Jungle Safaris at Corbett National Park

Exploring the inhabitants of the forest is best done through Jungle Safaris. These tours infuse an extra thrill and enjoyment into the journey. Various methods can be employed to traverse the Jim Corbett National Park, with the endorsement of Jeep Safari being prominent. Embark on an exploration of the diverse flora and fauna within the Jim Corbett National Park through the exhilarating experience of Jeep Safari. This safari unveils the enchanting beauty of the park nestled in India. A Wildlife Safari in this park is a true delight for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers alike.

Away from the routine of everyday life, the Corbett Jeep Safari offers a journey into a world untouched by modernization. It delves into the pristine wilderness that still thrives within the Jim Corbett National Park. The Indian wildlife safari ventures into the heart of this wilderness, where four species of deer including sambhar, spotted deer, barking deer, and hog deer, along with sloth bear, wild boars, freshwater dolphins, leopards, marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles, over 625 species of birds, and the elusive, nocturnal Royal Bengal tiger, all find their sanctuary amidst the lush greenery of the Jim Corbett National Park.

Park Safari Schedule

Safaris within the Park are typically scheduled from sunrise to sunset. The entry gates typically open between 0500 and 0600 hrs in the morning and remain accessible until 0900 to 1100 hrs. In the afternoon, the park's timings usually extend from 1430 to 1730. These timings may vary locally depending on the season, and updates are provided by the forest authorities of Corbett.

Choosing The Seasons

• Winter (September - March): Clear and pleasant days with cold nights. Ideal for bird-watching and Tiger sightings.
• Summer (April to June): Hot days accompanied by pleasant nights. Perfect for observing animals, particularly Tigers.
• Monsoon (July - August): Humid days and nights. Ideal for walks and trekking. With fewer crowds, there's a higher probability of animal sightings, Also great for observing flora.

Booking Procedure

All safaris must be reserved 45 days in advance. There are limitations on the number of vehicles allowed to enter each zone, and these restrictions are strictly enforced. Reservations require detailed information for all participants along with government-approved ID proofs.

Advance Booking of Jeep Safari

• Advanced booking for Jeep Safaris in Corbett National Park is available for safaris in Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Durgadevi Zones.
• Once booked, reservations cannot be cancelled and are non-refundable. Advanced deposits must include complete details of all members participating in the safari.
• To avoid any inconvenience during your park visit due to limited vehicle permits, we kindly request that you provide your details well in advance.
• Please ensure you carry the provided ID at the time of the safari. For advance bookings, Indian nationals must provide a photo ID such as a Driving License, Voter ID, or PAN card, including the ID number, date of birth, full name, gender, and expiry date.
• Foreign nationals must provide passport details, including the passport number, full name, gender, date of issue and expiry, date of birth, and nationality for morning jeep safaris.
• Advance bookings for safaris can be made up to 45 days in advance for both foreign nationals and Indian nationals. However, it is advisable to submit your application to the forest department as soon as you decide on the safari to improve the chances of confirmation.

The Corbett National Park is partitioned into eight ecotourism zones to effectively manage tourism within the tiger reserve area. These zones include Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Garjiya, Sitabani, Pakhro, Dhela, and Durga Devi. Forest officials from the Corbett Tiger Reserve organize safari tours in two shifts across all ecotourism zones. To maintain a balanced tourist flow, only a limited number of safari jeeps are permitted in each zone. Each zone possesses its own unique natural allure, characterized by distinct landscapes and wildlife. While the topography varies slightly between zones, the likelihood of spotting tigers remains relatively consistent across all areas, given their shared geographical terrain.

Dhikala Zone - Entry Gate: Dhangadi Gate , 32 Km from The Riverview Retreat:

• Open Period for Safari Tour - 15th November to 15th June
• Safari Offered -Day Canter Safari Only (No Jeep Safari)

The Dhikala zone holds a prestigious status among all the tourist zones within the Corbett National Park. It is highly coveted for both day safaris and overnight stays at the Dhikala forest rest house. Nestled on the periphery of the Patil Dun valley, the Dhikala zone stands as the largest zone within the Corbett National Park, boasting a rich persity of flora and fauna. Its landscape, characterized by expansive grasslands known as Chaurs, dense Sal tree forests, and meandering channels of the Ramganga River, offers a captivating spectacle of nature.

The panoramic vista of the broad valley against the backdrop of the Kanda Ridge is truly breathtaking. Renowned for its exceptional tiger sightings, the Dhikala zone is the preferred choice for wildlife enthusiasts seeking overnight accommodations. Other wildlife commonly spotted in this region includes wild elephants, Spotted Deer, Wild pigs, Hog Deer, and Barking Deer. Lucky visitors may even witness a tiger in pursuit of prey amidst the grasslands or alongside the water streams. Moreover, the zone is teeming with a perse array of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. While day visitors do not have access to jeep safaris in the Dhikala zone, they can partake in day tours via Canter safaris provided by the forest officials of the Dhikala zone.

Bijrani Zone, Entry Gate: Amdanda Gate, Distance From Ramnagar: 2 Km

• Open Period for Safari Tour - 15th October to 30th June

The Bijrani zone stands as a formidable contender in terms of its breathtaking natural vistas and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the majestic Royal Bengal tiger, akin to the Dhikala zone. It ranks among the most popular zones and attracts a high number of day safari tourists. Adorned with captivating landscapes, this zone offers a tranquil and serene ambiance amidst the forest. Its unique charm lies in the perse range of wildlife species that inhabit the region, further enhancing its allure within the Corbett landscape. Featuring expansive grasslands, dense Sal forests, and meandering water streams, the topography of the Bijrani zone rivals that of the Dhikala zone in attractiveness. Besides its enchanting scenery, Bijrani boasts a considerable population of tigers, making it an optimal zone for tiger sightings. Day visitors can partake in jeep safaris, which can be booked online for entry into the zone.

Jhirna Zone, Entry Gate: Dhela Gate, 15 Km From Ramnagar

• Open Period for Safari Tour - Throughout the year (subject to weather condition)

Situated on the southern periphery of the Corbett National Park, the Jhirna zone was incorporated into the tiger reserve zone relatively later, in 1994, garnering significant acclaim among wildlife enthusiasts. Due to its accessibility to day tourists year-round, the Jhirna zone ranks among the most frequented zones within the Corbett Reserve forest. It is notably renowned for its frequent tiger sightings and hosts a perse array of wildlife species. In addition to the majestic tigers, the zone's main attraction includes wild bears. Visitors can also encounter wild elephants, sambar, various deer species, and a plethora of bird species within this zone.

Dhela Zone, Entry Gate: Dhela Gate, 15 Km From Ramnagar

• Open Period for Safari Tour - Throughout the year (subject to weather condition)

The Dhela zone, introduced as the latest addition to the tourism zones of Corbett National Park, was unveiled for safari tours in December 2014. Similar to the Jhirna zone, it remains accessible to tourists year-round, subject to weather conditions. Featuring perse topography, the zone encompasses dense forests populated by Sal, Haldu, Bahera, Rohini, and Kusum trees, expansive grasslands, and numerous water bodies.

Abounding in fauna, the Dhela zone is home to a variety of wildlife species, including the Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, wild elephants, Nilgai, various deer species, wild bears, as well as a perse array of reptiles and birds. Notably recognized for its extensive bird species, the zone is celebrated as a prime destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Day safaris can be booked to explore this zone and immerse oneself in the splendor of Corbett Park.

Durga Devi Zone, Entry Gate: Durga Devi Gate, 28 Km From Ramnagar

• Open Period for Safari Tour - 15th November to 15th June

With its hilly terrain, the Durga Devi zone offers a haven for nature enthusiasts amidst its captivating natural vistas. Positioned on the northeast border of the Corbett forest, it boasts a rich persity of flora and fauna. The Ramganga and Mandal Rivers traverse the landscape, enhancing the zone's water bodies and adding to the wild forest's allure.

Apart from the majestic Tigers, the Durga Devi zone features attractions such as leopards, wild elephants, and Otters, particularly prevalent near the Domunda Bridge. The renowned Mahsheer fish inhabits the river streams within this zone. Abundant bird species further enrich the zone, presenting exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Noteworthy avian inhabitants include the Gray Headed Fishing Eagle, Maroon Orile, Black-chinned Yuhina, Long-Tailed Broadbill, Slaty Blue Flycatcher, Bar-tailed Tree Creeper, and many others, making it a veritable paradise for bird watchers.

Sitabani Forest Zone (Buffer Zone), Entry Gate: Near Teda Village (Private Vehicle Allowed), Approx 4 Km From Ramnagar

• Open Period for Safari Tour-All Round the Year

The Sitabani forest zone serves as a reserve forest area located outside the confines of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Designated as the buffer area of the tiger reserve, it welcomes all visitors. The landscape of this zone presents a picturesque natural vista, characterized by dense forests, river streams, and ancient temples. Herds of herbivore animals such as elephants, deer, sambars, and Nilgai roam freely within its boundaries. While tiger or leopard sightings are rare due to its buffer status, occasional encounters with these predators seeking prey do occur. The zone boasts approximately 600 bird species, many of which are migratory, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Garjiya Zone, Entry Gate: Amdanda Gate, 9 Km. from Ramnagar

• Open Period for Safari Tour- 15th November to 30th June

With more wildlife enthusiast’s influx, a new safari zone, the Ringora Zone or Garjia safari zone, has been introduced in Corbett, commencing safaris in November. Garjiya, an additional safari zone, has been recently incorporated, offering tourists yet another opportunity to relish safari experiences. Presently, the tourism safari zones in Corbett National Park encompass Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durgadevi, Sitabani, and Pakhro.

Garjiya stands as a picturesque area within the renowned Jim Corbett National Park, boasting a perse array of flora and fauna. In terms of safari preferences, Garjiya presents formidable competition to the Dhikala tourism zone. Renowned for its stunning landscape, Garjiya exudes a tranquil ambiance, cherished by visitors for its dense forests and natural allure. Recognized as one of the most tiger-inhabited regions of Corbett Park, Garjiya offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife encounter amidst its captivating surroundings.

Phato Zone, Entry Gate: Phato Gate, 26 Km. from Ramnagar

• Open Period for Safari Tour- 15th November to 30th June

Experiencing nature's presence offers unparalleled joy. As the world embraces travel and seeks novel adventures beyond urban clamor, consider destinations far removed from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. Engaging with nature opens up enticing opportunities for exploration, making once-pricey experiences more accessible. Rather than allocating hefty sums for airfare or transportation, pert your resources toward the destinations themselves.

Corbett National Park boasts extraordinary zones, among which the Phato Zone stands out as a beacon of beauty. It transcends mere aesthetics, offering a profound connection with wildlife and the serenity of nature. Tigers reign as the park's iconic inhabitants, and the Phato Zone, renowned for its exceptional allure, epitomizes joy and enchantment. This captivating tourist zone fulfill adventurers' cravings, drawing them to its embrace.