Overview
About Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett National Park in the Kumaon foothills of Uttarakhand is the oldest national park in India. It was first set up as Hailey National Park and later renamed after Jim Corbett, the hunter-turned-conservationist and author who knew these forests intimately. It was also where Project Tiger was launched, and it remains one of the best places in the country to look for the Bengal tiger in the wild.
The park covers a varied landscape of sal forest, riverine belts, hills and wide grasslands, or chaurs, along the Ramganga river. Besides tigers, it is home to Asian elephants, leopards, sambar, chital, hog deer, sloth bears, gharials and mugger crocodiles, and its rich birdlife draws birdwatchers from around the world.
The small town of Ramnagar is the main gateway, with forest offices, the railway station and access to most safari gates. Resorts and stays are scattered along the Kosi river towards Dhikuli and Garjia. Corbett suits families, wildlife lovers and weekend travellers from Delhi alike, but sightings are never guaranteed, so it is best enjoyed as a forest experience rather than a hunt for one animal.
- Bengal tigers
- Jeep safaris
- Dhikala grasslands
- Birdwatching
- Kosi and Ramganga rivers
- Jim Corbett's legacy
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Jim Corbett
Safari Zones
Dhikala Zone
The largest and most famous zone, with sweeping grasslands along the Ramganga where elephants and deer gather. Staying overnight inside requires a forest rest house booking made well in advance.
Bijrani Zone
A popular zone close to Ramnagar with mixed forest, open meadows and good chances of seeing deer, elephants and, with luck, a tiger.
Jhirna Zone
A zone on the southern edge of the park that generally stays open for more of the year, known for sloth bears, elephants and birdlife.
Dhela Zone
One of the newer safari areas, with a mix of forest and grassland, often less crowded than the main zones.
Durga Devi Zone
A hilly zone in the north-east of the park along the Ramganga and Mandal rivers, favoured by birdwatchers.
Temples & Heritage
Garjia Devi Temple
A small temple perched on a rock in the middle of the Kosi river near Ramnagar, reached by a flight of steps and busy with devotees.
Corbett Museum, Kaladhungi
Jim Corbett's former home, now a museum with his belongings, letters and photographs, set in a quiet garden.
Nature
Corbett Falls
A waterfall in the forest near Kaladhungi, reached by a short walk and a pleasant stop on the road to Nainital.
Kosi River
The river that runs along the eastern edge of the park, good for riverside walks, birdwatching and fishing for mahseer under catch-and-release rules.
Sitabani
A forested buffer area with a temple associated with Sita, where birdwatching and drives are possible outside the core park.
Nearby Excursions
Nainital
The lake town of Nainital is about 65 km away and makes an easy extension for a few days in the hills.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Jim Corbett
- 1
Go on a jeep safari
Book morning and afternoon safaris in different zones through the official forest department portal for the best variety.
- 2
Try a canter safari
Larger open buses run into Dhikala and are a good option when jeep permits are sold out.
- 3
Go birdwatching
Hire a local naturalist to look for kingfishers, hornbills, eagles and many forest species along the rivers and forest edges.
- 4
Spend a night at Dhikala
Staying at the forest rest house inside the park lets you hear the forest at night and start safaris right at the heart of the grasslands.
- 5
Walk along the Kosi
Riverside walks near Dhikuli and Garjia are peaceful, but stay on safe paths and follow your guide's advice about wildlife.
- 6
Visit Kaladhungi
See Jim Corbett's house and the nearby village he helped develop, then stop at Corbett Falls.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett
The best time to visit Jim Corbett is November to June (core zones). Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
20°C to 40°C
Hot days, but wildlife sightings tend to be good as animals gather near water and the undergrowth thins out.
Monsoon
July to September
22°C to 34°C
Heavy rain makes forest tracks unusable, so core zones such as Dhikala and Bijrani usually close. Jhirna and some buffer areas may remain open, subject to forest department rules.
Winter
October to February
5°C to 25°C
Cool, misty mornings and pleasant days. Zones reopen in stages after the monsoon, and it is a lovely time for birdwatching, though early safaris are cold.
Getting there
How to Reach Jim Corbett
By Air
Pantnagar Airport, about 80 km from Ramnagar, has a limited number of flights. Many visitors instead fly to Delhi and drive or take a train from there.
By Rail
Ramnagar railway station is the closest railhead and has direct trains from Delhi. Kathgodam, about 75 km away, is another option with more connections.
By Road
Ramnagar is about 250 km from Delhi by road via Moradabad, roughly a six- to seven-hour drive. Uttarakhand Roadways buses run from Delhi, and taxis connect Ramnagar with Nainital and Haldwani.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Jim Corbett
Bhatt ki churkani
A Kumaoni curry of black soybeans cooked in an iron pot, with a deep, earthy flavour.
Aloo ke gutke
Boiled potatoes tossed with spices and coriander, a simple and popular Kumaoni side dish.
Madua roti
Flatbread made from finger millet flour, often eaten with ghee or local greens.
Bal mithai
A brown fudge-like sweet coated with small sugar balls, a speciality of the Kumaon hills.
Singori
A sweet of khoya wrapped in a cone of maalu leaf, sold in the Kumaon region.
What to Buy in Jim Corbett
- Local honey and pickles
- Kumaoni woollens
- Wildlife books and souvenirs
- Bal mithai to take home
Travel Tips for Jim Corbett
- Book safari permits and Dhikala rest house stays early through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website, especially for weekends and holidays.
- Carry the identity document used for your permit, as it is checked at the gate.
- Wear muted colours, keep your voice low and never leave the vehicle inside the park.
- Plastic is discouraged inside the reserve, so carry a reusable water bottle.
- Pack warm layers for winter morning safaris in open jeeps.
FAQs
Jim Corbett Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Jim Corbett?
November to June is the best time to visit Jim Corbett, when the core zones are open. Summer months often give better wildlife sightings, while winter is ideal for birdwatching.
Is Jim Corbett open during the monsoon?
Most core zones close during the monsoon because of heavy rain. Jhirna and some buffer areas may stay open, but check the forest department's current schedule before planning.
Which is the best zone in Jim Corbett?
Dhikala is considered the best zone for its grasslands and wildlife density, followed by Bijrani. Jhirna is a good choice when other zones are closed.
How many days are enough for Jim Corbett?
Two to three days allow for three or four safaris in different zones, along with visits to Garjia Devi Temple and Kaladhungi.
How far is Jim Corbett from Delhi?
Ramnagar, the gateway to Jim Corbett, is about 250 km from Delhi, around six to seven hours by road. Direct trains also run to Ramnagar.
Can you see tigers in Jim Corbett?
Jim Corbett has a healthy tiger population, but sightings depend on luck, season and zone. Taking several safaris improves your chances.
