Corbett Tourism Zone

Jim Corbett National Park is divided into multiple tourism zones to help regulate visitor flow, conserve biodiversity, and offer unique safari experiences across its rich landscape. Each zone has its own ecosystem, wildlife population, entry gate, and accommodation options. Whether you're looking for tiger sightings, birdwatching, dense forests, or open grasslands, there’s a zone that suits every nature lover’s interest.

The five primary safari zones in Corbett are Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Durga Devi. Additionally, there are buffer zones like Sitabani which are not part of the core reserve but offer their own rustic charm. Each zone can be accessed via registered safari vehicles and accompanied by certified naturalist guides. Entry permits, accommodations, and jeep safaris are managed by the forest department through online portals.

Dhikala Zone

Dhikala is the most popular and ecologically rich zone in Corbett. Known for its vast grasslands, the Ramganga River, and dense sal forests, Dhikala offers the highest chances of tiger sightings. Entry is only allowed to those with confirmed night stay permits inside the Dhikala Forest Rest House. The zone supports elephants, deer, crocodiles, wild boars, and a wide variety of bird species.

Bijrani Zone

Bijrani, accessible via the Aamdanda Gate near Ramnagar, is known for its scenic beauty, thick sal forests, and grasslands. It is a great zone for day jeep safaris. Tigers, leopards, elephants, and spotted deer are commonly sighted here. The zone also offers forest rest house stays with basic facilities.

Jhirna Zone

Jhirna is open throughout the year and is ideal for tourists visiting in the monsoon season when other zones remain closed. Located about 20 kilometers from Ramnagar, it has good tiger and sloth bear activity. The landscape is mixed with open scrublands and dense forests, making it suitable for birdwatching as well.

Dhela Zone

The Dhela Zone is the newest addition to Corbett’s tourism landscape. It lies adjacent to Jhirna and shares a similar topography. Wildlife here includes elephants, tigers, leopards, jackals, and a variety of deer species. Bird species are abundant, and the zone sees fewer crowds, offering a peaceful safari experience.

Durga Devi Zone

Situated in the northeastern region of the park, Durga Devi is a hilly zone known for its scenic drives and river crossings. It is particularly rich in birdlife and is a good zone to spot mahseer fish, leopards, and wild boars. It is suitable for nature photographers and birdwatchers.

Corbett Zones

Bijrani Zone

Experience pristine wilderness in Bijrani Zone, a popular destination offering chances to spot the majestic Bengal tiger amidst lush.

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Dhela Zone

Explore the unique Dhela Zone, open year-round for safaris. This eco-friendly area offers rich wildlife diversity and thrilling encounters with nature.

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Jhirna Zone

Situated in the southern part of Corbett, Jhirna Zone welcomes visitors year-round, offering amazing safari experiences with diverse wildlife.

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Durga Devi Zone

Discover the scenic beauty of Durga Devi Zone, renowned for its rugged terrains, serene rivers, and excellent bird-watching opportunities.

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Dhikala Zone

Dhikala Zone, the largest and most popular, offers unmatched opportunities to view wildlife, stunning landscapes.

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Sitabani Zone

Visit the Sitabani Buffer Zone, a serene forest area outside the main reserve, perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

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Garjiya Zone

Famous for the Garjiya Devi Temple and scenic beauty, this zone provides a perfect blend of spirituality and adventure.

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Phato Zone

Enjoy the beauty of Phato Zone, where nature and wildlife come together to create unforgettable safari adventures.

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Sitabani Buffer Zone

Sitabani is a buffer zone, not under the jurisdiction of the core Corbett Tiger Reserve, but it still offers safari experiences. Private vehicles are allowed with local guides. The area is also of mythological significance and has less wildlife density but good chances of seeing elephants and birds.

Safari Timings

All zones offer two safari slots per day – morning and afternoon. The timings vary slightly depending on the season. Morning safaris start from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM, and afternoon safaris run from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Entry is strictly regulated and must be pre-booked.

Wildlife & Biodiversity

Across these zones, Corbett supports over 50 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, and over 580 species of birds. Common sightings include tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, wild boars, monkeys, crocodiles, and various birds like crested serpent eagles, vultures, and kingfishers. The flora includes sal, rohini, haldu, and bamboo, providing a diverse ecosystem that supports life in various forms.

Accommodation Options

Night stays are permitted only in Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, and Dhela zones. Accommodation options include forest rest houses with basic amenities. Staying inside the forest offers an unmatched opportunity to experience the sounds and sights of nature during dawn and dusk hours, which are prime wildlife activity times.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Corbett depends on your interests. For tiger sightings and safaris, the months from November to June are ideal. Dhikala remains open from mid-November to mid-June. Jhirna and Dhela remain open all year, making them suitable for monsoon visits. Birdwatchers prefer winter months due to migratory species.

5Nights/6Days Corbett Multi-Zone Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Ramnagar. Check-in at a pre-booked resort. Visit local attractions like Garjia Temple or Dhangarhi Museum. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Morning Jeep Safari in Bijrani Zone. Return for breakfast. Rest and lunch. Afternoon Safari in Jhirna Zone. Overnight stay at the resort.

Day 3: Early morning departure for Dhikala Zone via Dhangarhi Gate. Jungle drive to Dhikala FRH. Check-in and rest. Afternoon core zone safari. Overnight stay inside Dhikala.

Day 4: Full-day exploration inside Dhikala with morning and evening Jeep Safaris. Visit watch tower and river crossing points. Overnight stay in Dhikala.

Day 5: Morning drive out from Dhikala. Afternoon Safari in Dhela Zone. Return and rest. Overnight stay at the resort.

Day 6: Breakfast and check-out. Departure from Ramnagar as per schedule.