Jim Corbett Safari Guide
India’s first national park
Tigers, wild elephants and the Ramganga river — how the Corbett zones work, when each opens, how to book and how to plan a private trip from Delhi.
Tigers, wild elephants and the Ramganga river — how the Corbett zones work, when each opens, how to book and how to plan a private trip from Delhi.
Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand, set up in 1936, is India’s first national park and where Project Tiger began in 1973. Safaris run by jeep or canter from zones such as Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna and Dhela. The main season is roughly November to June; Dhikala is the prized core zone, while Jhirna and Dhela usually stay open all year. Ramnagar is about 5–6 hours by road from Delhi.
Corbett spreads across the foothills of the Himalaya, with dense sal forest, open grasslands (chaurs) and the Ramganga and Kosi rivers. It was created in 1936 as Hailey National Park, renamed after the hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, and is where India launched Project Tiger in 1973.
Wildlife includes Bengal tigers, wild Asian elephants, leopards, sambar, spotted and hog deer, mugger crocodiles and gharials in the Ramganga, and hundreds of bird species — it is one of India’s top birding parks.
| Zone | Character | Usually open |
|---|---|---|
| Dhikala | The core zone: vast grasslands, the Ramganga reservoir and elephant herds; overnight stays inside at the forest rest house. | Roughly mid-Nov to mid-Jun |
| Bijrani | Mixed forest and grassland close to Ramnagar; popular for day safaris. | Roughly mid-Oct to Jun |
| Jhirna | Drier southern zone; good for bears and birds. | Most of the year |
| Dhela | A newer zone on the southern edge, with grassland and forest. | Most of the year |
| Durga Devi & Garjiya | Hilly, river-side zones; good for birds and landscapes. | Seasonal |
| Sitabani & Phato | Buffer areas outside the core, with their own rules. | Varies |
Opening dates are set by the Corbett Tiger Reserve each season and can change with weather; we confirm them for your dates.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A travel designer replies within one working day — private, customised, no obligation.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | Cool, green and misty mornings; Dhikala opens around mid-November. |
| Mar–Jun | Warmer and drier; animals gather near water, so sightings improve. |
| Jul–Oct | Monsoon; most core zones close. Jhirna and Dhela usually stay open, weather permitting. |
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Every trip is private and customised — dates, hotels and pace are changed to suit you. Price on enquiry.
Corbett has a healthy tiger population, and the drier months from March to June give the best chances. Sightings are never guaranteed; we usually plan 3–4 safaris.
Dhikala is the prized core zone for wildlife and scenery, with overnight stays inside the park. Bijrani is the most popular day-safari zone, and Jhirna and Dhela are open for most of the year.
Dhikala usually opens around mid-November and closes around mid-June; the exact dates are set by the Corbett Tiger Reserve each season.
No. Since 5 February 2026, under a Supreme Court order, phones are not allowed inside the tiger reserve and are deposited at the gate. Cameras are permitted.
Through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve online booking system, well in advance for Dhikala. We arrange permits, vehicles and stays for you.
About 5–6 hours by road to Ramnagar, or by train to Ramnagar. It makes an easy 3-day private break from Delhi NCR.
Most core zones close in the monsoon (around July to October), while Jhirna and Dhela usually stay open, weather permitting.
Corbett is greener, with elephants, rivers and forest stays, and is closer to Delhi. Ranthambore is drier and more open, with tigers often seen near lakes and ruins, and fits a Rajasthan tour.
Yes. Safaris are by vehicle with no walking, and resorts near Ramnagar are comfortable. We keep drives short and plan rest between safaris.
Yes. Nainital is a short drive from Corbett, and our 5-day Corbett & Nainital plan combines a safari with the lakes of Kumaon.
Tell us your dates and how you love to travel. Your personal designer will send a tailored itinerary and quote within one working day — no obligation, no hidden charges.
