Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park. It was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and later renamed after the hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett. Spread across the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand, it sits in the foothills of the Himalayas along the Ramganga River. In 1973, it became the first reserve to launch Project Tiger, India’s national tiger conservation programme.

The landscape mixes sal forests, open grasslands (chaurs), hills and riverbeds, which supports rich wildlife. Besides the Bengal tiger, Corbett is home to Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, gharials and over 600 bird species. It is about 240–260 km from Delhi, a 5–6 hour drive, so a 2–3 day trip is easy to plan. This guide covers how to reach Corbett, which safari zones are open and when, the best time to visit, costs and practical tips..

This guide covers how to reach Corbett, the best time to go, safari zones, a 2-day itinerary, costs and practical tips.

Delhi to Jim Corbett at a Glance

DetailInfo
DistanceApprox. 240–260 km to Ramnagar (main gateway)
Travel time5–6 hours by road, 6–7 hours by train
Ideal duration2 nights / 3 days
Best timeNovember to June (core zones)
HighlightsTiger safari, Ramganga river, birdwatching, Corbett Falls
Best forWildlife lovers, families, photographers, weekend travellers

How to Reach Jim Corbett from Delhi

1. By Road (Most Flexible)

Drive via NH9 through Hapur, Moradabad and Kashipur to Ramnagar. A private car with driver suits groups and families, and lets you stop for breakfast on the way.

2. By Train

Overnight and morning trains run from Delhi to Ramnagar railway station, which is the closest railhead. Book early, as seats fill quickly in peak season.

3. By Air

The nearest airport is Pantnagar, around 60–70 km from Ramnagar. Flight availability changes, so check current schedules. Most travellers still prefer road or rail from Delhi.

Jim Corbett Safari Zones

ZoneEntry GateBest ForOpen
BijraniAmdandaTiger sightings, easy access15 Oct – 30 Jun
DhikalaDhangarhiGrasslands, Ramganga views, overnight stays15 Nov – 15 Jun
JhirnaDhelaYear-round access, less crowdedYear-round (weather permitting)
DhelaDhelaQuiet, newer zoneYear-round (weather permitting)
Durga DeviDurga DeviBirdlife, hill terrainMid-Nov onwards

Sample 3-Day Itinerary: Delhi to Jim Corbett

Day 1: Delhi to Ramnagar

Leave early and reach Corbett by afternoon. Check in, rest, and take a relaxed evening walk or visit the Corbett Museum in Kaladhungi.

Day 2: Safari and Corbett Falls

  • Morning jeep safari (6:00–6:30 AM entry): animals are most active early
  • Breakfast and rest at your resort
  • Corbett Falls and Garjia Devi Temple in the afternoon
  • Optional evening safari or riverside walk

Day 3: Return to Delhi

Do a second safari if you have time, then drive back. Plan on a 5–6 hour journey, so leave by late morning.

Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett

  1. November to February: Cool, pleasant weather and good for safaris. Mornings are chilly, so pack warm layers.
  2. March to June: Hotter, but this is the best time for tiger sightings as animals come to water sources.
  3. July to September: Monsoon. Most core zones are closed, and only Jhirna and Dhela remain open.
  4. October: Transition month. Bijrani opens mid-October, with Dhikala following in mid-November.

Jim Corbett Safari Cost (Indicative)

ItemApprox. Cost
Jeep safari, Indian nationals₹7,000 – ₹7,600 per jeep
Day safari permit, foreign nationals₹6,680 + vehicle (₹2,700–₹3,000) + guide (₹900)
Dhikala canter safari₹3,000 + GST per foreign visitor
Forest rest house night stayVaries by zone and nationality

Fees change, so confirm on the official booking site before you travel. Contact Hello India Tour to arrange permits, stays and transfers.

Travel Tips for Corbett

  1. Book safari permits early. Popular zones sell out, especially on weekends and holidays.
  2. Carry the same photo ID you used for booking. It is checked at the gate.
  3. Dress in earthy colours (green, brown, khaki) and avoid bright shades.
  4. Keep silent in the park. Loud noise reduces your chance of seeing wildlife.
  5. Pack layers. Winter mornings are cold in open jeeps.
  6. Don’t expect a guaranteed tiger. It’s a wild reserve, so treat every sighting as a bonus.
  7. Add a second safari. It improves your chances noticeably.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Jim Corbett from Delhi?
Roughly 240–260 km, which takes about 5–6 hours by road to Ramnagar.

How many days are enough for Corbett?
Two nights and three days is ideal, with two or three safaris.

Which zone is best for tigers?
Bijrani is popular for sightings and Dhikala is scenic and atmospheric. Both are worth considering when open.

Can I visit Corbett during monsoon?
Only a few zones, such as Jhirna and Dhela, stay open, and the weather can disrupt plans.

Can I combine Corbett with the Golden Triangle?
Yes. Many travellers pair it with Delhi, Agra and Jaipur or the Ranthambore tiger safari.

Do I need to book safaris in advance?
Yes, especially for Dhikala and peak-season weekends.