Safari Zones in Jim Corbett are divided into six different ecotourism zones so tourism activities can be better managed in the tiger reserve area.
The safari tour at Corbett tiger reserve is organized in two shifts by forest officials in all ecotourism zones. A limited number of safari jeeps are allowed per zone to ensure an equal distribution of tourist flow throughout the reserve.
Each of India’s tiger reserves has a unique landscape and wildlife. However, the chances of sighting a tiger are approximately equal in every reserve, with only slight variation depending on the terrain. All the reserves are located in the same geographical region, after all.
Safari Zones in Jim Corbett
Corbett safari zones are the Dhikala zone, Bijrani zone, Jhirna Zone, Garjiya Zone, Sitabani Zone, Pakhro Zone, Dhela zone, and Durga Devi zone. It helps to protect the natural environment and the wildlife that lives there. Each with its unique flora and fauna for visitors to experience and explore.
Dhikala Zone
Entry Gate: Dhangadi Gate , 32 Km From Ramnagar
Dhikala safari zone is one of the most popular tourist zones in Corbett National Park, and for a good reason. It’s the perfect place for a day safari or a night stay in the Dhikala Forest rest house. Plus, there’s the highest chance of spotting a tiger!
The Dhikala zone, situated on the edge of the Patil Dun valley, is the largest in the Corbett National Park. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
This zone, made up of vast grasslands called Chaurs, a dense forest of Sal trees, and different channels of the Ramganga River, provides you with a stunning view of nature.
The Kanda Ridge offers a panoramic view of the valley, making it a popular choice for night stays among wildlife enthusiasts who come here hoping to catch a glimpse of the resident tigers.
Other animals, such as wild elephants, spotted deer, wild pigs, hog deer, and barking deer, are mostly seen in this region. You may see the tiger chasing a deer in the grassland or beside the water streams if you’re lucky.
No jeep safaris are available at Dhikala, but if you’re looking for peace and quiet, you might enjoy visiting this part of the park.
The Canter safari is an open-bus tour through the Dhikala zone offered by the forest officials that allows up to 16 people per bus, with a total of 2 buses running per shift. Enjoy a day exploring the Canter safari and all the Dhikala zone offers!
To catch the canter safari at the Dhikala zone, you must book your seat in advance and visit the entry gate.
Bijrani Zone
Entry Gate: Amdanda Gate, Distance From Ramnagar: 2 Km
Bijrani safari zone is a must-see for anyone interested in seeing a breathtaking natural landscape or getting the chance to see the king of the Corbett forest, the Royal Bengal tiger.
The landscape in this zone is so beautiful that it’s no wonder it’s the most popular one after Dhikala. Even though it gets a lot of visitors from day safari tourists, it’s still known for its calming and relaxing atmosphere.
The Bijrani zone is a unique region in the Corbett National Park due to the diverse range of wildlife that inhabits the area. With sprawling grasslands, thick sal forests, and various water streams, the topography of the Bijrani zone is just as beautiful as the Dhikala zone.
The Jeep safari is available for day visitors in this zone, which offers the best tiger sighting experience because of the many tigers living there. Along with the enchanting view, this zone allows you to see these magnificent animals up close!
The day safari can be booked online to enter the Bijrani zone. Although the elephant safari is no longer available, it could be accessed by paying the required fees on-site on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The day safari is organized into two separate shifts, each with a maximum of 30 safari jeeps allowed. Each jeep can carry a maximum of 6 adults and two children, not including the driver and guide/naturist. And a jeep tour guide is required to enter the park.
Jhirna Zone
Entry Gate: Dhela Gate, 15 Km From Ramnagar
Jhirna safari zone, located on the southern edge of the Corbett National Park, was included in the tiger reserve in 1994. Despite this, it has become immensely popular among wildlife enthusiasts.
The Jhirna zone is one of the most visited zones among other Corbett safari zones because it is open for day tourists throughout the year. This region is known for its Tiger sightings and a wide range of other wildlife species.
Besides the revered tigers, wild bears are another main attraction in this zone.
The park is home to various animals, including wild elephants, sambar deer, and various bird species.
The safari allows two shifts per day with 30 jeeps maximum per shift. You can book the Jeep safari online for up to six adults and two children per Jeep.
According to the rule, a naturist/guide must accompany each jeep.
Dhela Zone
Entry Gate: Dhela Gate, 15 Km From Ramnagar
The Dhela safari zone is the latest addition to the safari zones in Jim Corbett. It was opened in December 2014 and remains open throughout the year, making it a great option for tourists looking to experience a safari tour.
The safari tour will go as planned as long as the weather cooperates. The zone consists of different topography types, including dense trees of trees like Sal, Haldu, Bahera, Rohini, and Kusum, along with large grasslands and various water bodies.
Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, wild elephants, nilgai, deer, wild bears, and reptiles, this zone also has various fauna. Various species of birds make this place their home too.
Corbett National park is especially well known for the abundance of bird species and is often considered the best place for birding enthusiasts. If you’re interested in seeing some of these rare and beautiful birds for yourself, you can book a day safari to visit this zone and explore all that the park has to offer.
In addition to the safari entry permit, you will need to book a Jeep and a guide to enter the park.
Durga Devi Zone
Entry Gate: Durga Devi Gate, 28 Km From Ramnagar
The Durga Devi safari zone is a nature lover’s paradise, with enchanting natural surroundings and a hilly landscape.
Situated on the northeast periphery of the Corbett forest, the zone is highly rich in species of flora and fauna. The streams of the Ramganga River and Mandal River enrich the water bodies of this wild forest, adding to its beauty.
The main attractions of this zone are the majestic Tigers, leopards, wild elephants, and Otters – primarily found near the Domunda Bridge. This area is a must-visit for any animal lover!
The Mahseer fish, a popular river fish species, can be found in the streams in the Durga Devi zone. This zone is also home to many bird species, making it a perfect destination for bird-watching enthusiasts.
Various bird species can be found in this zone, including the Gray Headed Fishing Eagle, Maroon Orile, Black-chinned Yuhina, Long-Tailed Broadbill, Slaty Blue Flycatcher, and Bar-tailed Tree Creeper.
A zone is an excellent place for bird-watching enthusiasts. Jeep safari is organized for this zone, and tourists can also stay overnight at the Lohachaur Forest Guest House in this zone after making a prior booking.
Sitabani Forest Zone (Buffer Zone)
Entry Gate: Near Teda Village, Around 4 Km From Ramnagar
Sitabani safari zone is a beautiful Reserve Forest located just outside the Corbett Tiger Reserve area. The Buffer zone is open to everyone, and it’s the perfect place to escape city life’s hustle and bustle.
This zone’s landscape has a rich natural view, including dense forests, river streams, and many old temples. You’ll find plenty of herbivore animals like elephants, deer, sambars, Nilgai, and others roaming freely here.
Though the chances of seeing a tiger or leopard are very low in this area, there have been cases where these dangerous predators have been spotted while searching for their next meal.
There are approximately 600 bird species that can be found in this particular zone, the majority of which are migratory birds.
The zone is a terrific spot for bird-watching enthusiasts. With a massive area encompassing many villages, you’ll be enchanted by the idyllic and peaceful atmosphere of nature.
Although this zone is home to many wonders of nature, it is often missed by tourists who would rather visit the tiger reserve area.
The Sitabani Temple, an old temple located in the forest, is protected and maintained by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). Along with this, there is also a very old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Many pilgrims visit these temples annually, making exploring the forest and taking a night safari a memorable experience. The Sitabani forest will give you an adrenaline rush because of its quiet and eerie ambiance. You will be thrilled at the prospect of encountering any wild animal.
This zone can be explored via Jeep safari, elephant safari, or walking. Private vehicles are also allowed in this zone.
At the entry gate of Teda Village, you must pay the entry fee to enter the forest reserve area. After exploring the forest, you will exit from the Paulgarh gate, which is about 60 km away from where you entered.
Garjiya Zone
Entry Gate: Amdanda Gate, 9 Km. from Ramnagar
Tourists visiting Corbett National Park will not have to be disappointed if the safari seat is unavailable or the booking is full.
The new Ringora Zone or Garjia safari zone in Corbett started the safari in November to keep up with the increasing trend of tourists. Girija is a new safari zone that has been added and is now available for tourists to enjoy the safari.
So far, the tourism safari zone in Corbett National Park includes Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durgadevi, and Sitabani. The Corbett administration has opened the Girija tourism zone with limited safari seats to accommodate more tourists.
Wildlife lovers are in for a treat as a new zone is set to open during peak tourism season, just in time for safari season! The practice of opening a new zone has been pending for quite some time, but now it’s finally coming to fruition.
The Garjiya jungle area of the Jim Corbett National Park is a popular tourist destination known for its rich variety of flora and fauna.
In terms of safari tourist preference, Garjiya is a tough competition to the Dhikala tourism zone. This is popular for its stunning landscape and a very quiet and serene place.
The dense forest, with its natural beauty, amazes visitors. This region is one of the most tiger-rich areas of Corbett Park.