Corbett Travel Guide

Jim Corbett National Park — established in 1936 as India's first national park — is one of the finest wildlife destinations in Asia and the closest major tiger reserve to Delhi at just 250 km (5–6 hours). Named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett (who stalked man-eating tigers in these same jungles in the 1920s–30s and wrote the classic Man-Eaters of Kumaon), the park spans 521 sq km of sal forest, grassland, riverine habitat and foothills in the Ramganga river valley. Corbett is renowned for its remarkably diverse wildlife: 250+ tigers, 600+ elephants (the largest elephant population in any Indian park), leopard, sloth bear, gharial crocodile in the Ramganga river, and an extraordinary 650+ bird species. The multiple safari zones — Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Sitabani — each have distinct character and wildlife. The Dhikala zone, deep in the core, is one of India's greatest wildlife experiences but requires an overnight stay within the park at the Dhikala Forest Lodge.

Places to Visit in Jim Corbett

Dhikala Zone (Core)

The crown jewel — the open grasslands (chaurs) at Dhikala give the best elephant and tiger sightings. Requires overnight stay at Dhikala Forest Lodge. The evening view over the Ramganga reservoir with the Himalayan foothills behind is extraordinary.

Bijrani & Jhirna Zones (Day Safari)

The most accessible zones for day trippers — Bijrani (south zone, dense sal forest, good tiger and elephant sightings) and Jhirna (open year-round, good leopard and sloth bear). 3-hr morning and evening jeep safaris.

Ramganga Reservoir

The large reservoir within the park — excellent for gharial crocodile sightings, spot-billed pelican, pied kingfisher, river tern. The backwaters at Dhikala at dawn, with elephants coming to drink and otters fishing, is one of India's finest wildlife tableaux.

Corbett Museum (Kaladhungi)

Jim Corbett's winter home in Kaladhungi (25 km from Ramnagar) — now a museum with his photographs, hunting trophies (pre-conservation era), books and personal belongings. Context for his extraordinary life as hunter, photographer, naturalist and conservationist.

Experiences & Activities

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  Jeep Safari (Bijrani/Jhirna): Day trip zones — book at corbettonline.uk.gov.in. Morning safari (5:30–9:30 AM) and evening (2–5:30 PM). ₹3,500–5,000 per jeep (6 persons). Mahout-guided elephant safaris also available in buffer zone.
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  Dhikala Overnight Stay: The most immersive Corbett experience — book the Dhikala Forest Lodge (KMVN, kmvn.gov.in) well in advance. Stay within the core zone. Dawn and dusk safaris on your own jeep. The dawn light over the chaurs is extraordinary.
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  Elephant Safari (Buffer Zone): Mahout-guided elephant safaris in Bijrani buffer zone — 1 hour, ₹900/person. The elephant elevation gives a completely different perspective on forest wildlife. Book at park entry.
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  Birdwatching: 650+ species including the rare pied falconet, Himalayan flameback, crested kingfisher, blossom-headed parakeet and great slaty woodpecker. The Ramganga riverbed and sal forest edge are best at dawn. Corbett is among India's top birding destinations.

When to Visit Jim Corbett

Delhi to Jim Corbett Cab Fare (2026)

* One-way from Delhi. Toll, parking & state tax charged at actuals. Call for return / multi-day package rates.

How to Plan Your Jim Corbett Trip

Essential Jim Corbett Tips

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  Online Booking Essential: Book at corbettonline.uk.gov.in — gates have a limited number of vehicles per session. October–February fills weeks ahead. Dhikala Forest Lodge: book 3–4 months ahead.
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  No Torch Rule: Artificial light is not permitted inside safari zones after dark. Safaris are dawn-to-dusk only. This protects nocturnal wildlife and is strictly enforced.