are available in the morning and evening. The Corbett elephant safari starts at Durgadevi Gate (north-eastern border) of the Tiger reserve and completes at Halduparao. The charges for Indian nationals and foreign nationals are different for Corbett Safari. Corbett Elephant Safari can carry 4 tourists at a time. The elephant safari takes to the unexplored zones of the Corbett Tiger Reserve and is a thrill in itself.
How to Reach Corbett Tiger Reserve
1. By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (~80 km away)
- The nearest airport to Jim Corbett National Park is Pantnagar Airport. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
- Alternative Airports: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (~260 km away)
- If you’re flying into Delhi, you can drive or take a train to Ramnagar, the gateway to the park.
2. By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar Railway Station (~5 km away)
- Ramnagar is well-connected by trains from major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Moradabad. Once you reach Ramnagar, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the park.
3. By Road:
- From Delhi: (~260 km, 6-7 hours)
- You can drive or take a bus from Delhi to Ramnagar. The route passes through Hapur, Moradabad, and Kashipur.
- From Nainital: (~65 km, 2 hours)
- The park is easily accessible by road from Nainital, with taxis and buses available.
- From Dehradun: (~232 km, 6 hours)
- The park can be reached by road from Dehradun via Kashipur.
4. By Bus:
- There are regular bus services from Delhi to Ramnagar operated by the state transport corporation. Private buses and taxis are also available for hire.
5. Local Transportation:
- Once in Ramnagar, local transportation options like taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available to take you to the various zones of Jim Corbett National Park.
Travel Distances from Major Cities
- Distance from Delhi to Ramnagar in Corbett – 260 Kms
- Distance from Nainital to Ramnagar, Corbett – 62 Kms
- Distance from Lucknow to Ramnagar, Corbett – 436 Kms
- Distance from Dehradun to Ramnagar, Corbett – 232 Kms
Best Time for Tiger Sightings in Corbett Tiger Reserve
Winter season in Corbett : This is the most captivating period and one can witness the unseen variety of birds, during bird watching in Corbett. Wonderful sightings of Bengal Tigers in the park pleases the tourists during Jungle safari trip to Corbett.
Monsoon season in Corbett: The forest is lush green and is beautiful in monsoon. This is the time to experience and visit the Corbett Reserve and witness the real flora of the forest. During monsoon experience amazing trekking and the overall weather has an appealing aura.
Summer season in Corbett: This season is called to be the best season to visit Corbett National Park, as it allows visitors to get the Wildlife inhabiting in the park. Come during this season here and enjoy river rafting and have an unforgettable sight of endangered animals and bird species closely.
Corbett Tiger Reserve welcomes WHIZZ WILDERS from July to Mid October except the monsoon. Summer is not counted the very best time moreover June is the ideal for nature walk and April and May is perfect for WILD SUNBURN. Never the less winters are the best time to spot the endangered animals like tigers and leopards during the safari tour of Corbett national park. Online safari permits are needed for the tour to Corbett National Park.
Jungle Safari Timing in Jim Corbett National Park
Morning and evening open jeep Jungle safari rides are available. A Corbett safari tour is the best way to come face-to-face with some fiery faces (tiger, jackal, wild boar and Himalayan bear) of the park.
Morning Safari Timings in Corbett National Park: 6:30 am to 9:30 am in summer and 7:30 am to 10:30 in winter.
Evening Safari Timings in Corbett National Park: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in summer and 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Corbett Tiger Reserve Safari
- Jeep Safari: ₹4,000–₹7,000 per jeep (up to 6 people)
- Canter Safari (Dhikala): ₹1,800–₹2,200 per person
Prices differ by season and zone, so check the latest rates during Corbett safari booking.
- Carry a valid ID and safari permit
- Stay inside the vehicle at all times
- Do not make loud noises or disturb wildlife
- Avoid littering inside the park
- Follow your guide’s and driver’s instructions strictly
These rules ensure a safe and responsible Corbett safari experience.
- A strong Bengal tiger population
- Scenic rivers, dense forest, and grassland landscapes
- The iconic Dhikala Zone Safari
- High-demand Corbett jungle safari experiences
- Birdwatching with over 550 species
Travelers often choose it for Corbett tiger safaris and photography tours.
- Dhikala Zone – Premium zone, best for tiger sightings
- Bijrani Zone – Very popular for Corbett jeep safari
- Jhirna Zone – Open all year
- Dhela Zone – Excellent for wildlife diversity
- Durga Devi Zone – Scenic forest landscapes
- Garjia Zone – Great for general sightings and family trips
When making Corbett online safari booking, you can choose your preferred zone.
- Dhikala Zone – Best overall for tiger and elephant sightings
- Bijrani Zone – Very reliable and popular among photographers
- Dhela Zone – Growing tiger activity and rich wildlife
Most travelers book Bijrani safari booking or Dhikala safari booking for the best results.
- Morning Safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00/11:00 AM
- Evening Safari: 2:30 PM – 5:30/6:00 PM
These apply to all major zones during Corbett jungle safari.
- Official Corbett website for Corbett online safari booking
- Authorized operators for Jim Corbett safari booking
- Resorts in Ramnagar that assist with permits, jeep hire and guide support
Choose from jeep safaris, canter safaris, or zone-specific options like Bijrani Safari Booking.
- Dhikala Forest Lodge
- Gairal Forest Rest House
- Sambar Road FRH
- Bijrani Forest Rest House
These must be reserved in advance through Jim Corbett National Park booking.
- Jeep Safari (most popular)
- Canter Safari (mainly for Dhikala)
- Elephant Safari (limited, subject to forest authority)
- Walking Trails (in selected buffer areas)
Many tourists choose a mix of Corbett jeep safari and Canter safari Corbett.
- November to June – Best for wildlife and tiger sightings
- December to February – Cold but excellent photography
- March to June – Peak tiger movement
- Monsoon (July to September) – Many zones remain closed
Peak season for Corbett safari booking is winter and early summer.
- Bengal tigers
- Elephants
- Leopards
- Deer species
- Himalayan black bear (occasional)
- Crocodiles and gharials
- Over 550 bird species
This makes the park one of India’s best destinations for Corbett tiger safari.
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar
Both are well-connected for travelers booking Jim Corbett packages.
- Valid ID
- Safari permit
- Cap/hat and sunglasses
- Jacket (in winter)
- Camera and binoculars
- Water bottle