Jim Corbett National Park is one of India’s oldest and most iconic wildlife destinations. Located in Uttarakhand, it’s famous for Bengal tigers, rich biodiversity, and scenic landscapes. From jeep safaris and riverside resorts to nature walks and birdwatching, Corbett offers a peaceful escape close to nature. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend or a wildlife vacation, this detailed travel guide will help you choose the right safari zone, hotel, and time to visit, especially if you’re traveling with family or senior citizens.
Why Visit Jim Corbett?
Jim Corbett National Park is one of the best wildlife destinations near Delhi, just around 250 km away—about a 6-hour drive via NH9. It’s home to over 650 bird species, 50+ mammal species, including elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Spread over 1,300 sq km, the park is known for its rich biodiversity, riverbanks, and peaceful forest atmosphere. With a good mix of budget to luxury riverside resorts, easy road and rail connectivity from Delhi and Dehradun, and multiple safari zones, it’s ideal for families, senior citizens, and first-time wildlife travelers.
- Oldest national park in India (since 1936)
- Ideal for wildlife lovers, families, and photographers
- Close to Delhi-NCR and Dehradun
- Year-round tourist destination with good hotel options
- Riverside stays with peaceful surroundings
How to Reach Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett is pretty easy to reach, especially from Delhi. Most people head to Ramnagar, which is the main entry point. It’s well-connected by road and train, and you don’t need to trek or take detours—just a straight drive or a simple train ride. Even flights are possible if you’re coming from far. Once you’re in Ramnagar, all safari gates and hotels are nearby.
By Road:
From Delhi, it’s about 250 km—takes around 6 to 7 hours by car or taxi. The route is via Hapur, Moradabad, and Kashipur. Plenty of people do weekend drives here.
By Train:
Ramnagar Railway Station is well-connected. Trains like Ranikhet Express or Corbett Park Link Express come from Delhi. Takes around 6 hours.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Pantnagar, around 80 km away. Flights run from Delhi. A cab from the airport takes about 2 hours to reach Corbett.
Local Travel:
Most hotels and safari zones are within 15–25 minutes from Ramnagar. You can pre-book a taxi or check if your resort sends a pickup.
Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett (Month-wise Guide)
The best time to visit Jim Corbett is from October to February, covering the post-monsoon, early winter, and winter months. The forest looks fresh after the rains, the weather is pleasant for safaris, and wildlife activity increases near water sources. It’s also easier for senior citizens and families to travel during this period, with comfortable temperatures and better road access. Summer is good for tiger sightings but not suitable for all.
| Month | Weather | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | 5°C–18°C | Best for birdwatching, cool weather, senior-friendly |
| Mar–June | 18°C–38°C | Tiger sightings increase, dry terrain, hot days |
| July–Sep | 25°C–30°C | Monsoon season, some zones closed, peaceful for staycations |
| Oct | 15°C–25°C | Reopening month, greenery, fewer tourists |
For seniors and families, November to February is most comfortable. For wildlife photographers, summer offers better sightings but can get very hot.
Safari Zones in Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett is divided into multiple safari zones, each offering a different kind of jungle experience. The zones open and close at different times based on the season. Some are open year-round, while others shut during monsoons. Dhikala is the most famous but requires overnight booking. Bijrani and Jhirna are best for regular day safaris. Picking the right zone depends on what you want—tiger sightings, birding, peaceful forest, or fewer crowds.
- Dhikala Zone:
Core area, best for serious wildlife spotting. Only accessible with night stay in forest rest house. Tiger sightings are common. Entry from Dhangarhi Gate. - Bijrani Zone:
Close to Ramnagar, good mix of wildlife and forest views. Day safari available. Gets booked fast in peak season. - Jhirna Zone:
Open all year. Dense jungle, good wildlife movement. Ideal for families or first-timers. Entry from Dhela Gate. - Dhela Zone:
Quieter and less crowded. Also open year-round. Scenic forest with moderate wildlife visibility. - Garjia Zone:
Relatively new. Offers nice views and jungle terrain. Limited safari jeeps allowed per day. - Durga Devi Zone:
Best for birdwatching. Hilly terrain with river crossings. Not ideal for tiger sightings but very peaceful.
Quick Safari Info:
- Jeep Safari Cost: ₹5,500–₹7,500 per jeep (up to 6 persons)
- Canter Safari (Dhikala): ₹1,800–₹2,200 per person
- Safari Duration: 3–3.5 hours (morning and afternoon slots)
- Booking: Online booking opens 30–45 days in advance. ID proof required.
Hotels in Jim Corbett – Budget to Premium Options
Jim Corbett has every kind of stay option—budget lodges, riverside resorts, forest-style cottages, and luxury retreats. Most hotels are located near Bijrani, Jhirna, and Dhela gates, while some are closer to the Kosi River for a scenic stay. For senior citizens and families, choose resorts with ground-floor rooms, in-house dining, and easy road access. Book early during peak season (Oct–June), especially for long weekends or winter holidays.
Budget Hotels (₹1,500–₹2,500 per night):
- Hotel Corbett Plaza, Ramnagar – Basic rooms, central location
- Sparrow Nest Homestay – Family-run, clean, local food
- Camp Riverwild – Rustic, limited amenities, close to nature
Mid-Range Resorts (₹3,000–₹6,000 per night):
- The Corbett View Resort – Near Jhirna gate, ideal for families
- Corbett Treat Resort – Pool, veg/non-veg food, clean rooms
- Corbett Machaan Resort – Forest feel, cottage-style rooms
Premium & Luxury Resorts (₹7,000–₹18,000 per night):
- Lebua Corbett – Modern, scenic, surrounded by forest
- Taj Corbett Resort & Spa – Luxury on Kosi River, peaceful views
- Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness – Eco-luxury, wellness-focused stay
- Paatlidun Safari Lodge – High-end private villas with plunge pools
Where to Eat in Jim Corbett
Most travelers eat at their hotel or resort, as standalone restaurants are limited in the forest area. Mid-range and luxury resorts usually include breakfast and dinner. If you’re staying in Ramnagar town, you’ll find a few dhabas and cafés offering simple meals. Don’t expect fancy restaurants or nightlife here—it’s a quiet, nature-focused destination. For senior citizens or families, stick to resorts with good kitchen reviews and in-house dining.
Food Options in Corbett:
- In-house Resort Dining:
Most resorts offer buffet-style meals, usually included in the package (veg & non-veg). - Local Dhabas (Ramnagar):
- Delhi Zaika Restaurant – North Indian, affordable
- Tandooriwala – Grilled items, decent hygiene
- Kundan Veg Dhaba – Basic thalis, family-friendly
- Cafés & Light Bites:
- Corbett Café – Coffee, sandwiches, quick snacks
- Mudhouse Café – Open-air setup, limited but fresh menu
- Kumaoni Cuisine to Try:
- Aloo ke Gutke
- Bhatt ki Churkani
- Mandua (ragi) roti
- Gahat Dal
How to Commute Within Jim Corbett
There’s no public transport inside Jim Corbett. Once you reach Ramnagar, you’ll need to rely on pre-booked cabs, resort transfers, or safari jeeps to move around. Most safari zones are 15–25 minutes from the main town. If you’re staying near Bijrani or Jhirna, commuting is easy and short. For families or senior guests, it’s best to avoid any last-minute local transport—arrange your vehicle in advance.
Local Travel Options:
Walking/Cycling (limited use):
A few resorts offer nature trails or cycling near the property, but not for travel between zones.
Safari Jeep (Mandatory):
You must book a registered jeep with a guide to enter any safari zone. Private vehicles are not allowed beyond the gates.
Taxi/Resort Pickup:
Most resorts arrange pickups from Ramnagar station or bus stop. Some also drop you at the safari gate.
Self-Drive:
Allowed only till the entry gate. After that, only safari jeeps are permitted inside the forest.
Things to Do in Jim Corbett (Beyond Safari)
Jim Corbett is more than just tiger safaris. While wildlife spotting is the main draw, there’s plenty to do if you’re staying for 2–3 nights. You can visit riverside temples, go for nature walks, relax at your resort, or enjoy short trips around Ramnagar. It’s a quiet destination—perfect for families, kids, and senior citizens who want nature without too much physical activity.
Top Things to Do:
- Jeep Safari or Canter Safari – Morning and afternoon slots available in zones like Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhikala
- Birdwatching – Over 650 species; best seen in Durga Devi, Sitabani area
- Garjia Devi Temple – Scenic riverside temple near Kosi River; good for a short visit
- Corbett Museum – Located in Jim Corbett’s old bungalow at Kaladhungi
- Corbett Waterfall – Small but peaceful picnic spot, entry ₹50, 25 km from Ramnagar
- Nature Walks – Many resorts offer guided jungle trails inside buffer zones
- Village Visit – A few homestays arrange local cultural walks or day visits
- River Rafting (seasonal) – Available on the Kosi River (March–June)
Jim Corbett for Senior Citizens & Families
Jim Corbett is one of the most senior-friendly national parks in India.
- Easy road access from Delhi and Dehradun
- Many ground-floor room options
- Jeep safaris are short (2.5–3 hours) and not strenuous
- Good medical facilities in Ramnagar
- Fresh food, peaceful resorts, no steep climbs
Book your safari and hotel in advance, especially from October to March when family groups and elderly travelers prefer visiting.
Weather in Jim Corbett – Month-wise Breakdown
Jim Corbett has different faces in every season. Winters (Nov–Feb) are cool and pleasant, ideal for safaris and senior citizens. Summers (Mar–June) are hot but great for spotting tigers near waterholes. Monsoon (July–Sept) makes the forest lush but many zones close for safety. Overall, the weather is manageable, but your comfort depends on what you’re planning—relaxing stay or hardcore wildlife tracking.
| Month | Day Temp | Night Temp | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10–18°C | 3–8°C | Cold, carry woolens |
| February | 12–22°C | 6–10°C | Pleasant, light jacket needed |
| March | 20–28°C | 10–15°C | Dry and warm |
| April–May | 25–38°C | 15–22°C | Hot, tiger sightings peak |
| June | 30–38°C | 22–26°C | Dusty, fewer tourists |
| July–August | 25–32°C | 22–24°C | Monsoon, some zone closures |
| September | 26–30°C | 20–22°C | Humid but scenic |
| October | 18–28°C | 12–18°C | Green, fewer crowds |
| November–Dec | 10–20°C | 5–10°C | Cool, ideal for relaxed travel |
Nearby Places to Explore from Jim Corbett
If you’re spending 3–4 days in Jim Corbett, it’s worth adding a nearby hill station or spiritual spot to your trip. Places like Nainital, Mukteshwar, Ranikhet, and Kainchi Dham are all a few hours away and perfect for a short drive. The roads are good, and most destinations are peaceful, not crowded. Ideal for family add-ons, especially if you’re coming from far and want to make the most of your Uttarakhand trip.
- Nainital (~65 km / 2 hrs) – Lake views, mall road, boating, shopping
- Mukteshwar (~115 km / 3.5 hrs) – Apple orchards, calm stay, great views
- Ranikhet (~90 km / 3 hrs) – Pine forests, golf ground, peaceful vibe
- Kainchi Dham (~95 km / 3 hrs) – Neem Karoli Baba temple, spiritual crowd
- Binsar (~130 km / 4.5 hrs) – Offbeat forest getaway, ideal for nature lovers
- Kaladhungi (~30 km / 45 mins) – Corbett Museum and local village walk
