Things to Do in Jim Corbett: Safari Zones and Beyond

Quick answer

In Jim Corbett, the safaris come first: book two to four jeep safaris across Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Dhela or Durgadevi, or stay a night inside at Dhikala. A jeep typically costs ₹7,000–8,000 for up to six people, including permit, vehicle and guide. Between drives, visit Corbett's house at Kaladhungi, the Garjiya temple, Corbett Falls and the Kosi river for birds.

13 things worth your time in Jim Corbett

01
Jeep safari in Bijrani
Experience
The core zone closest to Ramnagar, with sal forest, grassland and a good tiger density. Open 15 October to 30 June.
3.5–4 hoursAbout ₹7,000–8,000 per jeep (up to six) incl. permit, gypsy and guide
Morning safaris are colder but usually better for sightings.
02
Night stay in Dhikala
Experience
The only way to do jeep safaris in Dhikala is to sleep inside at the forest rest house, which overlooks the Ramganga and the Dhikala grasslands. Elephants are common; tigers are seen most seasons.
1–2 nightsRooms cheap by resort standards; entry, vehicle and safaris extra
Book the day the online window opens. Rooms are basic, and there is a canteen but no room service.
03
Canter safari into Dhikala
Experience
A shared 16-seat bus that takes day visitors deep into Dhikala. The cheapest way to see the park's best grassland.
5–6 hoursAbout ₹1,500–1,800 per person (Indian nationals)
04
Jhirna safari
Nature
Open all year, on the park's southern edge. Drier forest with elephants, sloth bears and deer, and your best bet in the monsoon.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹7,000–8,000 per jeep
05
Dhela safari
Nature
Open all year, with grasslands and fewer vehicles than Bijrani. A good fallback when Bijrani and Dhikala are sold out.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹7,000–8,000 per jeep
06
Durgadevi safari
Nature
Hilly zone in the north-east along the Ramganga and Mandal rivers. Better for birders and scenery than for tigers. Open 15 November to 15 June.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹7,000–8,000 per jeep
07
Garjiya safari
Nature
A smaller zone close to Ramnagar with mixed forest and river edges. Useful when other zones are full.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹7,000–8,000 per jeep
08
Sitabani buffer drive
Nature
Outside the tiger reserve, under the Ramnagar forest division, with easier permits, good birding and the Sitabani temple.
3–4 hoursAbout ₹3,000–5,000 per jeep
09
Corbett Museum, Kaladhungi
Landmark
Jim Corbett's winter home, about 30 km from Ramnagar, with his letters, photographs and furniture.
1 hourAbout ₹20–50
10
Chhoti Haldwani village walk
Experience
The village Corbett set up for his tenants near Kaladhungi. Walk past the stone wall he built, his old chaupal and the orchards.
1.5–2 hoursAbout ₹100–300
11
Corbett Falls
Nature
A 20-m waterfall in teak forest near Kaladhungi, a short walk from the road.
1 hourAbout ₹100–200
12
Garjiya Devi temple
Landmark
A temple perched on a rock in the Kosi river, about 15 km from Ramnagar. Very busy on Kartik Purnima.
1 hourFree
13
Birding along the Kosi
Nature
The river bank and Ramnagar barrage draw wallcreeper, ibisbill, river lapwing and wintering ducks between November and March.
2–3 hoursFree; naturalist about ₹1,000–2,500

How to plan safaris in Jim Corbett

Corbett is a reserve of separate zones, each with its own gate. You book a permit for a specific zone and slot (morning or afternoon), not for the park.

Zone	Season	Best for
Dhikala	15 Nov–15 Jun	Grasslands, elephants, tigers; night stay needed for jeeps
Bijrani	15 Oct–30 Jun	Tigers, easy access from Ramnagar
Jhirna	All year	Monsoon safaris, sloth bear
Dhela	All year	Grassland, fewer vehicles
Durgadevi	15 Nov–15 Jun	Birds, river scenery

How many safaris should you book?

Three or four, ideally across two zones. A single safari is a gamble. Spread them over two days so one rainy or foggy morning doesn't decide your trip.

How do you book a Corbett safari?

Permits are sold only on the official Corbett Tiger Reserve portal, opening about 45 days ahead for Indian nationals. You need ID details for every passenger. Most resorts and agents will book permits and gypsies for a service fee. Avoid anyone who promises a guaranteed Dhikala room or a tiger.

One person's permit covers the whole jeep (up to six). Groups of four to six get the best per-person value.

Is there anything to do apart from safaris?

Yes: Corbett's house at Kaladhungi, the Chhoti Haldwani walk, Garjiya temple, Corbett Falls and birding along the Kosi. Nainital is about 65 km away for a day trip.

See the best time to visit Jim Corbett, our 3-day Corbett itinerary and where to stay in Jim Corbett. Combining with the hills? See things to do in Nainital.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best zone in Jim Corbett for tigers?

Dhikala and Bijrani have the best record for tiger sightings, Dhikala for its open grassland and Bijrani for its density and easy access. Jhirna and Dhela also see tigers. No zone guarantees a sighting, so book several safaris across at least two zones.

How much does a jeep safari in Corbett cost?

A full gypsy for up to six people typically costs ₹7,000–8,000 per safari, including the permit for Indian nationals, the vehicle and a guide. Agents and resorts add a service fee. Foreign nationals pay a higher permit fee. The Dhikala canter is about ₹1,500–1,800 per person.

Can I visit Dhikala without staying overnight?

Yes, by the shared canter, a 16-seat bus that takes day visitors into Dhikala. Private jeep safaris in Dhikala are tied to a night stay at the forest rest house. Both sell out fast, so book as soon as the online window opens.

Are children allowed on Corbett safaris?

Yes. Children travel on the same permit, and there is no minimum age for jeep safaris. Bring warm layers for winter mornings, snacks and water, and keep them seated: you can't get out of the jeep inside the reserve.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.