The breathtaking Jim Corbett National Park, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is best known for housing the largest concentration of tigers of any Indian national park. Home to more than 480 different types of plants and 600 different species of birds, not including the many species of mammals and reptiles, Corbett Wildlife Sanctuary is one of India’s most popular and visited national parks. 

It was given its name in honour of Jim Corbett, a well-known naturalist and a legendary hunter of man-eating tigers in Kumaon. The park encompasses the scenic landscapes of Pauri Garhwal, Almora, and Nainital over a total area of 1,318.54 square kilometres, of which 520 square kilometres are designated as the core area. At the same time, the rest serves as the buffer zone.  

Jim Corbett National Park is a dream destination for many wildlife and adventure fans all over the globe because it provides a variety of exciting and nerve-wracking adventures. In addition to just enjoying the tranquillity of nature and seeing the wildlife in its natural environments, travellers can also engage in various activities, including rock climbing, rappelling, river rafting, and hiking through the forest. 

How to reach Jim Corbett National Park?

By air

Dehradun Airport in Uttrakhand is the closest airport, situated 156 kilometres from Jim Corbett. The closest international airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi which is 243 kilometres away. The airports in Delhi and Dehradun are both served by flights from all around the country. Roadways connect these airports to Jim Corbett, with a maximum travel time of 5 hours from one city to the next.

By train

Ramnagar, located around 12 kilometres from Corbett, is the closest railway station and is directly linked to the railway stations in Delhi. To go to Corbett from Delhi, use the Ranikhet Express, a direct train that travels between the two cities. The Ranikhet Express leaves Delhi at 10:50 PM. and arrives in Ramnagar at 04:35 AM; the return trip can be taken by catching the same train at 9:05 PM, which arrives in Delhi at 5:00 AM.

By road

Road travel is one of the most popular routes for travellers to reach Jim Corbett since it is linked to the National Highway (NH) 34 and a vast road network that connects all of the cities in the surrounding area. The journey by road from Delhi to Corbett is the one that offers the greatest degree of convenience. The trip, which covers 245 kilometres, takes around six hours to complete when en route on picturesque roads. ISBT Anand Vihar in New Delhi is a major transportation hub, and it is from there that many buses depart towards Corbett. Except for a small section near Ramnagar, the roads are generally in good shape.

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17 things to do in Jim Corbett National Park

Now, let’s look at the top adventures and exciting things to do in Jim Corbett. You can indulge in them with your family or friends in the Jim Corbett National Park. 

Jeep Safari 

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What better way to see the wildest and coolest residents of Jim Corbett National Park than on a Jeep Safari? The park’s 520 square kilometres are made up of meadows, hills, marshy areas, lakes, river belts, and massively dispersed rivers. Here, tigers reign supreme, and visitors can watch them from the safety of their jeeps.

For photographers who want to get up and personal with the treasured animals of the park, going on a Jeep Safari should be on the top of the list. There is a restriction that each jeep can only carry a maximum of 6 passengers, and the total number of jeeps in each zone is not permitted to exceed a particular limit at any moment in time.

  Jim Corbett Jeep Safari timing

• Morning (5:45 AM – 9:15AM)   
• Evening( 3:00 PM – 6:15 PM)

The national park is broken up into four distinct zones for Jeep Safari. To reserve a Jeep Safari in Jim Corbett online, you must provide the full names, ages, and genders of all guests and the identification documents of at least one person.

Elephant Safari 

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One of the most enjoyable activities in the Corbett Tiger Reserve is to take a ride on the back of an elephant while it is being driven by a skilled mahout. The elephant safari is the finest method to witness the forest since it takes an irregular path across the grassland (Chaurs) and the dense jungle. 

Elephant safari enables you to explore further into the bush and get extremely near to wildlife without frightening the animals away. A maximum of four persons are allowed in one elephant, and the safari takes place exclusively in the Dhikala and Bijrani zones, and it travels along a predetermined course to guarantee that travellers get the most out of the experience.

Elephant Safari Timings

• Morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM)
•  Evening (4.00 PM – 6.00 PM)

 

Mountain Biking 

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Do not pass up the opportunity of mountain biking in Jim Corbett if you are seeking an exciting new challenge. Feel the splendour of the natural world around you as you race through the wilderness on an exciting journey. Mountain riding requires bicycle equipped with specialised gearing and brakes. 

You will be travelling through the breathtaking landscape, and this activity will become more exciting once it is combined with the night camps that you will be visiting.  

Fishing and angling 

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Corbett is considered to be one of the popular places to go fishing and angling in all of India due to the existence of the Ramganga river in several locations around the region. The Ramganga river, which runs through the park, is home to a large population of fish, particularly Mahseer and Goonch. 

You are required to obtain permission from the forest officials to engage in fishing activities on the Ramganga and the Kosi Rivers, located close to the Corbett National Park. This is because the fishing points are located within the boundaries of the Corbett reserve forest. 

 

Camping 

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Spending your holiday camping in Corbett National Park is the best way to appreciate being surrounded by animals while also being in an atmosphere free of pollution. When you go camping in the park, you will have the opportunity to see some amazing birds and other wild species, in addition to the park’s breathtaking scenery.

Because the park is in such a delicate ecosystem, visitors must adhere to all of the park’s laws and regulations. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season. Before engaging in any extreme activity, you should always pay attention to the instructor. Do not generate noise or use a loud music system, and most importantly, do not throw waste about, not only at your campground but anyplace inside the park. 

River Crossing 

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River Crossing is a tremendously thrilling and soul-stirring experience. This is a great team-building exercise since everyone must work together to reach across the river and bring everyone back to safety. Between the two sides of the river, a cable is attached. Those who want to cross do so by standing on one cable and hanging onto the other. A combination of a slider or cable and a well-constructed harness ensures the safety of all.

You are also allowed to make the decision of the ideal location and have the choice to pick a shallow river crossing to make your voyage both secure and joyful. Those who are capable of swimming have a good cause to take part in this sport. It is up to you whether you want to cross all three rivers — the Ramganga, the Corbett, or the Kosi River — or just one of them. Another technique to go over the river is to construct a rope bridge by connecting one end of the rope to the other and then climbing across it while maintaining balance.

River Rafting

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Rafting down the Kosi River in Corbett National Park is one of the most breathtaking ways to see the river’s rapids, which range in difficulty from Class II to Class III. This activity is designed for everyone, whether they have prior experience or not. The months of June through September, which are known collectively as the “monsoon season,” are when this particular pastime is at its peak level of enjoyment.

River rafting is open to anyone of any age and skill level, so everyone may take part. You will get the opportunity to have a one-of-a-kind experience while simultaneously taking in breathtaking vistas of the natural world as the river winds its way through the woods and up the hills. 

Trekking 

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Due to the park’s diverse plant and animal life, breathtaking scenery, and calm atmosphere, hiking in Jim Corbett National Park is an ideal opportunity for people who enjoy being outdoors. It is an enriching journey to go trekking in and around Jim Corbett National Park since there is a river running on one side and a mountain that is sky high on the other. 

The region, which ranges in height from around 400 to 2,000 metres above sea level, is home to a wealth of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. You can pick a degree of trekking that is appropriate for your physical stamina and strength since there are several levels to choose from. If you are interested, you may contact a local camping services provider that can offer you a package that includes trekking.

 

Rock Climbing and Rappelling

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Rock climbing is a sport that requires utilising all of your body to climb up an uneven rock formation. Climbing rocks freehand and then rappelling back down from them needs a significant amount of upper body and lower body strength and somewhat vertical rocks. 

Corbett Park has an abundance of irregular vertical rock formations, and the rugged landscape makes it an ideal location for rock climbing and rappelling. As a result, it is a popular destination for the sport. From the top of a rock, you will have a wonderful chance to take in the breathtaking scenery of the mountains and vegetation around you.

Bird Watching

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While Corbett is best known for its jungle safaris, it is also becoming more popular with birdwatchers. As one of the most important parks for birds in the world, Corbett National Park has been designated as an “Important Bird Area” (IBA) by Birdlife International. The best time to go bird-watching in Corbett and the surrounding environs is between November and March. During the winter, you can witness a variety of birds, both local and migratory.

With the Indo-Gangetic plains, a variety of water sources, thick Sal woods, hilly vegetation, and grasslands present in the Corbett area, it is ideal for bird viewing both within and outside of Corbett National Park. More than 600 kinds of birds, including the dove, chat, robin, sparrow, eagle, hornbill, steak eater, babbler, and kingfisher, call the Corbett region home. If you’re fortunate, you could see a White Stork, Black-Crowned Night Heron, Cinnamon Bittern, Cattle Egret, or Great White Pelican—all of which are at risk of extinction.

Corbett Fall 

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To spend a memorable time with friends and family is going on a picnic to Corbett Falls. This waterfall offers a breathtaking panorama that showcases the pristine natural surroundings of Jim Corbett park. The majority of visitors come here to camp with their families or groups of friends. If you too want to have the nicest recollections of a trip, you must go to this fantastic location. This location is also accessible by automobile for those who have one. You can park your vehicle at one of the numerous lots and then reach the waterfall on foot in only a few minutes.

Corbett Museum 

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Located four km from Corbett Falls, the Jim Corbett Museum, located in the vicinity of Kaladhungi and Choti Haldwani, is the former home of Jim Corbett. The renowned hunter rose to prominence due to his success in tracking down and killing many man-eating tigers and leopards. The dreaded Champawat Tigress, involved in an estimated 436 deaths in Nepal and the Kumaon region of India in 1907, was famously shot by Jim Corbett in a fierce struggle.

Visitors get to see Jim Corbett’s personal belongings, including his rifle, hat, bag, fishing net, drawings, sketches, and writings, and the location of his last hunt. While you are here, you will also come across a local store that offers a variety of locally hand-crafted things and can purchase them as a memento of your time spent here.

Timings of Jim Corbett Museum

Summers : 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Winters: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Entry Fee – Indian Rs 10/-, Foreigner Rs 50/- and Student Rs 3/-

 

Dhikala Zone 

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The Dhikala Forest Lodge is one of the most popular places to stay when visiting Jim Corbett National Park. It is a well-known zone to see the Bengal tiger, spotted deers, Dhikala Chair, and the uncommon Hog deer. Dhikala is accessible to visitors from the 15th of November through the 15th of June and is situated 30 kilometres inside the Dhangari gate. Canter safaris are exclusively offered in the tourist zone of Dhikala.

At the Dhikala Forest Lodge, the accommodations are segmented into six distinct wings, with a total of 32 private rooms and two dorms with a combined total of 12 bunk beds. A canteen that is operated by KMVN is also located at Dhikala, in addition to a restaurant that offers buffet-style meals. Inside Jim Corbett, you are not allowed to bring in any alcoholic beverages or anything that is not vegetarian.

Bijrani Zone 

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One of the most significant regions inside Jim Corbett National Park is called Bijrani. After Dhikala, this is the most productive region for seeing the Royal Bengal Tiger. In addition to the Chital, Sambar, and the very uncommon Hog deer, this area is characterised by its abundance of Sal trees and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. 

Birdwatchers visit the Bijrani zone in large numbers because it is home to nearly 600 distinct species of migratory and endangered birds. The area has two woodland rest homes, both of which are open to travellers as potential places to stay. The Bijrani zone cannot be entered without obtaining valid permission for the safari. Visitors need to be accompanied by a guide and have access to a safari vehicle to enter the zone. 

Jhirna Zone 

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Within Corbett National Park, the Jhirna safari zone is one of the five tourist zones that are accessible to the general public. It is well known for having sightings of sloth bears and tigers. This area is known for its dry deciduous forest, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, deer, nilgai, and chital. Bird watchers frequent the area since it is home to a variety of uncommon and migratory species.

The Jhirna zone cannot be entered without obtaining valid entrance permission for the safari. Visitors need to be accompanied by a guide and have access to a safari vehicle to enter the zone. Making prior reservations for safaris during July and September is impossible. This is because safaris cannot be postponed or cancelled due to inclement weather on any given day.

Durga Devi Zone 

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A distance of 30 kilometres separates the city of Ramnagar and the entrance gate to the Durgadevi zone. This location is popular for ecotourism since it is hilly and has many rivers and streams that run through it. This area is well-known for seeing Mahseer fish as well as a variety of birds. Roads provide convenient access to Durga Devi, and the Ramnagar headquarters of the Corbett National Park authorities allow tourists to make reservations for safaris within the park.

Lohachaur Forest Rest House is located inside the range and allows visitors to spend the night there. The pre-booking facility for a Safari in Durga Devi Range allows visitors to enjoy wildlife rides on Jeeps and elephants during a safari in Durga Devi Range. Visitors can also take jeep safaris. All reservations will be handled at the Ramnagar office. 

The Durga Devi Zone is available to visitors from the 15th of October through the 15th of June. During the monsoon, the zone is closed. In the Durga Devi zone, there are only two safaris operating at any time throughout the day.

Garjiya Devi Temple 

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Amid the Kosi River is an ancient temple known as the Garjiya Devi, devoted to the goddess Girjiya. This temple is considered to be one of India’s 108 Shakti Peeth, which are places of spiritual significance (literally meaning, daughter of the mountain, a name of Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva). When it rains, the river floods up and surrounds the temple completely. The illustrious Girija Devi temple can be found in the Garjiya hamlet next to Ramnagar. It is around 14 kilometres away, and it is located just outside the Jim Corbett National Park next to NH 121.

After paying their respects to Maa Garjiya Devi at the temple, visitors often go to the nearby Kosi river to wash off in the pristine water. The Garjiya Devi shrine can be reached by ascending around sixty stairs. In most cases, puffed rice is presented as an offering to the deity, and one can purchase it at any of the many makeshift shops close to the temple. A piece of red fabric with golden borders (known as the Goddess Chunari) is also presented to the Devi. Devotees think that tying this piece of cloth on the grill that surrounds the temple would bring their wishes to fruition, so they attach it there after the offering has been made to the Devi.

 

FAQs

What is the best time of the year to spot tigers in Jim Corbett?

November through June is the perfect time to visit Jim Corbett National Park and perhaps sight a Royal Bengal tiger. These are the only months during which the park is accessible to travellers for wild safaris. The majority of the park is off-limits to visitors during the off-season.

What kind of weather might one anticipate in Jim Corbett?

The lowest temperature in the morning during the winter is four degrees Celsius, while the rest of the day is comfortable and bright. Maximum summer temperatures can reach up to 42 degrees Celsius.

Which parts of the Corbett Tiger Reserve are designated as tourist areas?

Bijrani, Jhirna, Durgadevi, Dhikala, and Sitabani are the names of the five zones that make up the Corbett Tiger Reserve's exclusive tourism zones. The new tourist zone, which has been given the name Dhela, has also been opened by the forest department recently.

Can I use my entrance permit to access all 5 zones, or do I need separate permits for each?

Only the zone that was reserved in advance can be entered with the permit. Tourists are not permitted to enter any of the four restricted zones.

Is there access to an ATM in Jim Corbett?

Yes, there are several ATMs around Jim Corbett National Park, mostly in Ramnagar.

Are mobile phones permitted during a jeep safari?

Visitors are permitted to bring mobile phones on park trips; however, they must not play any kind of music or sound.

When are the days when the Corbett Tiger Reserve Safari does not operate?

On the day of the Holi celebration, visitors to the Corbett Tiger Reserve would not be permitted to enter the park. From the 15th of June through the 14th of November, visitors are not permitted to stay the night in any of the Corbett Tiger Reserve's zones.

Where can one stay inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve?

There are accommodations available inside the forest's main region. Tourists can stay at certified forest lodges, including Dhikala, Jhirna, Sultan, and Gairal. In addition to these forest lodges, the borders of Corbett also have many other luxurious resorts. You can email a request for a reservation in advance.

How can I get a vehicle for the safari?

Personal cars are not permitted inside Corbett Tiger Reserve. Tourists can only rent registered safari vehicles at the Ramnagar Reception Office or Amdanda Gate. Vehicle rental does not provide a reservation in advance.

How can we get a Nature Guide or Naturalist for our visit?

During travels to Corbett Tiger Reserve, it is required to be accompanied by a Registered Guide/Naturalist. After each safari, the Guide charge must be paid directly to the Guide. Guides will be provided at the Amdanda and Jhirna access points. Guides for Dhikala should be arranged to be picked up at Amdanda Gate.

Is there a concession for children visiting the Corbett Tiger Reserve?

Children under the age of five are excluded from entrance fees and elephant riding fees.

Do the Forest Rest Houses have a cafeteria?

Canteen facilities are only provided at Gairal and Dhikala. KMVN.Ltd. is in charge of managing the Canteens. In other locations, cooking facilities are given, but visitors must provide their provisions. The room attendants may assist with cooking if required.

Does Jim Corbett provide cab services?

No. Inside the Jim Corbett National Park, guided jeep safaris are offered for observing animals only. As personal cars are not permitted into Jim Corbett National Park, automobile rental services are available from Ramnagar for local tourism.

What additional locations are in and surrounding Jim Corbett?

Jim Corbett is within a stone's throw away from the famed Garjia Temple. The distance between the National Park and the beautiful hill resort of Nainital is 75 kilometres. Additionally, Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, and Sattal are located close to Nainital. Ranikhet is an additional highland station 95 kilometres from Jim Corbett.