4.3 / 5

Jim Corbett National Park

📍 Jim Corbett National Park, UttarakhandView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:November to June

⏰ Open Hours:6:00 AM to 9:30 AM, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM

🏞 Things To Do:Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari, Bird Watching, Nature Walks

💰 Budget:Entry fee INR 200 per person, Jeep Safari INR 4500 per jeep, Elephant Safari INR 3500 per elephant

🧳 Traveller Types:Family, Solo, Couples, Nature Lovers, Wildlife Photographers

🔍 Known For:First National Park of India, Rich biodiversity, Home to Royal Bengal Tigers, Bird Watching Paradise

🚉 Distances:From Ramnagar Railway Station - 12 km, Pantnagar Airport - 50 km, Nainital - 65 km

🌐 Official Website:http://www.corbettnationalpark.in/

📌 Tips:Carry Binoculars, Follow Park Rules, No Private Vehicles Allowed, Best to book safaris in advance

🌿 Flora and Fauna:Over 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna

📷 Photography:Allowed, but not allowed to use flash while capturing animals

Have questions about Jim Corbett National Park?Ask the Tripoto Community ›
Jim Corbett National Park: A Wildlife Paradise in the Foothills of the Himalayas

Are you looking for a thrilling and memorable adventure in the lap of nature? Do you want to witness the majestic beauty and diversity of India’s oldest and most famous tiger reserve? If yes, then Jim Corbett National Park is the perfect destination for you.

Jim Corbett National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and a national park located in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India. It is named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, who played a key role in establishing the park in 1936 as the first Project Tiger reserve in India. The park covers an area of over 520 square kilometers and is home to more than 650 species of animals, birds, reptiles, and plants. It is one of the few places in the world where you can spot the elusive and endangered Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat.

Jim Corbett National Park offers a variety of attractions and activities for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. You can explore the park’s rich biodiversity and scenic beauty through various safari options such as jeep safari, elephant safari, or canter safari. You can also enjoy other activities such as river rafting, bird watching, fishing, camping, or trekking. You can also stay in one of the many forest rest houses or resorts that offer comfortable accommodation and stunning views of the park.

In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to Jim Corbett National Park and its tourism aspects. We will tell you everything you need to know about the park’s history, location, zones, wildlife, safari options, accommodation options, weather, how to reach, and travel tips. We will also share some interesting facts and insights that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. So, let’s get started!

Why Visit Jim Corbett National Park?

Jim Corbett National Park is not just a wildlife sanctuary or a national park. It is a wildlife paradise that offers an unparalleled experience of nature and adventure. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Jim Corbett National Park:

Witness the Royal Bengal Tiger: Jim Corbett National Park is one of the best places in the world to see the Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. The park has a healthy population of around 250 tigers that roam freely in the dense forests and grasslands. You can spot them from a safe distance during your safari or from your forest rest house balcony. Seeing a tiger in its glory is a sight that you will never forget.

Explore the Rich Biodiversity: Jim Corbett National Park is not only about tigers. It is also home to a variety of other animals such as leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, bears, jackals, wild boars, and more. You can also see more than 600 species of birds such as eagles, owls, kingfishers, parakeets, hornbills, etc. The park also boasts of a diverse flora that includes sal trees, bamboo groves, orchids, ferns, etc.

Enjoy the Scenic Beauty: Jim Corbett National Park is blessed with a stunning landscape that consists of hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and grasslands. The park is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks. The park also has several water bodies such as the Ramganga River, Kosi River, Dhikala Lake, etc. that add to its charm and tranquility.

Experience the Adventure: Jim Corbett National Park is not just a place to see wildlife. It is also a place to experience adventure and thrill. You can choose from various safari options such as jeep safari, elephant safari, or canter safari that will take you deep into the park’s wilderness. You can also enjoy other activities such as river rafting on the Kosi River or fishing on the Ramganga River. You can also go for camping or trekking in the park’s buffer zone or nearby areas.

Learn about the History and Culture: Jim Corbett National Park has a rich history and culture that dates back to centuries. The park was named after Jim Corbett who was born in Nainital in 1875 and spent most of his life in this region. He was a renowned hunter who later became a conservationist and an author. He wrote several books about his hunting expeditions and his encounters with man-eating tigers and leopards. He also helped establish the park as India’s first Project Tiger reserve in 1936. You can learn more about his life and legacy at his museum in Kaladhungi or his winter home in Chhoti Haldwani.

Relax and Rejuvenate: Jim Corbett National Park is not only a place to see and do things. It is also a place to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. You can stay in one of the many forest rest houses or resorts that offer comfortable accommodation and stunning views of the park. You can also enjoy the local cuisine and culture of the Kumaon region. You can also indulge in some spa or yoga sessions or simply soak in the natural beauty and serenity of the park.

How to Plan Your Trip to Jim Corbett National Park?

Jim Corbett National Park is a popular tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors every year. To make the most of your trip, you need to plan it well in advance and follow some guidelines. Here are some tips on how to plan your trip to Jim Corbett National Park:

Choose the Right Zone:

Jim Corbett National Park is divided into six tourism zones that have different characteristics and attractions. They are Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Durgadevi, Dhela, and Sonanadi. Each zone has its own entry gate, safari timings, and accommodation facilities. You need to choose the zone that suits your preferences and availability. Here is a brief overview of each zone:

Photo of Jim Corbett National Park 1/2 by

Dhikala: Dhikala is the largest and most popular zone in Jim Corbett National Park. It is located at the core area of the park and offers the best chances of spotting a tiger. It also has a variety of other wildlife such as elephants, deer, crocodiles, etc. It also has the most scenic views of the park such as the Ramganga River, Dhikala Lake, etc. Dhikala zone is open from mid-November to mid-June and can be accessed only by canter safari or by staying in one of the forest rest houses.

Bijrani: Bijrani is another popular zone in Jim Corbett National Park that is known for its high density of tigers and other animals. It is located near the Ramnagar town and offers a diverse terrain of forests, grasslands, and streams. Bijrani zone is open from October to June and can be accessed by jeep safari or by staying in one of the forest rest houses.

Jhirna: Jhirna is a buffer zone in Jim Corbett National Park that is open throughout the year. It is located near the southern boundary of the park and offers a good chance of seeing wildlife such as deer, monkeys, wild boars, etc. It also has some attractions such as an old temple, a waterfall, etc. Jhirna zone can be accessed by jeep safari or by staying in one of the forest rest houses.

Durgadevi: Durgadevi is another buffer zone in Jim Corbett National Park that is open from October to June. It is located near the northern boundary of the park and offers a challenging terrain of hills, valleys, and rivers. Durgadevi zone is ideal for bird watching as it has more than 400 species of birds such as eagles, owls, kingfishers, etc. Durgadevi zone can be accessed by jeep safari or by staying in one of the forest rest houses.

Dhela: Dhela is a new buffer zone in Jim Corbett National Park that was opened in 2014. It is located near the Jhirna zone and offers a similar landscape of forests and grasslands. Dhela zone is open throughout the year and can be accessed by jeep safari or by staying in one of the forest rest houses.

Sonanadi: Sonanadi is another buffer zone in Jim Corbett National Park that is open throughout the year. It is located near the western boundary of the park and offers a pristine environment of forests and rivers. Sonanadi zone is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife photographers as it has a rich flora and fauna such as tigers, leopards, elephants, etc. Sonanadi zone can be accessed by jeep safari or by staying in one of the forest rest houses.

Book Your Safari and Accommodation:

Jim Corbett National Park is a highly regulated area that requires prior booking for safari and accommodation. You need to book your safari and accommodation online through the official website of Jim Corbett National Park or through authorized travel agents or tour operators. You need to book your safari and accommodation at least 45 days in advance for Indian nationals and 90 days in advance for foreign nationals. You also need to carry your valid ID proof such as passport, voter ID card, driving license, etc. along with your booking confirmation at the time of entry.

Choose the Best Safari Option:

Jim Corbett National Park offers three types of safari options: jeep safari, elephant safari, and canter safari. Each safari option has its own advantages and disadvantages. You need to choose the best safari option that suits your budget, availability, and preference.

What Else to Do in Jim Corbett National Park?

Jim Corbett National Park is not only a place to see wildlife but also a place to do many other things that will make your trip more fun and memorable. Here are some of the other activities and attractions that you can enjoy in and around the park:

Photo of Jim Corbett National Park 2/2 by

River Rafting:

If you are looking for some adrenaline rush, you can try river rafting on the Kosi River that flows along the park’s boundary. You can experience the thrill of riding the rapids and splashing through the water. River rafting is available from October to June and can be booked through local operators or resorts. River rafting costs around Rs. 1000 per person for a 10 km stretch.

Bird Watching:

If you are fond of birds, you can indulge in bird watching in Jim Corbett National Park. The park has more than 600 species of birds that can be seen throughout the year. You can spot colorful and exotic birds such as eagles, owls, kingfishers, parakeets, hornbills, etc. You can also visit the nearby Corbett Waterfall or Garjiya Devi Temple that are popular birding spots. You can carry your own binoculars or rent them from local shops or resorts.

Fishing:

If you are interested in fishing, you can try your luck on the Ramganga River that flows through the park. The river is home to several fish species such as mahseer, catfish, trout, etc. You can enjoy fishing in a serene and scenic environment with the permission of the park authorities. Fishing is allowed from October to June and can be booked through local operators or resorts. Fishing costs around Rs. 500 per person per day.

Camping:

If you want to have an adventurous and eco-friendly stay in the park, you can opt for camping in Jim Corbett National Park. You can stay in temporary tents that are set up inside or outside the park’s boundary by private operators or local communities. You can enjoy the basic amenities such as mattresses, blankets, toilets, etc. You can also enjoy the authentic experience of living in nature and interacting with locals. Camping is available throughout the year and can be booked online through their own websites or through third-party platforms. Camps charge around Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000 per person per night depending on their location and facilities.

Trekking:

If you want to explore the park’s buffer zone or nearby areas on foot, you can go for trekking in Jim Corbett National Park. You can choose from various trails that range from easy to difficult and offer different views and experiences of the park’s landscape and wildlife. You can also hire a guide or join a group for safety and guidance. Trekking is available throughout the year and can be booked through local operators or resorts. Trekking costs around Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per person per day depending on the trail and duration.

Planning a Trip to Jim Corbett? This Extensive Guide Is the Only Thing You'll Need!

How to Reach

There are different ways to reach Jim Corbett National Park from Delhi. The most convenient way is by road, which takes around 6 hours. You can drive your own car or take a bus or a taxi. The shortest route is Delhi - Gajraula - Moradabad - Kashipur - Ramnagar.

Another way is by train, which takes around 5 hours. You can take a train from New Delhi to Ramnagar, which is the nearest railway station to the park. There are regular trains that connect the two cities through New Delhi.

The least preferred way is by flight, which takes around 4 hours. You can take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun, which is the nearest airport to the park. Then you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Ramnagar, which is around 156 km away

Jim Corbett National Park is a wildlife paradise that offers an unparalleled experience of nature and adventure. It is one of the best places in India to see the Royal Bengal Tiger and other animals and birds in their natural habitat. It also offers a variety of attractions and activities such as safari, rafting, fishing, camping, trekking, etc. that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.

You may also like to check out: 6 Things To Do in Jim Corbett National Park

If you are planning to visit Jim Corbett National Park, you need to book your safari and accommodation well in advance and follow some guidelines and tips that we have provided in this article. You also need to carry your valid ID proof and booking confirmation at the time of entry.

We hope this article helps you with your trip planning and gives you some useful information and insights about Jim Corbett National Park. If you have any questions or feedbacks for us please let us know in the comments section below.

Thank you for reading this article and choosing Tripoto as your travel partner. We wish you a happy and safe journey to Jim Corbett National Park!

Jim Corbett National Park Reviews

The famous park got established in 1936 as the Hailey National Park. After India’s independence, the park was named as Ramganga National Park but later in 1956, it was renamed after the famous hunter turned conservationist and author Jim Corbett, who played a major role in the establishment of national park. It is one of the most renowned Wildlife sanctuaries in India. The park contains 488 different species of plants and wide variety of wild life including elephant, tiger, chital, Sambar Deer, Nilgai, Gharial, King Cobra, Muntjac, wild bear, Hedgehog, common musk shrew, Flying fox, Indian Pangolin and around 600 species of birds. Jim Corbett National park covers an area of 521 square kilometres and acts as a protected area of critically endangered Royal Bengal Tiger of India. This national park is one of the well managed and protected areas in the country and attracts thousands of Indian and foreign visitors each year. Jim Corbett National park is in the foothills of Himalayan belt and has various geographical and ecological characteristics with splendid landscapes. There are four gates which lead people to Jim Corbett National park and these are Amanda gate, Dhangarhi gate, Khara gate and Durga Devi gate. We roamed the park for few hours and then we returned back to Ramnagar after visiting the park. This ride was really exciting and I was very happy and so was my parents. We have experienced that visit to the park is always nice either in the early morning or late afternoon as animals usually come out of deep forest in the evening and stay in the open place till sunshine gets bright. Colourful birds were also seen as they were moving to their homes. We have witnessed a few wild life creatures & birds in the late afternoon onwards. At around 1900 hours, we reached our guest house, we spent a little time leisurely and local officials advised us to leave early to reach Nainital to avoid any road block and it will be convenient to reach and we can make a small visit to the places around Nainital. Then we requested to serve our dinner and after having the dinner, we slept early as we have to wake up in the early morning. It is advised, visitor should take safeguard measures by inspecting the each & every corners before going to bed, if anyone stays in a guest house in the forest.Then next day, we all woke up early in the morning to leave as early as possible. We got fresh, had our breakfast and then at 0900 hours, we left the guest house for Nainital after having a pleasantry exchanges with the local officials. We board in our cab and proceeded towards Nainital; but I will never forget my safari ride in the national park; it was truly wonderful and amazing. While entering Nainital, we enjoyed the surroundings with greenery, breathing fresh air and soft feeling on our eyes. Here the clouds were moving across the mountains by touching the hill top and the trees. It was touching us so cool, one gets emotional. It was so beautiful scene and a wonderful feeling. The roads were so smooth that made the journey excellent. The driver was also an expert in driving in hilly areas and took all precautionary measures while driving in the den of hills.
Our Jeep safari began the next day at 5.30am. With a lot of anticipation and our cameras ready to capture the jungle, we began our open jeep ride through the dense forest. Easy to spot were lots of monkeys and deers (spotted deers, barking deers and one more species whose name i have forgotten!!). However my eyes were peeled wide open for any glimpse of the TIGER! Our driver said that monkeys and deers are best friends in the jungle. If the tiger is spotted, the monkeys will start making a sound to alert the deers. If there is no sound then there is no hope of spotting a tiger. Great! Now my eyes and EARS were on high alert as well. A little ahead we spotted a wild elephant, a peacock and even wild hens!! No Tiger yet. Halfway down the jungle we crossed an open river bed and spotted some tiger pug marks!! Finally I thought something to talk about!! A jeep crossing us said a tiger had been spotted on top of a hill, so we raced towards that spot, only to find 20 more jeeps already parked at the bottom of the hill. On top of the hill, at a very far distance, could make out an animal lying down. Come on, get up, do something, i kept praying silently but to no avail. Thanks to the crowd and all the people making a big noise and racket and talking and laughing and creating a circus, whatever that animal was had no intention of showing itself!! Why can’t people just be quite and shut up, this is a jungle safari not a circus!! At last a few jeeps went away as they got bored. We decided to wait patiently for a few more mins. And at last, Mr Tiger wagged his tail, got up for a few seconds to change sides and then went back to lying down!! It was a very far glimpse and could not get a clear picture, but yes yes yes we did see a TIGER!! Yippee my excitement was sky high. Finally I have something to boast about back home, i said :)
I reached Ramnagar at around 11am, I went to Jim Corbett but the Jeep Jungle Safari was already full & I had to go back. I asked a Cobbler boy(7)(very nice guy) is there any other place to go nearby he told me there is one Durga Devi temple near & also you can go to Corbett Falls, I told him I will go to Durga Devi Temple, he told me also to pray for him when I go there, I reached temple at around 12:45pm, but it was too rush, so I decided to come back & go to Corbett Falls as I had not much time. So went to Corbett falls, reached there at around 3:30pm after having lunch etc When I saw Corbett Falls way & Corbett Falls I was thrilled to see it, it is extremely beautifully, I was there for around half & hour and after that there came 5 boys(8)who were from UP, we had chat they asked me from where I am, when I told them that I am alone & came from Thane, they very surprised that I alone came this long way. Looking at my excitement for waterfall they told me I can go & swim there, I wasted no time & went under the waterfall and asked them to take my pictures, it was great feeling After all that they told me where is my next destination I told them I want to go to Dehradun & Mussoorie, so they told me that they can drop me in their car till Haldwani and from Haldwani they told me to take auto till Kathgodham & from there I will get train to Dehradun. So they dropped me till Haldwani & from there I went by auto to Kathgodham Train Station. I was standing in queue of Current Ticket Booking & after 10-15mins there came one person who was having 2 sleeper class tickets from Kathgodham till Dehradun, I just took this opportunity & took 1 ticket and also found another person who took the other ticket, went comfortably sleeping till Dehradun
it was a weekend trip from our institute in Kanpur in June 2016. we started our journey on Friday by train from Kanpur to Moradabad and reached Moradabad by 2 A.M. in morning of Saturday. and then took a bus for Ramnagar which is around 81 KM away from it (around 2.5 hours journey), so finally we reached Ramnagar around 5 A.M. and was all set to start our first safari in the morning as we had a good sleep on the train. Park office normally opens around 6-6.30 A.M (you need to get some official stamp papers to start your safari), so in meantime, we did our breakfast as normally market opens around 4 A.M., buy fruits and other stuff for dinner ( we booked our accommodation in park itself in Jhirna zone and you don't get any eatables in the park ) and booked our jeep as there is a limit on number of jeeps which can enter the park at one point of time. Tip:-For the greater experience of the park, try to book your accommodation in the park itself and they open booking for the day 2 days prior to it and their site is worse than IRCTC. so try to book it patiently and if possible try your accommodation in Dhikala or bijrani (Corbett has 4 zones) as from these zones you can have elephant safari in the morning.
Jim Corbett National Park, which is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve, a Project Tiger Reserve lies in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The magical landscape of Corbett is well known and fabled for its tiger richness. Established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park, Corbett has the glory of being India’s oldest and most prestigious National Park. It is also being honored as the place where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973. This unique tiger territory is best known as the father who gave birth of the Project Tiger in India to protect the most endangered species and the Royal of India called Tigers. Spans over an extent of 520 square kilometers, its whole area comprises of hills, marshy depressions, riverine belts, grasslands and large lake. It is among the few tiger reserves in India that allows overnight stays in the lap of the National Park. Nature watch and wildlife viewing in the park is done in an open four wheeler Jeep and on elephant back. Sheltering a healthy population of tigers and rare species like Otters and the endemic fish eating crocodile, the national park is one of the most sought after destinations for the wildlife buffs. Dhikala, situated at the border of the extensive Patil Dun valley, is the most popular destination in Corbett because of its superb location and sheer abundance of wildlife present.
Photos of Jim Corbett National Park
Planning a trip soon?
Unlock the Perfect Getaway with us
See Packages for Ramnagar

Places To Visit In Uttarakhand