Explore 1st National Park for Tiger Safari near Delhi in India

India is home to over 1,400 tigers, making up nearly half of the world’s wild tiger population. These majestic creatures are seen across 40 national parks throughout the country. If you’re planning a tiger safari near Delhi, then Corbett national Park is the best  that offer the best chances of sightings tigers in the wild.  The Corbett is with high tiger populations, offers diverse safari options, and clear visibility—particularly in areas with shorter grass.

The Indian subcontinent is famous for hosting the largest population of tigers globally. In 1973, the majestic Panthera Tigris was declared endangered, leading to the launch of Project Tiger, a global effort aimed at preserving these magnificent animals.

India has since worked tirelessly to protect its wildlife, developing nearly 50 wildlife reserves. These reserves are not only home to the Bengal Tiger but also the Asiatic Lion, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and countless bird species.

The Corbett national park near Delhi  is enjoying the  status as the country’s first tigers reserve , located approx. 250 km / 5 hours road drive . For many wildlife enthusiasts, seeing a tiger in the wild near Delhi, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, spotting these beautiful animals requires both careful planning and a bit of luck.

Best Time to Visit for a Tiger Safari near Delhi in India

Corbett National Park  are typically open from 15 November onwards  to May, with parks closing from June to September due to the monsoon season. Post-monsoon, from November onwards, the parks transform into lush green landscapes, offering a thriving environment for wildlife.

This is a prime time for wildlife photographers to visit, as the greenery creates stunning backdrops for capturing tigers and other animals in their natural habitat.

However, for tourists keen on spotting tigers, the best time to visit is from March to May. As summer sets in, water sources like ponds and water holes begin to dry up, and animals gather around the remaining water bodies. This increases the chances of seeing tigers, as they often come to these areas for water, making it the peak season for tiger sightings.

Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand

It is established in 1936, Corbett Tiger Reserve is India’s oldest and most famous national park. It boasts the highest tiger population of any reserve in the country, making it a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve is home to around 252 resident tigers, with an additional 270 tigers visiting regularly, spread across 520 square kilometers of diverse landscapes.

Tiger spotting are relatively common throughout the safari season, and Corbett is one of the few reserves that offers the unique experience of overnight stays within the park. The reserve features marshy areas, a large lake, and small river streams, which also provide a habitat for rare species like the endemic crocodile, enhancing the park’s rich biodiversity.

Geographical Details of Corbett National Park

1. Total Forest Area: 1,318.54 square kilometers
2. Core Area: 520 square kilometers
3. Type of Forest: Dense moist deciduous forest, primarily featuring sal, haldu, peepal, rohini, and mango trees
4. Rivers: Kosi River and Ramganga River
5. Hills: Nearby hill stations include Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Rishikesh, and Sattal
6. Temperature: Maximum of 40°C in summer and drops to around 8°C in winter
7. Annual Rainfall: Corbett National Park receives an average rainfall of 1,133 mm annually

These details highlight the park’s diverse ecosystem, supported by its rich vegetation, water bodies, and moderate climate, which together provide an ideal habitat for wildlife.

Tourist Zones in Corbett National Park

To encourage tourism, Corbett National Park is divided into six major zones. These zones allow visitors to explore the park’s wildlife, offering exciting safari experiences where you can witness the animals up close in their natural surroundings.

1. Bijrani Safari Zone: Known for its stunning landscapes and vast grasslands, Bijrani is a favorite among tourists. Its entrance is only 1 km from Ramnagar, making it easily accessible.
2. Jhirna Safari Zone: Open year-round, Jhirna is another popular zone. It’s located 16 km from Ramnagar and is a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
3. Dhela Safari Zone: Established in November 2014, Dhela is an eco-tourism zone within the buffer area of Corbett. With its rich biodiversity, this zone is gaining popularity among tourists. Dhela is open all year and is about 13 km from Ramnagar.
4. Dhikala Safari Zone: The largest and most diverse zone in Corbett, Dhikala is famous for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. It’s about 18 km from Ramnagar, and an overnight stay here is highly recommended for serious wildlife enthusiasts.
5. Durga Devi Zone: Located in the northeastern part of the park, Durga Devi is a paradise for bird watchers. The entry gate is around 36 km from Ramnagar.
6. Sitabani Buffer Zone: Although not part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, Sitabani is worth visiting for those who appreciate peaceful natural beauty.

Book Your Jeep Safari!

Jeep safaris are a thrilling way to explore the Corbett Sanctuary Zone. Although it may feel a bit nerve-wracking, the experience of witnessing wildlife and the stunning night-time views is unforgettable. Several zones within the park offer jeep safaris, giving you a chance to take in the sights of this incredible region.

The morning safari runs from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM during the winter and 5:30 AM to 8:30 AM in the summer. The evening safari takes place from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM in winter and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the summer.

Jeep Safari in Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, offers thrilling opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Famous for its scenic beauty and the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, Corbett also offers an immersive experience with its rich biodiversity. The park allows for jeep safaris, offering the chance to explore its stunning landscapes and spot various wildlife species.

Safari Timings for 2024-25:

The park is divided into various zones, and safaris are allowed during the day. Here’s the timing schedule for day visits in different zones:

Day Visit Zones:

Bijrani | Jhirna | Dhela | Durga Devi | Garjiya | Phato | Sitabani

Boarding Point: All jeep safaris depart from the Ramnagar Reception Office.

Best Time for Jeep Safari:

While the park remains open throughout the year, the best time for jeep safari is from mid-November to the end of March. The weather is pleasant, and tourist activity is at its peak. During monsoons, certain zones such as Bijrani and Dhikala are closed due to road washouts.

Safari Zones & Entry Gates:

Jim Corbett National Park has been divided into 8 zones, each having a separate entry gate. Jeep safaris are available in the following zones:

Note that Dhikala zone does not offer jeep safaris but is accessible via Canter Safari.

Booking Procedure for Jeep Safari:

To ensure availability, it’s recommended to book safaris in advance.

• Indian Nationals: Book 30 days ahead.
• Foreign Nationals: Book 90 days ahead.

Different safari zones offer unique experiences, and the sightings are generally good throughout the park. Jeep safaris operate in both morning and evening shifts, lasting for about 3 hours.

Corbett Canter Safari (Dhikala) Timings & Tariff

• Price:
  • Indian Nationals: INR 2500 per seat
  • Foreign Nationals: INR 4500 per seat
• Timings:
  • Winter (15th Nov – 15th June):
    • Morning: 06:55 AM (Exit: 12:00 PM)
    • Afternoon: 12:25 PM (Exit: 05:30 PM)
  • Summer:
    • Morning: 05:45 AM (Exit: 11:00 AM)
    • Afternoon: 11:45 AM (Exit: 05:00 PM)

Note: The Dhikala Canter Safari operates from 15th November to 15th June and is closed during the rainy season.

Canter Booking and Regulations

The Dhikala Canter Safari is a popular option for exploring Jim Corbett National Park’s core zone. Visitors can conveniently book the safari online, with all procedures managed by forest officials according to the guidelines set by India’s forest department.

Important Points:

• Changes to the assigned safari zone, driver, or naturalist guide cannot be requested.
• The canter accommodates up to 16 people and operates on a shared basis.
• The safari departs from Dhangari Gate and lasts approximately five hours.

Jeep Safaris are not available for day visitors in the Dhikala Zone. To enter this zone, an overnight stay at one of the Forest Rest Houses (FRH) is required. Upon securing a permit, visitors must hire a Jeep with a driver and a naturalist to access the park.

Attractions in Dhikala Zone

The Dhikala Zone is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

• Wildlife:
  • Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and Asiatic elephants.
  • Other wildlife includes leopards, spotted deer, sambar deer, hog deer, langurs, wild boars, and crocodiles.
• Key Attractions:
  • Forest Rest House: The most sought-after accommodation with 28 double-bed rooms and a 12-bed dormitory.
  • Watchtower: Offers spectacular views of wildlife grazing and the Ramganga River.
  • Gairal Crocodile Point: A platform for observing crocodiles in their natural habitat.
  • Grasslands (Chaurs): Prime locations for spotting a variety of wildlife, including frequent tiger sightings.

Prohibitions in Dhikala Zone

To ensure the safety of wildlife and preserve their natural habitats, the following are strictly prohibited:

• Alcohol and non-vegetarian food.
• All personal items and non-biodegradable waste (e.g., tin cans, plastic bottles) must be collected and properly disposed of after the safari.

Additional Information:

• Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar Railway Station (12 km from Corbett).
• Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (80 km away).
• Best Time to Visit: November to June.

How to Reach Corbett National Park from Delhi

The closest access point to Corbett National Park is Ramnagar, which serves as the park’s headquarters. This small town is well-connected by both road and rail to major cities like Delhi, Moradabad, Nainital, and Bareilly. From Ramnagar, it takes only about 30 minutes to reach the park, which is located around 15 km from the Ramnagar railway station.

• By Road: Ramnagar has a reliable road network connecting various cities. Corbett National Park is about 260 km from Delhi. Uttarakhand’s state buses run frequently from Delhi, Moradabad, Haldwani, and Nainital, directly reaching Corbett.
• By Rail: Ramnagar’s railway station is serviced by direct trains from cities like Delhi, Moradabad, and Bareilly. Key trains to Ramnagar include the Ranikhet Express, Corbett Link Express, and Kathgodam Express, making travel by rail convenient.

Dhikala Forest Lodge

Jim Corbett National Park is the only national park in India offering overnight stays inside the jungle. Dhikala Forest Lodge, a historic structure built by the British, is a popular choice for visitors. While it may not offer luxurious amenities, the lodge provides cozy accommodation with stunning views of the surrounding flora and fauna, making for an unforgettable experience.

The lodge, run by the forest department, offers various types of accommodations, including Forest Rest Houses, cabins, hutments, and 24 bunk beds in log huts.

Dhikala Booking Procedure

To book a stay at Dhikala, you will need to provide the name, age, gender, and ID proof (passport, PAN, voter ID, or Aadhaar) of all tourists along with the booking amount. Availability of dormitories and rooms is confirmed 90 days before the arrival date. Note that we are local tour operators assisting with bookings, but the forest rest house is managed by the forest department, and we are not responsible for the services provided there.

Staying at Dhikala offers an exceptional wildlife experience, and the tranquil moments you’ll have in the heart of the jungle will be unforgettable.

Road Distances from Corbett National Park (Ramnagar) to Major Cities

1. New Delhi to Ramnagar (via Moradabad): 260 km
2. Lucknow to Jim Corbett Park (via Bareilly, Moradabad): 435 km
3. Kanpur to Jim Corbett National Park (via Farrukhabad, Bareilly, Rampur): 460 km
4. Moradabad to Jim Corbett Park (via Kashipur): 95 km
5. Kathgodam to Jim Corbett Park (via Kaladhungi): 55 km
6. Nainital to Jim Corbett Park (via Kaladhungi): 60 km
7. Almora to Jim Corbett Park (via Nainital): 134 km
8. Kausani to Ramnagar (via Bhikiyasen): 155 km
9. Ranikhet to Ramnagar (via Bhikiyasen): 100 km

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