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.
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. |
Read Also: Top 15 Wildlife National Park in India
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. |
Read Also: The 10 Best Luxury Wildlife Resorts Around India
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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