Established in 1936, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is both India first national park and one of its best. Spread across 520 sq km of sal forest, grasslands, and the Ramganga River valley, it is home to over 200 Bengal tigers, the highest density of any park in India.
Zones and Safari Types
Corbett is divided into five main zones: Dhikala (most wildlife-rich), Bijrani, Jhirna (open year-round), Dhela, and Durga Devi. Jeep safaris run 3-hour morning and afternoon sessions with 6 people per jeep. Canter safari is a 20-seat open bus only into Dhikala.
Wildlife to Spot
Beyond the Bengal tiger, Corbett hosts leopards, Asian elephants, sloth bears, gharials, mugger crocodiles, and over 600 species of birds including the Great Hornbill, Crested Kingfisher, and Pallas Fish Eagle.
Best Time to Visit
November to June. The Dhikala zone closes during monsoon. April and May offer the best tiger sighting probability as animals congregate around water sources in the heat.
Booking Safaris
All safaris must be booked online at the Uttarakhand Forest Department website. Slots open 90 days in advance and fill within minutes.