3 days
Jim Corbett National Park
Northern India
Jim Corbett National Park was founded in 1936 as India's first national park and is named after the hunter turned conservationist who helped create it. Its sal forests, grasslands and the Ramganga River lie in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand.
Corbett has one of the highest densities of tigers in India and is also known for wild elephants, leopards and over 500 bird species. It is about six to seven hours by road from Delhi, which makes it the easiest major tiger reserve to reach from the capital.
Safari zones
- Dhikala. The heart of the park, with vast grasslands and overnight stays in forest lodges. Usually open from mid November to mid June.
- Bijrani. Close to Ramnagar, with mixed forest and good tiger sightings. Opens in October.
- Jhirna and Dhela. In the south of the park, with some routes open year round.
- Durga Devi. Hilly forest along the river, known for birdwatching.
Tips for your safari
- Book permits early. Dhikala lodge rooms and safaris sell out months ahead.
- Plan at least three or four drives. Tigers are never guaranteed.
- Winter mornings are cold in an open jeep, so bring warm layers.
Multi-day tours that visit Jim Corbett National Park
Every tour here includes Jim Corbett National Park in its itinerary. Best rated first.
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4 days
5 daysCombine it with
Ranthambore National Park
India's most popular tiger reserve, where tigers roam among lakes and ruined pavilions below a thousand year old hilltop fort.
Visitor guide →Taj Mahal
UNESCOThe white marble tomb Shah Jahan built for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and the reason almost every first trip to India passes through Agra.
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Jim Corbett National Park: questions
Corbett or Ranthambore, which is better for tigers?
Both are excellent. Ranthambore has more open terrain, which can make tigers easier to see, and is closer to Jaipur. Corbett has denser forest, wild elephants and more varied scenery, and is closer to Delhi.
When is Jim Corbett National Park open?
Most zones open between mid October and mid November and close in June for the monsoon. Some southern zones such as Jhirna stay open all year.