Jim Corbett National Park: Tiger Safari Guide and Corbett Tour Packages
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and one of the best places in the world to see a wild Bengal tiger. It lies in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, along the Ramganga and Kosi rivers, with grasslands, sal forests and hills that are home to tigers, elephants, leopards, deer and more than 600 kinds of birds. This guide explains the safari zones, the best time to visit and how to get there, and our private Jim Corbett tour packages.
Shamrock Journeys is a trusted Uttarakhand tour operator. Since 2002 we have planned private wildlife tours to Jim Corbett for families, couples, schools and groups.
Jim Corbett National Park at a Glance
- State: Uttarakhand, North India
- Founded: 1936, as Hailey National Park, the first national park in India
- Known for: Bengal tigers, wild elephants, leopards and birds
- Gateway town: Ramnagar
- Time needed: two nights, with three or four safaris
- Best time: November to June
History of Jim Corbett National Park
The park was set up in 1936 and later named after Jim Corbett, the hunter who became a writer and a friend of the forest. In 1973, Project Tiger, the national plan to save the tiger, began here. Today the park is the core of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. You can visit his old home, now the Corbett Museum, at Kaladhungi.
Safari Zones in Jim Corbett National Park
The park is divided into safari zones, and each jeep permit is for one zone, one date and one gate. These are the main zones.
Dhikala
The largest and best-known zone, with wide grasslands along the Ramganga river, herds of elephants and good tiger sightings. It is open from about mid-November to mid-June. You can stay overnight in the forest lodge inside the zone, but rooms sell out early.
Bijrani
Mixed forest and grassland close to Ramnagar, with good tiger sightings. A good zone for first-time visitors. Open from about mid-October to June.
Jhirna and Dhela
Open all year, including the monsoon. Jhirna is known for sloth bears, elephants and deer, and Dhela is quieter, with good birdwatching.
Garjiya
A smaller zone near the Garjiya Devi temple on the Kosi river, with forest, hills and river views.
Durga Devi
Hilly forest and rivers in the north-east of the park, popular with birdwatchers.
Jeep Safari and Canter Safari
- Jeep safari: a private open jeep for up to six people, with a driver and a park guide. Safaris run twice a day, in the early morning and the afternoon.
- Canter safari: a large shared open bus for Dhikala, cheaper but less flexible.
We suggest the jeep safari. Book early, as permits are limited and sell out from November to June.
Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett National Park
- November to February: cool, misty mornings and the best birdwatching. Carry a warm jacket for open jeeps.
- March to June: hot, but the best time to see tigers, as animals come out to the water.
- July to October: monsoon. Most zones close, but Jhirna and Dhela stay open.
How to Reach Jim Corbett National Park
- By road: Ramnagar is about 260 km, or five to six hours, from Delhi, and about 65 km, or two hours, from Nainital.
- By train: Ramnagar station has trains from Delhi.
- By air: Pantnagar airport is about 80 km away.
Things to Do near Jim Corbett
- Visit the Garjiya Devi temple on a rock in the Kosi river.
- See the Corbett Museum at Kaladhungi and the Corbett Falls nearby.
- Take a nature walk or go birdwatching along the Kosi river.
- Try river rafting on the Kosi in season.
Where to Stay
Choose a jungle resort on the edge of the park near Ramnagar or along the Kosi river, from comfortable 3-star resorts to luxury lodges with pools. For a true jungle night, the forest lodge at Dhikala is simple but sits inside the park.
Jim Corbett Tour Packages
Our private Jim Corbett tour packages include two nights at a jungle resort and jeep safaris, joined with the hills of Uttarakhand. Every tour starts from Delhi and can be changed to suit your dates.
- 5-day Nainital Jim Corbett tour: Naini Lake and two jeep safaris.
- 7-day Mussoorie Nainital Jim Corbett tour: hills, lakes and tigers.
- 8-day Haridwar Mussoorie Nainital Jim Corbett tour: Rishikesh, the Ganga Aarti, the hills and a tiger safari.
We also plan Corbett tours for honeymoon couples, families, schools and companies, and add Corbett to our Golden Triangle tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. See all our Uttarakhand tour packages.
Travel Tips for Jim Corbett National Park
- Wear green, brown or khaki clothes, and carry binoculars and a zoom camera.
- Stay quiet in the jeep, and never get out or feed the animals.
- Carry your ID; the same ID must match your safari permit.
- Do not bring plastic into the park.
- Read our India travel tips before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Jim Corbett National Park?
Two nights, with three or four safaris in different zones, give you the best chance to see a tiger.
Which is the best zone for tiger sightings?
Dhikala and Bijrani usually have the most tiger sightings, but every safari is different.
Is Jim Corbett open in the monsoon?
Most zones close from about July to mid-October, but Jhirna and Dhela stay open.
Can you book my safari?
Yes. We book your jeep safaris and resort as part of your tour. Send us your dates early, as permits sell out.
How far is Jim Corbett from Delhi and Nainital?
About five to six hours from Delhi and two hours from Nainital.
Is Jim Corbett good for children?
Yes. Children love the jeep safaris and the elephants. Some zones have age rules for jeeps, so tell us your children’s ages.
Plan Your Jim Corbett Tour
Read our Nainital travel guide, our Mussoorie travel guide and our Uttarakhand travel guide. We are one of the best tour operators for North India, and we also plan the best North India tours, from the Himalayas to Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal. Ready to book your trip to Jim Corbett National Park? Request your free quote
Plan Your India Holiday with Shamrock Journeys
Shamrock Journeys is a trusted India tour operator and holiday planner. Since 2002 we have designed private India tour packages, family tour packages, honeymoon tours and cultural tours for travellers from around the world.
Recognised and trusted: Recognised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Member of PATA, TAAI, IATO and ADTOI.
Popular tours: India Tour Packages | Golden Triangle Tour | Rajasthan Tours | Kerala Tours | Kashmir Tour Packages | Honeymoon Tours | Cultural Tours of India | Spiritual Tours of India
Tell us your travel dates and we will send you a personal itinerary. Request your free quote