A Guide to Safari Zones in Jim Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park is divided into five eco-tourism zones for proper management of tourism activities in the tiger reserve area. Dhikala zone, Bijarani zone, Jhirna zone, Dhela zone, and Durga Devi zone are the zones. Forest officials from the Corbett Tiger Reserve coordinate the safari tour in two shifts in all eco-tourism areas.

A small number of safari jeeps are permitted in each zone. To ensure that tourist traffic is uniformly distributed in all areas. Each site has its natural beauty and wildlife, as well as its natural charm. All of the zones are part of the same ecological land. Tiger sightings are more or less equal in each region, with a minor difference in topography.

Table of Contents

List of the 6 Most Popular Safari (Tourism) Zones in Corbett National Park:

Everyone needs to visit Jim Corbett National Park because it is a wildlife sanctuary. Every year, the park is inundated with visitors from all over the world, not just from India. Corbett is divided into several safari areas, including.

The Dhikala Zone: is 18 kilometers from the Ramnagar area.
Jhirna Zone: Jhirna Gate is 16 kilometers from Ramnagar.
Bijrani Zone: The Bijrani zone’s entry gate is only a kilometer away from the Ramnagar area.
Dhela Zone: In November 2014, Dhela, a new eco-tourism zone in Corbett National Park, was added to the tiger reserve zone.
The Durga Devi Zone: Entry Gate is 35 kilometers from Ramnagar city.
Sitabani Buffer Zone: You must visit the Sitabani region if you enjoy the peaceful ambiance of natural beauty.

1. The Dhikala Zone

Among all the tourist zones of the Corbett National Park, the Dhikala zone maintains a celebrity status. It is the most popular zone for both day and night safaris and stays at the Dhikala forest rest house. The Dhikala region, situated on the outskirts of the Patil Dun valley, is the largest zone of the Corbett National Park and is home to a rich range of flora and fauna.

This zone’s landscape, which includes vast grasslands known as Chaurs, thick Sal tree forest, and numerous Ramganga River channels, provides an enchanting view of nature. The panoramic view of the vast valley with the Kanda ridge in the background is truly breathtaking. It is the most popular option for wildlife lovers for a night’s stay because it is considered the best zone for tiger sightings. Other species often seen in this area include wild elephants, spotted deer, wild pigs, hog deer, and barking deer. Read Also: Top 10 Things To Do on your Trip to Jim Corbett

Read some Additional Information:

Feature	Details
Location	Situated on the banks of the Ramganga River. Dhikala is located deep inside the park and is the largest zone.
Best Time to Visit	Mid-November to June is the best time to visit this zone.
Permits and Booking	Permits are required and must be booked in advance, especially during peak season.
Wildlife Sightings	High chances of spotting tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and a variety of birds.
Safari Options	Jeep safaris and canter (bus) safaris are available. Jeep safaris offer more flexibility.
Guided Tours	It is mandatory to be accompanied by a guide or naturalist for all safaris.
Attractions	Corbett Museum: A museum showcasing the history of Jim Corbett National Park and wildlife conservation efforts. Grasslands: The grasslands are home to a wide variety of wildlife, providing excellent photography opportunities.

Check out the package for planning a trip to the 1 Night 2 Days Dhikala Trip Itinerary.

2. Jhirna Zone

Located on the southern edge of the Corbett National Park, this zone was added to the tiger reserve zone much later, in 1994, and has gained enormous popularity among wildlife enthusiasts. The Jhirna zone is one of the most visited zones in the Corbett Reserve forest since it is open today for tourists all year.

There have been multiple reports of tiger sightings in this district and a diverse range of wildlife species. The wild bears, in addition to the magnificent tigers, are the main attraction of this zone. Other animals present in this zone include wild elephants, sambar, numerous deer species, and a large number of bird species. Also, Read 10 Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Jim Corbett

Read some Additional Information:

Feature	Description
Location	Jhirna zone is located in the southern part of Jim Corbett National Park. It’s easily accessible from Ramnagar.
Safari Options	Jeep safaris are available in the Jhirna zone. The safaris are guided by experienced forest officials and naturalists.
Best Time to Visit	The best time to visit the Jhirna zone is from November to June when the weather is pleasant, and the zone remains open throughout the year.
Safari Timings	Jhirna zone offers two safari slots: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Morning safaris usually start around 6:00 AM, and afternoon safaris begin around 2:00 PM.
Permit & Booking	Permits are required to visit the Jhirna zone and can be booked online or at the park’s booking offices. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season.
Other Attractions	Jhirna also offers picturesque landscapes and opportunities for nature photography. It is a good place to spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.

3. Bijrani Zone

When it comes to stunning natural views or catching a glimpse of the king of the Corbett forest, the royal Bengal tiger, the Bijrani zone does not disappoint. After the Dhikala zone, this is the most common zone and the most visited by day safari tourists. This zone is renowned for its calm and serene ambiance within the trees, enriched by the eye-catching landscape. The wide variety of wildlife species found in this area distinguishes it as a distinct Corbett zone.

The Bijrani zone’s topography is just as appealing as the Dhikala zone’s, with vast Grasslands, dense Sal forest, and numerous water streams. Along with the stunning scenery, this zone is renowned for having many tigers, making it a prime spot for tiger sightings. In this zone, day visitors can participate in a Jeep safari. To gain access to the area, one must book a day safari online.

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Read some Additional Information:

Aspect	Details
Location	Close to the park’s main entrance, 1 km from Ramnagar.
Terrain	Diverse landscape including grasslands, dense forests, and hills.
Wildlife	Known for tigers, elephants, leopards, and various species of deer.
Birdwatching	Excellent for birdwatching with numerous bird species observed.
Best Time to Visit	November to June is ideal for spotting wildlife.
Safari Options	Jeep safaris are available; limited availability, so booking in advance is recommended.
Entry Point	Amdanda Gate.
Visitor Facilities	Rest houses and restrooms are available for visitors.
Key Attractions	Water holes for wildlife sightings and varied vegetation.

4. Dhela Zone

The Dhela zone is the most recent addition to the Corbett National Park’s tourism areas. The Zones opened them for safari tours in December 2014. Similarly, as the Jhirna zone is open all year, this zone is accessible all year for visitors. The safari tour, on the other hand, is dependent on the weather. The location has a mixed topography, with thick forests of trees such as Sal, Haldu, Bahera, Rohini, Kusum, vast grasslands, and various water bodies.

You can find animals such as the Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, wild elephants, Nilgai, various species of deer, wild bears, and multiple species of reptiles and birds in this district. This region is well-known for its large number of bird species and is widely recognized as the best zone for birding.

Read some Additional Information:

Aspect	Details
Zone Name	Dhela Zone
Location	Located around 13 km from Ramnagar, Dhela zone is easily accessible from the park’s entrance.
Best Time to Visit	November to June, when the weather is favorable and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher.
Safari Options	Jeep Safari is the main option, with morning and afternoon rides available. No canter safari in this zone.
Other Attractions	Beautiful natural landscapes, opportunity for bird watching, and proximity to the Dhela village for a cultural experience.

5. The Durga Devi Zone

With its hilly landscape and enchanting natural surroundings, the Durga Devi zone is like a paradise for nature lovers. The location is located on the northeastern outskirts of the Corbett forest. And is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The Ramganga River and Mandal River streams enrich the water bodies of this region. The rivers add to the beauty of this wild forest. Apart from the magnificent Tigers, the main attractions of this zone are leopards, wild elephants, and otters, which are often located along the Domunda Bridge. Read Also: India’s first Snow Leopard Tour by Uttarakhand Tourism

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Read some Additional Information:

Feature	Details
Location	The Durga Devi Zone is located in the northeastern part of Jim Corbett National Park. It’s accessible via the Dhangarhi gate, about 28 km from Ramnagar.
Safari Type	This zone offers both jeep and elephant safaris for visitors.
Timing	Morning and evening safaris are available. Morning safaris usually start around 6:00 AM, while evening safaris begin around 2:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit	The best time to visit Durga Devi Zone is from November to June. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more common.
Notable Spots	The zone is known for its challenging terrain and picturesque Ramganga River. The Durga Devi temple, an ancient shrine, is also located within the zone.
Guided Tours	Visitors are required to be accompanied by a trained guide during safari rides for safety and to enhance the experience with valuable insights.

6. Sitabani Buffer Zone

Outside of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, the Sitabani forest zone is a reserve forest zone. The zone is designated as the tiger reserve’s buffer zone and is open to the public. This zone’s landscape is rich in natural beauty, with thick forests, river streams, and numerous old temples.

Elephants, deer, sambars, Nilgai, and other herbivore species can be found roaming freely here. Though it is a buffer zone and sightings of tigers or leopards are rare, these dangerous animals are occasionally seen here searching for prey.

Read some Additional Information:

Aspect	Information
Location	Sitabani Forest Zone is located to the west of the Jim Corbett National Park, away from the main tourism zones.
Access	It is accessible by road and is around 20 km from Ramnagar. Visitors need to arrange their own transportation.
Wildlife	Known for its rich biodiversity, including species like tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and various birds.
Activities	Jeep safaris, nature walks, birdwatching, and photography are popular activities in the zone.
Timing	Open year-round; best time to visit is from November to June.
Tour Duration	Jeep safaris typically last around 3-4 hours; nature walks can be scheduled for shorter durations.
Guide	A local guide is recommended for a richer experience and better chance of spotting wildlife.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How many safari zones are there in Jim Corbett National Park?

There are six safari zones in Jim Corbett National Park: Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durga Devi, and Garjiya.

2. Which is the most popular safari zone in Jim Corbett?

Dhikala Zone is the most popular because of its dense forest, variety of wildlife, and higher chances of spotting tigers.

3. What can I see in the Bijrani Zone?

In the Bijrani Zone, you can see a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, deer, and various bird species.

4. Is the Jhirna Zone open throughout the year?

Yes, the Jhirna Zone is open all year round, making it accessible even during the monsoon season.

5. What is special about the Dhikala Zone?

The Dhikala Zone is famous for its grasslands, river views, and the possibility of seeing large animals like elephants and tigers.

6. Can I stay overnight in Jim Corbett’s safari zones?

Yes, you can stay overnight in forest rest houses within zones like Dhikala and Bijrani, which offer basic accommodations.

7. Which safari zone is best for birdwatching?

The Durga Devi Zone is known for birdwatching, with many rare species of birds found here.

8. What type of safari can I do in Jim Corbett?

You can do Jeep Safari, Canter Safari, and Elephant Safari in different zones of Jim Corbett.

9. How can I book a safari in Jim Corbett National Park?

You can book a safari through the official website of Jim Corbett National Park or via authorized tour operators.

10. Is there a new safari zone in Jim Corbett?

Yes, the Garjiya Zone is a newly added zone, offering Jeep Safaris with various wildlife sightings.

11. Which zone is best for seeing tigers?

The Bijrani, Dhikala, and Jhirna Zones are considered the best for tiger sightings.

12. What is the Dhela Zone known for?

The Dhela Zone is known for its diverse flora and fauna and is open throughout the year.

13. Can I do a safari in more than one zone on the same day?

Yes, but you need separate permits for each zone and must plan the timing of the safaris accordingly.

14. Are all safari zones in Jim Corbett open year-round?

No, only Jhirna and Dhela Zones are open all year. The rest, like Dhikala and Bijrani, are usually closed during the monsoon season.

15. What time of day is best for a safari in Jim Corbett?

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for safaris because animals are more active during these times.

6 Best Safari Zones in Jim Corbett National Park