Corbett National Park Travel Guide 2025
Table of Contents
About Jim Corbett National Park: India’s First National Park
Just 300 km from New Delhi, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, lies Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest and one of its finest wildlife sanctuaries. The park has a rich history dating back to the days when a thriving community lived along the Ramganga River, leaving behind remnants of their culture in the temples along the riverbanks. The forest remained untouched until the arrival of the British, who exploited the region for timber, causing widespread destruction. It was Major Ramsay who later took significant measures to protect the forest, implementing licenses for timber cutting, deploying firefighters to prevent forest fires, and even halting cultivation in some areas.
The idea of transforming this area into a game sanctuary was first raised in 1907. Forest officer E. A. Smythies sought advice from Major Jim Corbett, a renowned hunter-turned-conservationist, to define the park’s boundaries. During the 1930s, tiger hunting was popular among viceroys and dignitaries, but conservationists and a few hunters who opposed the massacre of tigers recommended Sir Malcolm Hailey, then Governor of the United Provinces, to establish a national park. This resulted in the creation of India’s first national park on 8th August 1936, initially named Hailey National Park.
After India’s independence, it was renamed Ramganga National Park in 1952, but in 1957, it was renamed once again as Corbett National Park in honor of Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-naturalist who later dedicated his life to conserving India’s wildlife. Corbett was also a renowned wildlife photographer and author of best-selling books documenting his adventures in these forests.
With tiger populations dwindling to less than 2,000 by the 1970s, Project Tiger was launched at Dhikala in Corbett National Park on 1st April 1973 with the assistance of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Today, Corbett National Park’s proximity to Delhi makes it a preferred destination for tiger safaris in India, particularly for Jim Corbett tiger safaris. The nearest major park after Corbett is Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, another hotspot for tiger enthusiasts.
Wildlife in Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife, with over 50 species of mammals, 580 species of birds, and 25 species of reptiles recorded in its lush landscapes. Known as a haven for tigers, Corbett Tiger Reserve continues to thrive due to the abundant availability of prey, which sustains a healthy tiger population.
Among the park’s prey species are four kinds of deer — the most prominent being the Chital or spotted deer, known for its stunning appearance. Hog deer or Para are often found near the Ramganga River and in grassland areas. The Sambar deer, the largest Asiatic deer, is a prime target for adult tigers in Corbett. Barking deer or Kakkar, the smallest of the four, is also frequently sighted. Other notable herbivores include the Ghoral, wild boar, and langur, which add to the park’s diverse ecosystem.
Leopards are commonly found in the hilly areas of Corbett, occasionally descending to lower jungles, making for rare and thrilling sightings. The sloth bear inhabits the Bijrani zone, while the Himalayan black bear is often seen at higher elevations in Kanda, the highest point in Corbett.
Corbett’s smaller mammals include the yellow-throated marten, the Himalayan palm civet, the Indian gray mongoose, the common otter, and the black-naped hare. Porcupines are sometimes spotted near the Dhikala complex.
Apart from tigers, elephants are a major attraction at Corbett, drawing wildlife enthusiasts eager to witness their grandeur. The park’s vast array of wildlife makes it one of the most sought-after destinations for experiencing the best of India’s wilderness.
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Visiting Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park remains open from 15th November to 15th June, offering distinct experiences across three well-defined seasons. The best time to visit depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Winter (November to February):
Winter is an ideal time to visit Corbett, with temperatures averaging around 5°C at night and 25°C during the day. Frost and fog often linger until morning, creating magical backdrops for wildlife photography. The sunrises during this season are particularly mesmerizing, making early morning safaris an unforgettable experience. The pleasant daytime temperature also ensures a comfortable safari, even in the afternoons.
Summer (March to June):
Summer is the best season for tiger sightings as the heat draws them to water sources. While May and June can be extremely hot, with daytime temperatures averaging 44°C, evenings and nights cool down to around 21°C. Tigers often seek relief from the scorching sun by lounging in water, making this period a prime time for wildlife enthusiasts eager to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Monsoon (July to October):
Corbett remains closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall, which ranges from 60 to 112 inches. The park’s roads often become impassable, and the jungle transforms into a humid steam house. During this time, animals migrate to the higher, cooler regions of Corbett, allowing the park a well-deserved respite from human activity.
For those looking to combine pleasant weather with increased wildlife sightings, winter and late summer offer the best opportunities for an unforgettable tiger safari in Corbett National Park.
Reaching Corbett National Park
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi is the closest international airport to Corbett. Corbett National Park is a mere 275 Kms, 6-hour drive from the Indira Gandhi Airport.
Railway: Ramnagar railway station is the nearest railway station to Corbett National Park. It is 40 Kms, 1-hour drive from Ramnagar railway station to Corbett National park.
Road: While New Delhi is just 275 Kms, a 6-hour drive away from Corbett National Park, one can also chose to drive to the park from Agra, located at a distance of 350 Kms, a 6-7 hour drive from the park.
Forest Rest Houses & Zones in Corbett National Park
Dhikala Zone:
The Dhikala Zone is the most sought-after zone among tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. Located on the periphery of Patil Dun Valley along the banks of the Ramganga River, Dhikala Forest Rest House offers the most coveted night stay for tiger safari lovers. As the largest zone in Corbett, Dhikala boasts a rich diversity of species, making it ideal for jeep safaris. The famous Dhikala Chaur grassland is home to mighty elephants, while the opposite bank, Paar, offers stunning views for wildlife enthusiasts. Jeep safaris operate in two shifts—morning and evening—while canter safaris allow for day visits.
Bijrani Zone:
The Bijrani Zone follows closely behind Dhikala in popularity. Featuring a blend of grasslands, dense Sal forests, and flowing water streams, Bijrani offers picturesque scenery that rivals Dhikala. The Forest Rest Houses (FRH) in the heart of the forest provide a thrilling night stay experience. Jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and afternoon, with a maximum of 30 jeeps per shift permitted.
Jhirna Zone:
Jhirna Zone was added to Corbett’s tourism zones in 1994 and has since become one of the most frequented zones for day safaris. It is open year-round, making it a popular choice for tourists. Frequent tiger sightings are reported here, along with easy sightings of elephants and sambar deer. The Jhirna Forest Rest House (FRH) and Dhela Forest Rest House offer accommodations for visitors.
Dhela Zone:
Added at the end of 2014, Dhela Zone is the most recently included tourism zone in Corbett. Like Jhirna, it remains open throughout the year. Dhela is renowned for its vast array of bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers.
Durga Devi Zone:
The Durga Devi Zone is blessed with streams from both the Ramganga and Mandal Rivers, creating a captivating landscape for nature lovers. Known for its hilly topography and rich biodiversity, this zone is also a haven for bird watchers, offering sightings of rare and exotic bird species.
Each zone offers a unique wildlife experience, ensuring that every safari in Jim Corbett National Park is memorable and thrilling.
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