Jim Corbett National Park, near Ramnagar in Nainital district, is India's oldest national park (set up in 1936) and the place where Project Tiger began in 1973. It has one of the highest tiger densities in the world, along with elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles and over 500 kinds of birds. Ramnagar is about 260 km from Delhi, so Corbett is a popular weekend safari trip. Safaris run in different zones, which must be booked in advance on the official website, corbettgov.org.
Jim Corbett at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Gateway town | Ramnagar, Nainital district |
| From Delhi | About 260 km, 5 to 6 hours |
| From Haridwar | About 200 km, 5 to 6 hours |
| From Nainital | About 65 km, 2 hours |
| Nearest railway station | Ramnagar (direct trains from Delhi) |
| Official booking | corbettgov.org (booking.corbettgov.org) |
| Main season | 15 November to 15 June (Dhikala); most zones 15 October to 30 June |
| Open all year | Jhirna and Dhela (weather permitting) |
| Best for tigers | March to May |
Safari zones in Corbett
| Zone | Entry gate | Distance from Ramnagar | Open period | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhikala | Dhangarhi | 18 km to gate | 15 Nov – 15 Jun | Grasslands, elephants, tigers; overnight stay only |
| Bijrani | Amdanda | 2 km | 15 Oct – 30 Jun | Popular, good tiger sightings |
| Garjia | Amdanda | 9 km | 15 Oct – 30 Jun | Newer zone, scenic |
| Jhirna | Jhirna | 20 km | All year (weather permitting) | Open in monsoon; sloth bear, elephants |
| Dhela | Dhela | 15 km | All year (weather permitting) | Smaller, good for birds |
| Durgadevi | Durgadevi | 26 km | 15 Nov – 15 Jun | Hilly, river views, birds |
| Sonanadi | Sonanadi | About 30 km | 15 Nov – 15 Jun | Remote, less crowded |
Which zone should you choose? For the best chance of a tiger, Dhikala and Bijrani are the favourites. Dhikala needs a night stay inside the forest. Jhirna and Dhela are your options in the monsoon.
How to book a Corbett safari
- Go to corbettgov.org, the official site of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
- Choose day safari (jeep), Dhikala canter, or forest rest house stay.
- Select zone, date and shift (morning or evening).
- Enter ID details for every visitor (Aadhaar for Indians; passport for foreigners).
- Pay online and download the permit.
- Book a licensed gypsy and guide (the permit is for entry; the vehicle is booked separately, often through your hotel or tour operator).
Booking windows: day safaris and rest houses open about 45 days ahead for Indians and 90 days for foreigners; canter seats about 30 days ahead. Weekends, holidays and Dhikala sell out within minutes, so book the day the window opens.
Warning: many look-alike websites sell Corbett permits at a markup. Use the official site or a trusted operator.
Safari timings
| Shift | Usual time |
|---|---|
| Morning | About 6:00 to 9:30 am |
| Evening | About 2:30 to 5:30 pm |
Timings change slightly with the season. Reach the gate 30 minutes early with your original ID.
Safari cost for Indians (approximate)
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Jeep entry permit (up to 6 people) | About ₹3,400 per jeep |
| Naturalist / guide | About ₹900 |
| Gypsy (vehicle) hire | About ₹2,700 to ₹3,000 depending on zone |
| Total per jeep, one shift | About ₹7,000 to ₹7,900 |
| Dhikala canter (per seat) | About ₹1,770 including GST |
Fees are revised from time to time (guide rates were updated in April 2026). Check the official site for the current amounts. Foreign nationals pay higher fees.
Dhikala: staying inside the park
Dhikala is the heart of Corbett, set on the Ramganga river with huge grasslands. To do a jeep safari in Dhikala you must stay overnight at the forest rest house (maximum 2 nights). Rooms are basic but the experience of waking up inside a tiger reserve is unforgettable. The canter (shared bus) is the budget way to see Dhikala on a day visit.
Best time to visit Corbett
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | November to February | Cool, foggy mornings (5 to 22°C); lovely scenery; tall grass makes sightings harder; Dhikala opens 15 Nov |
| Spring and summer | March to June | Hot (up to 40°C); animals come to waterholes; best tiger sightings |
| Monsoon | July to mid-October | Most zones closed; only Jhirna and Dhela open |
Our tip: for tigers, go between March and May. For pleasant weather and birds, November to February.
Other places to visit around Corbett
- Corbett Museum, Kaladhungi: Jim Corbett's old home, with his letters, photos and belongings (about 30 km).
- Garjia Devi Temple: a temple on a rock in the Kosi river, about 14 km from Ramnagar.
- Corbett Falls: a waterfall in the forest near Kaladhungi.
- Kosi river: riverside walks, birdwatching and resorts.
- Sitabani: a forest area outside the main park, linked to Sita in legend.
How to reach Corbett
By train: Ramnagar station has direct trains from Delhi, such as the Ranikhet Express and a Corbett Link Express. Check IRCTC for current timings.
By road: from Delhi via Hapur, Moradabad and Kashipur, about 260 km. From Haridwar via Najibabad and Kashipur, about 200 km.
By air: Pantnagar airport is about 80 km away; Dehradun's Jolly Grant about 220 km.
Where to stay
- Inside the park: forest rest houses at Dhikala, Bijrani, Gairal, Sarpduli and others (booked on corbettgov.org).
- Dhikuli and the Kosi river belt: resorts of all budgets on the road from Ramnagar to Garjia.
- Ramnagar town: budget hotels near the station and booking office.
Safari rules
- A naturalist guide must accompany every vehicle.
- Maximum 6 visitors per jeep (plus driver and guide).
- No getting out of the vehicle except at marked points.
- No loud talking, music, smoking or feeding animals.
- Wear earthy colours (green, brown, khaki); avoid bright colours.
- Carry original ID used at booking.
- Safari vehicles older than a set age are not allowed (2026 rule); trusted operators follow this.
Suggested 2-day plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Reach Ramnagar by morning. Check in near Dhikuli. Evening safari in Bijrani or Jhirna. |
| 2 | Morning safari in another zone. Garjia Devi temple and Corbett Museum. Return or continue to Nainital or Ranikhet. |
Combine Corbett with Nainital, Ranikhet or Kainchi Dham for a 4 to 5 day trip.
Plan your Corbett trip with Gokeys
We arrange safari permits, gypsies and resort stays and combine Corbett with Nainital and Kumaon. Contact us with your dates, ideally 45 days ahead.