Corbett Tiger Reserve — location and key facts
Corbett Tiger Reserve is India's first national park. The reserve encompasses a diverse landscape of high altitude meadows (chaurs), dense Sal forests, grasslands, and the Ramganga river system. Corbett is divided into eight tourism zones, each with its own distinct terrain, wildlife character, and entry gate. The reserve is home to the world's highest density of tigers and is equally significant for its elephant population, leopard density, and exceptional bird diversity of over 650 species.
When is each Jim Corbett National Park zone open
• Jhirna, Dhela, Garjia zones: Open throughout the year
• Bijrani, Durgadevi, Sonanadi, Pakhro zones: October 15 to June 30
• Dhikala zone: November 15 to June 15
Wildlife in Jim Corbett National Park
Corbett has the world's highest density of tigers, alongside one of the largest elephant populations of any tiger reserve in India.
Tigers in Jim Corbett National Park
Corbett has the world's highest density of tigers. Sightings are most reliable in the Dhikala, Bijrani, and Garjia zones.
Elephants, leopards, and birds in Jim Corbett National Park
Large herds of Asian elephants are resident across the reserve — Corbett has one of the largest elephant populations of any tiger reserve in India. Leopards are present throughout, particularly in the Jhirna and Durgadevi zones. Over 650 bird species have been recorded, making Corbett one of the finest birdwatching destinations in Asia.
Safari zones in Jim Corbett National Park
Corbett Tiger Reserve is divided into eight tourism zones, each with a separate entry gate and distinct landscape and wildlife character. The zone you book determines your entry gate and access town. Six zones are accessed from Ramnagar — Sonanadi and Pakhro are accessed from Kotdwar.
Jhirna Zone
Entry via Dhela gate, approximately 15 km from Ramnagar. Southern periphery of the reserve. Deciduous and secondary forest with open grasslands — excellent visibility. Known for sloth bear and elephant sightings.
• Season: Open throughout year
• Nearest City: Ramnagar
• Safari type: Day Jeep Safari
Dhela Zone
Entry via Dhela gate, approximately 20 km from Ramnagar. Rich Sal, Rohini, and mixed forest. Tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and exceptional bird diversity.
• Season: Open throughout year
• Nearest City: Ramnagar
• Safari type: Day Jeep Safari
Bijrani Zone
Entry via Amdanda gate, approximately 15–20 km from Ramnagar. One of the most popular zones — dense Sal forest with open grasslands. Prime tiger habitat and high probability tiger sighting zone.
• Season: October 15 to June 30
• Nearest City: Ramnagar
• Safari type: Day Jeep Safari and Canter Safari
Dhikala Zone
Entry via Dhangari gate. The most celebrated zone in Corbett — set at the edge of the Patli Dun valley with panoramic views along the Ramganga river. Herd of elephants and spotted deer pack the vast chaur grasslands. Hog Deer sightings are most reliable here.
• Season: November 15 to June 15
• Nearest City: Ramnagar
• Safari type: Canter Safari and Night Stay — no day jeep safari
Dhikala does not offer day jeep safari. To visit Dhikala, book either a Canter safari or a Night Stay permit. Night Stay permit holders do not require a separate safari permit.
Durgadevi Zone
Entry via Durgadevi gate. Located on the northeastern side of the reserve — hilly terrain crossed by the Ramganga and Mandal rivers. Known for wild elephant and otter sightings at Domunda Bridge. Mahseer fish in the river waters. Good birdwatching zone.
• Season: November 15 to June 15
• Nearest City: Ramnagar
• Safari type: Day Jeep Safari
Sonanadi Zone
Entry via Vatanvasa gate. Located near Kotdwar — approximately 150 km from Ramnagar. Dense Sal forest, bamboo, and perennial streams. No villages within the sanctuary. Over 550 bird species recorded. Elephants, tigers, leopards, and sambhar present.
• Season: October 15 to June 15
• Nearest City: Kotdwar (150 km from Ramnagar)
• Safari type: Day Jeep Safari and Elephant Safari
Pakhro Zone
Entry via Pakhro gate. Located near Kotdwar — approximately 150 km from Ramnagar. Dense Sal forest and perennial streams. Elephants, tigers, leopards, and over 550 bird species.
• Season: November 15 to June 15
• Nearest City: Kotdwar (150 km from Ramnagar)
• Safari type: Day Jeep Safari
Garjia Zone
Entry via Garjiya gate, approx. 20 km from Ramnagar. One of the most tiger-rich areas in the reserve. Dense Sal forest with open grasslands. Competes with Dhikala in terms of wildlife diversity. Restaurant and canteen available on-site.
• Season: Open throughout year
• Nearest City: Ramnagar
• Safari type: Day Jeep Safari
Safari types and permits at Jim Corbett National Park
Safari timings at Jim Corbett National Park
Day safari operates in two shifts — morning and evening.
Morning Safari
6:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Evening Safari
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Canter safari at Dhikala operates on a fixed schedule from Ramnagar/Dhangari gate — Nov 15 to Jun 15.
Vehicle types at Jim Corbett National Park
• Jeep Safari: Maximum 6 passengers per jeep. A gypsy is automatically allocated within 4 hours of booking. Charges are per jeep regardless of whether 1 to 6 passengers. Day safari only — morning or evening shift.
• Canter Safari: Open bus accommodating up to 16 passengers. Available at Dhikala zone only — this is the only way to visit Dhikala. It has fixed schedule and route. Canter permits cannot be adjusted or rescheduled in the event of a delay.
Guide charges is ₹1,000 per shift (day/evening safari). Guide charges paid separately and not included in the permit fee.
How to book a Jim Corbett National Park safari permit
All permits are booked through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve booking portal. There is no authorized alternative.
• Official Portal: corbettgov.org
• Booking window — Jeep Safari: up to 45 days in advance. New booking slots open every Monday at 10:00 AM.
• Booking window — Canter Safari: Opens progressively each day — up to 45 days in advance.
• Night stay: Up to 45 days in advance. New booking slots open every Monday at 10:00 AM.
• Ticket facility hours: 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily.
Jim Corbett National Park safari booking rules
• A WhatsApp-enabled mobile number is required for OTP validation during booking, alongside name, gender, country, ID proof type, ID number, and age. The original ID used at booking must be carried and must match at the gate.
• Children below 12 do not require a ticket but are not allotted seats by default. You have to buy an additional seat if a seat is required. Children above 12 are counted as adults.
• A hard copy of e-ticket is mandatory at gate entry. QR code must be intact — no scratches or damage. One QR code valid for a single scan only.
Jim Corbett National Park safari entry fees
₹6,680 (allows entry to a maximum of 6 individuals) across all zones. Vehicle charge is additional. Guide charge is ₹1,000 per shift — paid separately.
Vehicle Charges by Zone
• Jhirna: ₹3,000
• Dhela: ₹3,000
• Bijrani: ₹2,700
• Garjia: ₹3,000
• Durgadevi: ₹3,000
• Sonanadi: ₹2,800–₹4,500
• Pakhro: ₹2,800
Canter Safari — Dhikala Zone
₹3,000 + 18% GST per person
The permit fee covers the person safari permit fee and solid waste management charges. Guide and vehicle charges are additional and paid separately.
Jim Corbett National Park safari cancellation policy
All purchased tickets at Corbett Tiger Reserve are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be modified under any circumstances — including cancellations, delays, weather, medical issues, or access restrictions.
Night stay at Jim Corbett National Park
Night stay is available across all zones. Pricing is per room per night for 2 persons and includes the safari permit. Vehicle and guide charges are additional.
Jim Corbett National Park night stay room rates
Room rate is for 1 room, 2 persons.
Jhirna (Dhela gate)
₹10,450 per room + vehicle ₹5,750 + guide ₹1,000
Dhela (Dhela gate)
₹10,450 per room + vehicle ₹5,750 + guide ₹1,000
Bijrani (Amdanda gate)
₹10,450 per room + vehicle ₹5,750 + guide ₹1,000
Sonanadi (Vatanvasa gate)
₹10,450 per room + vehicle ₹6,200 + guide ₹1,000
Dhikala (Dhangari gate)
₹10,450 per room + vehicle ₹7,250 + guide ₹1,000
Pakhro (Pakhro gate)
₹10,450 per room + vehicle ₹6,200 + guide ₹1,000
Mailani (Amdanda gate)
₹10,453 per room + vehicle ₹6,750 + guide ₹1,000
Sarpduli (Dhangari gate)
₹10,450 per room + vehicle ₹7,750 + guide ₹1,000
How to book Jim Corbett National Park night stay
• Advance window: Up to 45 days in advance. New slots open every Monday at 10:00 AM.
• Season: November 15 to June 14.
• Included: Night stay permit includes jeep safari — no separate safari permit required.
• Room amenities: No canteen facilities — guests bring their own rations. Cook and kitchen facilities are available.
Night stay permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Vehicle movement inside the reserve is allowed during nighttime.
Guide fees for Jim Corbett National Park night stay
₹1,250 per shift for Dhikala (maximum 8 hours). ₹1,000 per shift for all other zones.
All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.
Safari rules at Jim Corbett National Park
Safari conduct rules at Corbett are enforced by the guide assigned to every vehicle and apply to all visitors regardless of nationality.
• Mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside all tourism zones. Leave mobile phones at your accommodation before entering the safari area.
• Wear earth-toned, neutral colors — khaki, olive, brown, or grey. White, red, or bright colors are not permitted.
• Zero Plastic Zone. A spot fine of ₹500 applies for littering or spitting.
• Strictly prohibited and punishable inside the reserve.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 20 meters from wildlife. Stay stationary if an animal approaches.
• Do not stay at any sighting spot for more than 5 minutes.
• No shouting, music, or sound during safari.
• A hard copy printout of the e-ticket is mandatory. The original ID used at booking must match the ID presented at the gate.
How to reach Jim Corbett National Park
Ramnagar is the primary access town for Corbett Tiger Reserve — serving six of the eight zones. Sonanadi and Pakhro zones are accessed from Kotdwar, approx. 150 km from Ramnagar. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes and transport info below.
Jim Corbett National Park Access City
Primary Access City (6 zones)
Ramnagar — Jhirna, Dhela, Bijrani, Dhikala, Durgadevi, Garjia zones
Secondary Access City (2 zones)
Kotdwar — Sonanadi (Vatanvasa gate) and Pakhro (Pakhro gate)
Rail Station: Ramnagar Railway Station (RMR)
Airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) — approx 90 km from Ramnagar
Bus Terminal: Ramnagar Bus Stand
Travel to Ramnagar by train or bus and proceed to your zone by a taxi. If flying, use Pantnagar Airport (PGH) — 90 km from Ramnagar — then use a bus or hire a taxi to Ramnagar.
Frequently Asked Questions — Jim Corbett National Park
No. Dhikala does not offer a day jeep safari. To visit Dhikala, book either a Canter safari or a Night Stay permit — Night Stay permit holders do not need a separate safari permit.
All permits are booked through the official portal at corbettgov.org. Jeep safari slots open up to 45 days in advance, with new slots released every Monday at 10:00 AM. Booking requires a WhatsApp-enabled mobile number for OTP validation, along with passport details for foreign nationals.
Jhirna, Dhela, and Garjia zones are open throughout the year with no monsoon closure. The remaining zones — Bijrani, Dhikala, Durgadevi, Sonanadi, and Pakhro — follow seasonal closures between mid-June and mid-October or mid-November, depending on the zone.
A jeep safari uses a 6-passenger gypsy and is available at most zones during the morning or evening shift. A canter safari uses an open bus accommodating up to 16 passengers and is available only at Dhikala zone — it is the only way to visit Dhikala without a Night Stay permit and runs on a fixed schedule.
No. All purchased tickets at Corbett Tiger Reserve are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be modified under any circumstances, including for weather, delays, or medical issues.
No. Mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside all tourism zones of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Visitors must leave phones at their accommodation before entering the safari area — this is a stricter rule than the 'switch off' instruction used at most other Indian tiger reserves.
Night stay is booked through the same official portal, up to 45 days in advance, with new slots released every Monday at 10:00 AM. The room rate covers 1 room for 2 persons and includes the jeep safari permit — vehicle and guide charges are paid separately. The season runs from November 15 to June 14.
Ramnagar is the primary access town, serving six of the eight zones, with the nearest railway station (Ramnagar, RMR) and the nearest airport (Pantnagar, PGH, approx. 90 km away). Sonanadi and Pakhro zones are instead accessed from Kotdwar, approx. 150 km from Ramnagar.
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