Jim Corbett National Park 2026–27: Safari Zones, Booking, Best Time & Cost
Jim Corbett National Park is India's oldest national park and one of the best places in the country to see a wild Bengal tiger. It is also an easy trip from Delhi. With the safari zones reopening after the monsoon, winter is the start of the Corbett season. This guide covers the safari zones, opening dates, how to book, costs, the best time for tigers, where to stay and a 2-day itinerary.
Corbett at a glance: Gateway town Ramnagar, ~250 km from Delhi · Most zones open 15 Oct, Dhikala 15 Nov · Jhirna and Dhela open all year · Book on the official Corbett Tiger Reserve site · Best for tigers: Mar–Jun · Best for weather and birds: Nov–Feb
About Jim Corbett National Park
Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was renamed in 1957 after Jim Corbett, the hunter-turned-conservationist who knew these forests better than anyone. In 1973 Project Tiger was launched here. Today the Corbett Tiger Reserve covers sal forest, grasslands and the Ramganga river, home to tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, gharials and more than 600 species of birds. See our Jim Corbett National Park page for more.
Safari Zones
| Zone | Usually open | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Dhikala | 15 Nov – 15 Jun | Grasslands, Ramganga reservoir, elephants, overnight forest-lodge stays |
| Bijrani | 15 Oct – 30 Jun | Open grasslands, good tiger sightings, close to Ramnagar |
| Jhirna | All year | Dense forest, sloth bears, open even in monsoon |
| Dhela | All year | Newer zone near Jhirna, mixed forest |
| Durga Devi | 15 Nov – 15 Jun | Hilly terrain, Ramganga and Mandal rivers, birding |
| Garjia | 15 Oct – 30 Jun | Kosi river belt, scenic and less crowded |
Opening dates are set by the reserve each year and can shift with weather. Check the official site before you plan.
How to Book a Safari
- Go to the official Corbett Tiger Reserve booking website. Avoid unofficial sites that resell permits at a markup.
- Choose the zone, date and shift (morning or afternoon).
- Enter the details of every visitor exactly as on their photo ID.
- Book a licensed gypsy and guide, either through the same system or with an approved operator in Ramnagar.
- Carry the booking and the same ID on the day. Names are checked at the gate.
Weekends, Diwali, Christmas–New Year and Holi sell out weeks ahead. Dhikala forest-lodge rooms open well in advance and go fastest.
Safari Types and Cost
| Safari | Details | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep (gypsy) | Up to 6 people + guide, morning or afternoon, about 3–4 hours | ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 per vehicle (Indian visitors) |
| Canter | Shared bus into Dhikala, booked per seat | Cheaper per person, limited seats |
| Dhikala overnight | Forest rest house stay inside the park | Varies by room type; book early |
Fees differ for foreign nationals and change from season to season. Confirm current rates on the official site.
Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett
- October – November: Zones reopen, the forest is lush and green after the monsoon.
- December – February: Cool, misty mornings (sometimes near 5°C), pleasant days, excellent birding. Carry warm clothes for open-jeep morning safaris.
- March – June: Hot days but the best chance of tigers, as animals come to the water.
- July – mid October: Most of the reserve is closed for the monsoon. Jhirna and Dhela stay open when conditions allow.
See how the rest of Uttarakhand looks in these months in Uttarakhand in November and Uttarakhand in December.
How to Reach
- By road: Delhi to Ramnagar is about 250 km (roughly 6 hours) via Moradabad and Kashipur. Buses run from Delhi's Anand Vihar ISBT.
- By train: Ramnagar has its own railway station with direct trains from Delhi. Kathgodam is another option, about 2 hours away.
- By air: Pantnagar airport is about 80 km away.
Things to Do Around Corbett
- Garjia Devi Temple: A temple perched on a rock in the middle of the Kosi river, near Ramnagar.
- Corbett Museum, Kaladhungi: Jim Corbett's former home, now a museum.
- Corbett Falls: A waterfall in the forest near Kaladhungi.
- Kosi river walks and birding along the resort belt.
- Nainital: About 2.5 hours away if you want to add the hills. See our Nainital places to visit guide.
Where to Stay
Most visitors stay in the resort belt along the Kosi river between Ramnagar and Garjia, which has everything from budget guesthouses to luxury jungle resorts. For the most memorable experience, book a forest rest house inside Dhikala, but do it as early as possible.
2-Day Jim Corbett Itinerary from Delhi
- Day 1: Early start from Delhi, reach Ramnagar by lunch. Afternoon jeep safari in Bijrani or Jhirna. Evening by the Kosi river.
- Day 2: Morning safari in a second zone, Garjia Devi temple, Corbett Museum at Kaladhungi, return to Delhi.
Safari Tips
- Wear earth-coloured clothes, no bright colours or perfume.
- Stay seated and quiet in the vehicle. Never get out unless the guide says it is safe.
- Carry binoculars, water and a warm layer for winter mornings.
- Do not feed animals or litter. Plastic is restricted in the reserve.
- Tigers are wild. Even a great safari may not show one, so enjoy the forest, birds and other animals too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best zone in Jim Corbett?
Dhikala is the most famous for its grasslands, the Ramganga reservoir and overnight forest-lodge stays, but it books out early. Bijrani and Jhirna are popular for day safaris, and Jhirna and Dhela stay open all year.
When does Jim Corbett open?
Most day-safari zones such as Bijrani and Garjia reopen on 15 October after the monsoon. Dhikala and Durga Devi usually open on 15 November. Jhirna and Dhela are open year-round, weather permitting.
How do I book a Jim Corbett safari?
Book through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website, ideally weeks in advance for weekends, holidays and Dhikala stays. Carry the same photo ID you used to book.
What is the best time to see tigers in Corbett?
March to June, when the forest is drier and animals gather near water. Winter (November to February) is pleasant and great for birds and scenery, but sightings are less predictable.
How far is Jim Corbett from Delhi?
Ramnagar, the gateway town, is about 250 km from Delhi, roughly 6 hours by road via Moradabad.
How much does a Jim Corbett jeep safari cost?
A jeep safari for Indian visitors typically costs roughly ₹5,000–₹8,000 per vehicle for up to six people, including the permit, vehicle and guide. Prices vary by zone, day and season.
Plan Your Trip
Corbett is one of the best weekend trips from Delhi to Uttarakhand. Or let the AI Trip Planner combine it with Nainital or Kausani into a longer itinerary.
