Best Safari Zone in Jim Corbett

Overview

Jim Corbett National Park is part of the largest Corbett Tiger Reserve. Project Tiger is located in the foothills of the Himalayas near the popular hill station Nainital, district of Uttarakhand. Corbett’s majestic landscape is known for its abundance of tigers. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it is one of India’s oldest national parks and was first established under the Project Tiger initiative. This unique tiger territory is best known in India as the father of Project Tiger to protect India’s most endangered species and royal wildlife known as tigers. 

This is India’s first national park. Named after legendary naturalist and conservationist Jim Corbett. Beautiful Jim Corbett National Park is famous for having the highest concentration of tigers in any national park in India. Spread over 1318.54 km², of which 520 km² is the main area and the rest is buffer. The park covers the scenic landscapes of Pauli Garhwal, Almora, and Nainital. A jeep safari into the dense forest to see wildlife in its natural habitat is a must. If you are lucky, you may have a chance to meet a tiger. Enjoy views of lush green forests and several waterfalls cut by streams and rivers on a jeep safari. Overnight accommodation is also available within the park for a unique experience. 

The park is known for its population of Bengal tigers, one of the world’s most famous and most endangered species. Other wildlife in the park includes Indian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, several species of deer, monkeys, and various bird species. 

Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett National Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore its natural beauty and wildlife through a variety of activities such as jungle safaris, nature walks, and bird watching. The park is open to visitors from November to June, but the best time to visit is from February to May, when the weather is nicer, and the wildlife is more active. 

Safari Zones in Jim Corbett 

Jim Corbett National Park has been divided into five distinct tourist zones to facilitate tourism in the region. These are the park’s designated core zone areas where visitors can participate in wildlife safaris and enjoy the fascinating behavior of nearby macroscopic animals.

Bijrani Safari Zone

The Bijrani Zone is a very popular tourist destination due to its lush natural beauty and open grasslands. The zone entrance is located just 1 km from Ramnagar town. It is known for its diverse wildlife including tigers, elephants, deer, and various types of birds.

Jhirna Safari Zone

 This zone is another major tourist destination in Jim Corbett National Park, which is open to tourists all year round. Jhirna Gate is located 16 km from the city of Ramnagar. Known for its abundance of spotted deer and other herbivores, it attracts predators such as tigers and leopards.

Dhela Safari Zone

Dhela is a new ecotourism zone in Jim Corbett National Park that was included in the Tiger Reserve Zone in November 2014. This is the reserve’s buffer zone and the only area of the CTR open to tourists. This zone attracts the attention of many tourists due to its rich biodiversity and is open all year round. It is also about 13 km away from Ramnagar city. It is home to a large number of elephants, deer, and other herbivores that attract predators such as tigers and leopards. The zone also has a wide variety of bird species, including migratory birds that visit the area in winter.

Dhikala Safari Zone

As Corbett’s largest and most diverse jungle safari zone, renowned for its lush natural beauty and prime views of exotic fauna. The entrance gate is located 18 km from Ramnagar town. For die-hard nature lovers, visitors are highly recommended to stay one night at the Dikala tourist zone. Home to numerous tigers and other wildlife, visitors can stay in forest cabins to experience the park’s wilderness in a more immersive way.

Durga Devi Zone

Located on the northeastern border of Jim Corbett National Park, Durga Devi Zone is a haven for bird watchers. The entry gate is located approximately 36 km from Ramnagar city. known for  scenic landscape and birdwatching opportunities. It is also home to many elephants and other wildlife.

Each safari zone has its entrance gate and visitors must obtain permission in advance through the official website or a licensed travel agency and book a safari vehicle. Before planning your visit, it is recommended to check zone availability and times. 

Best Safari Zones in Jim Corbett

Dhikala Safari Zone

Dhikala Zone in Jim Corbett is the largest and most famous safari zone in the park, located in the heart of the reserve. Dikala Safari Zone often cited as the best safari zone in Jim Corbett National Park. It covers a large area of approximately 1,100 square kilometers and is home to many tigers and other wildlife. Visitors to the Dikala zone have the option of staying in a forest hut to experience the park’s wilderness more deeply. 

Bijrani Safari Zone

The Bijrani Safari Zone is also popular with travelers, especially those looking to increase their chances of seeing tigers.  known for its diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes, and visitors often see tigers, elephants, and other animals. 

Jhirna Safari Zone

This zone is a popular option, especially for bird watchers and those interested in exploring the southern regions of the park. Also, known for its large population of spotted deer and other herbivores and attracts predators such as tigers and leopards. 

Ultimately, the best safari zone in Jim Corbett National Park is a matter of personal preference and interest. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, we recommend doing some research beforehand and planning your visit.