About Jim Corbett National Park
🌲Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park and one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the country. Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, it is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve and is world-renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and successful tiger conservation efforts.
Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was later renamed in honor of Jim Corbett, the legendary British hunter-turned-conservationist who played a key role in wildlife protection in India. The park also became the launch site of Project Tiger in 1973, making it a landmark in global wildlife conservation.
🐯Wildlife & Biodiversity
Jim Corbett is best known for its Royal Bengal Tigers, but the park is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna:
🦌 Mammals
Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Deer species (Chital, Sambar, Hog Deer, Barking Deer), Wild Boar, Langur & Rhesus Macaque
🦅 Birds
With over 600 species of birds, Corbett is a paradise for birdwatchers:
Crested Serpent Eagle, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Great Hornbill, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers & Owls
🐊 Reptiles
Mugger Crocodile, Gharial, Indian Python
🌄 Landscape & Geography
The park covers an area of approximately 520 sq. km, featuring:
Dense Sal and teak forests
Open grasslands
River belts formed by the Ramganga River
Hills, marshlands, and valleys
This diverse terrain creates ideal habitats for wildlife and makes every safari experience unique.
Jim Corbett National Park Information
🚙 Corbett Safari Zones
These are the most popular zones where you get a private Jeep safari (Maximum 6 adults + 2 kids per Jeep):
Bijrani Zone
Jhirna Zone
Dhela Zone
Phanto Zone
Garjiya Zone
Pawalgarh Zone
Durgadevi Zone
🏞️ Safari zones are usually open from mid-October to mid-June, subject to weather and closures during monsoon due to safety reasons.
Note: Some sources may list slightly different zone names (e.g., Sitabani or Hathidagar buffer areas) – always check at the time of booking.
Dhikala Zone (Special Safari)
Dhikala Zone is one of the best areas for tiger sightings and open grasslands.
Jeep safari in Dhikala for day only is NOT available for general visitors — you usually need a night stay permit in the forest rest houses to avail a jeep safari there.
Canter Safari (open bus shared by ~16 people) is available for Dhikala and a great option for day
🕘 Corbett Safari Timings
Jeep Safari
Morning: ~05:30 AM – 09:30 AM to ~06:30 AM – 10:00 AM (varies by season)
Afternoon: ~01:30 PM – 05:00 PM to ~03:00 PM – 06:30 PM
(Safari timings are seasonal and change by forest department rules)
Canter Safari (Dhikala)
Morning: ~06:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Afternoon: ~12:30 PM – 05:30 PM
(Timings vary slightly between summer and winter)
💰 Corbett Safari Prices
Jeep Safari (Exclusive vehicle)
(Includes: permit, 4×4 Jeep, driver & entry taxes)
| Category | Approx Price |
|---|---|
| Indian Nationals | ~₹7,500 per Jeep (6 adults + 2 kids) |
| Foreign Nationals | ~₹14,000–₹15,000 per Jeep |
Prices can vary by provider, season, and booking platform.
Canter Safari (Dhikala)
(Seats ~16 people – good budget option)
| Category | Approx Price per Person |
|---|---|
| Indian Nationals | ~₹2,400–₹2,500 |
| Foreign Nationals | ~₹4,200–₹4,500 |
These prices include permit and canter entry charges
🧑💼 What’s Included / Excluded
Included
✔ Forest permit
✔ Safari vehicle or canter
✔ Driver & entry charges
Usually Excluded
✖ Guide fees (to be paid on spot sometimes)
✖ Hotel transfers or pick-ups
✖ Photo camera charges
✖ Meals or personal expenses
✖ GST or extra seasonal charges
✖ Night stay costs (for Dhikala rest houses)
📆 Safari Best Time & Permits
Best Time & Season
October to June – Best time for wildlife safaris
Summer (March–June) – Higher chances of tiger sightings
Winter (Nov–Feb) – Pleasant weather & excellent birding
Monsoon (July–Sept) – Core zones closed; buffer zones may remain open
Booking & Permits
Online booking is essential — safari slots are limited and popular, especially in peak season.
Permits are issued online; once approved, you must enter the park with an authorized 4×4 vehicle or canter.
Private vehicles are not allowed inside the reserve.
🐯 Tips for Safari Goers
✔ Arrive at least 30–45 minutes early before safari start time.
✔ Carry government-issued ID cards for all tourists.
✔ Don’t exit the vehicle inside the core forest — it’s unsafe and may result in fines.
✔ Morning safaris generally offer better animal sightings than afternoons.
✔ For best tiger sightings, Dhikala and Bijrani are often recommended, but availability is limited and booking tickets in advance is critical.
