Jim Corbett National Park is not just India’s oldest national park. It is also the most loved. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Corbett has been thrilling wildlife lovers for nearly a century. The chance to see a Bengal tiger walking freely in the wild brings thousands of visitors every year.

At Indian Travellers, located at Unit no. 237, Raghuleela Mall, Kandivali West, Mumbai, we organize Jim Corbett safari packages for families, couples, and solo travellers. We know the park inside out – which zones are best, which gates to enter from, and where tigers are most frequently spotted.

In this blog, we will give you everything you need to plan your Corbett trip – zones, safari booking, best time, accommodation, and tips for a successful safari.

Why Jim Corbett is Special

Corbett is different from other national parks for many reasons.

The history: Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was renamed after Jim Corbett, the famous hunter-turned-conservationist who tracked man-eating tigers in this region.

The landscape: Corbett has a unique mix of hills, riverine belts, grasslands, and dense forests. The Ramganga river flows through the park, creating beautiful waterholes where animals gather.

The tiger density: Corbett has one of the highest tiger densities in India. With patience and a good guide, your chances of a sighting are excellent.

The birds: Over 600 bird species have been recorded here. Even if tigers are shy, bird watchers will have a field day.

Zones of Jim Corbett National Park

Corbett is divided into several zones. Each zone has different entry gates, landscapes, and animal sighting probabilities. Choosing the right zone is the most important decision for your Jim Corbett safari package.

Dhikala Zone – The Best Zone for Tigers

Dhikala is the largest and most famous zone of Corbett. It is located deep inside the park and offers the best chance of tiger sightings.

Why choose Dhikala: Open grasslands, multiple waterholes, and high tiger density. The sunset from Dhikala watchtower is unforgettable.

How to enter: Through Dhangarhi gate. You need special permission to stay overnight inside Dhikala.

Vehicle: Jeep only. Canter not allowed.

Best for: Serious wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Bijrani Zone – Second Best for Tiger Sightings

Bijrani was once a hunting ground for British officers. Today, it is one of the most popular zones for day safaris.

Why choose Bijrani: Dense forests, open meadows, and frequent tiger sightings. Entry is easier than Dhikala.

How to enter: Through Amdanda gate.

Vehicle: Jeep only.

Best for: Families and first-time visitors.

Jhirna Zone – Open All Year

Jhirna is the only zone in Corbett that remains open during the monsoon season (July to October). The landscape is dry and rocky.

Why choose Jhirna: Guaranteed access even in monsoon. Sloth bears and leopards are frequently seen here.

How to enter: Through the main Jhirna gate.

Vehicle: Jeep and cantor both allowed.

Best for: Monsoon travellers and those wanting to avoid crowds.

Dhela Zone – Newest Zone

Dhela was opened in 2014 and has quickly become popular for tiger sightings. It is located near the park’s southern boundary.

Why choose Dhela: Less crowded than Bijrani and Dhikala. Good for bird watching.

How to enter: Through Dhela gate.

Vehicle: Jeep only.

Best for: Bird watchers and those seeking quieter safaris.

Durga Devi Zone – For Bird Lovers

Durga Devi is located in the eastern part of Corbett along the Ramganga river. It is known for its bird life and scenic beauty.

Why choose Durga Devi: Excellent for bird watching. The riverine landscape is beautiful. Leopards and elephants are also seen.

How to enter: Through Durga Devi gate.

Vehicle: Jeep only.

Best for: Bird watchers and nature photographers.

Sitabani Buffer Zone – For Night Stay Inside Forest

Sitabani is not a core zone but a buffer area. It offers a unique experience – you can stay inside the forest in forest rest houses.

Why choose Sitabani: Night stays inside the jungle. The famous Sitabani Temple is located here.

How to enter: Through Sitabani gate.

Vehicle: Jeep only.

Best for: Couples and families wanting a unique forest stay experience.

How to Book Safaris for Jim Corbett

Safari bookings for Corbett open 90 days in advance and sell out very quickly, especially for Dhikala and Bijrani zones.

Online booking: The official website is the only way to book. We handle this for you in our Jim Corbett safari packages.

Offline booking: Not recommended. Most safaris are booked online months in advance.

Our process: When you book a Jim Corbett safari package with us, we handle all bookings – safaris, entry permits, guide fees, and vehicle allocation. You do not need to do anything.

Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett

November to February: Pleasant weather. Mornings and evenings are cold. Forests are green and lush. Tiger sightings are good. Best for families.

March to April: Weather starts getting warm. Vegetation dries up. Animals come to waterholes more frequently. Tiger sightings improve.

May to June: Very hot. This is the best time for tiger sightings. Animals spend most of the day near water. Book early as this is peak season.

July to October: Monsoon season. Only Jhirna zone remains open. Not recommended for first-time visitors.

Where to Stay for Your Corbett Safari

We offer different accommodation options in our Jim Corbett safari packages.

Forest rest houses inside the park: Dhikala, Gairal, Sarpduli. Basic but authentic. You wake up to jungle sounds. Must be booked months in advance.

Resorts near park gates: Luxury options near Dhangarhi, Amdanda, and Jhirna gates. Swimming pools, good food, and comfortable rooms.

Budget stays in Ramnagar town: Simple hotels for travellers on a tight budget. You drive 30-45 minutes to the park gate each morning.

What to Expect on a Corbett Safari

A typical safari day starts very early.

5:00 AM: Wake up. Quick tea and biscuits.

5:30 AM: Leave for the park gate. Your jeep and guide are waiting.

6:00 AM: Gates open. You enter the forest.

6:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Safari inside the park. Your guide communicates with other guides via walkie-talkie to track tiger movements.

10:00 AM: Exit the park. Return to your resort. Breakfast waiting for you.

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Rest. Afternoon lunch and some sleep.

3:00 PM: Afternoon tea.

3:30 PM: Leave for the evening safari.

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Evening safari. The light is beautiful for photography.

6:30 PM: Return to resort. Bonfire and dinner.

Tips for a Successful Corbett Safari

Book early: Dhikala zone safaris sell out within hours of opening. Book your Jim Corbett safari package at least 60 days in advance.

Choose the right zone: For tigers, choose Dhikala or Bijrani. For birds, choose Durga Devi. For monsoon, choose Jhirna.

Listen to your guide: Your guide knows the forest. When they stop or change direction, trust them.

Be patient: You may see nothing for 3 hours and then suddenly everything happens in 5 minutes.

Keep the jeep quiet: Silence is essential. Tigers hear you long before you see them.

Dress appropriately: Layers are good because mornings are cold and afternoons are warm. Neutral colours only.

What is Included in Our Jim Corbett Safari Package

Accommodation: 2 nights in a jungle resort or forest rest house as per your choice.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Safaris: 3 to 4 jeep safaris (morning and evening) with entry permits, guide, and vehicle.

Naturalist: Experienced naturalist for all safaris.

Transport: Pickup and drop from Ramnagar railway station.

From Mumbai: We can arrange train tickets from Mumbai to Ramnagar and back at additional cost.

Approximate cost: ₹8,000 to ₹18,000 per person for 2 nights depending on zone and accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many safaris should I book for Corbett?
For good chances of tiger sighting, book 3 to 4 safaris (2 mornings and 2 evenings over 2 days).

What is the best zone for tiger sighting in Corbett?
Dhikala is the best, followed by Bijrani.

Can I stay inside Jim Corbett National Park?
Yes, at Dhikala, Gairal, or Sarpduli forest rest houses. These must be booked 90 days in advance.

Is Corbett safe for families with children?
Yes. Families with children regularly visit Corbett. Children above 5 years are allowed on safaris.

What is the nearest railway station to Corbett?
Ramnagar railway station is just 20 minutes from the park gates. Trains from Delhi and Mumbai connect to Ramnagar.

Do I need to book safaris myself?
No. When you book a Jim Corbett safari package with us, we handle every single booking for you.

Ready for Your Corbett Adventure?

Jim Corbett is waiting to show you its tigers, elephants, birds, and breathtaking landscapes. Let Indian Travellers plan the perfect safari for you.

Call or WhatsApp: +91-797 775 0781

Email: indiantravellers2012@gmail.com

Visit our office: Unit no. 237, Raghuleela Mall, Kandivali West, Mumbai

Tell us how many days you have and which zone you prefer. We will send you a complete Corbett package within 24 hours.