Corbett National Park Safari Zones

FAQs -

How many safari zones are there in Jim Corbett National Park and what are they called?

Jim Corbett National Park is divided into 8 safari zones, each covering a distinct section of the park's terrain. The zones covered in packages on this page are Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durga Devi, Sitabani, Phanto (also known as Pakhro), and Garjiya. Each zone has its own entry gate, permitted vehicle count, and seasonal access rules. Dhikala is the only zone that requires an overnight stay inside the park; all other zones operate as day safari zones with morning and afternoon slots. Package prices range from ₹3,200 (Dhikala) to ₹8,700 (Durga Devi) per person for 1 Night / 2 Days.

Which safari zone gives the best chance of spotting a tiger?

Bijrani and Dhikala consistently record the highest tiger sighting frequency among all zones. Bijrani's mix of open sal forest and grassland chaurs creates excellent visibility conditions, and its proximity to Ramnagar makes it heavily visited but highly productive. Dhikala, located deep in the park's core area, has the highest density of wildlife overall — tiger, elephant, gharial, and marsh crocodile sightings are all common here — but access is limited to guests staying at the Dhikala Forest Rest House or our partner properties with overnight permits. Jhirna is a reliable backup during the monsoon months when most other zones close, and it has a strong record of leopard and sloth bear sightings.

Which zones are open year-round and which are seasonal?

Jhirna and Sitabani are the only zones open throughout the year, including the monsoon months of July to September when all core zones are closed. This makes them the go-to choice for visitors who can only travel in monsoon. Bijrani, Garjiya, and Dhela are open roughly from October to June. Dhikala and Durga Devi follow a similar seasonal window but with stricter entry caps. Phanto Zone, being a newer and less-trafficked zone near Kotdwar, operates on its own schedule. Our team confirms current zone availability and permit status at the time of booking, as the forest department occasionally adjusts access dates.

What is special about Dhikala Zone and why does it require an overnight stay?

Dhikala is the largest and most ecologically rich zone in the park, occupying the core area along the Ramganga Reservoir. The grassland meadows here — known as chaurs — are among the finest tiger and elephant habitats in India. Because Dhikala is deep inside the park and accessed via a long internal road from Dhangari Gate, day visits are not logistically viable. Tourists must stay overnight at the Dhikala Forest Rest House or designated resort accommodation within the zone, allowing for both an evening and a morning safari in one trip. This makes it the most immersive and rewarding zone for serious wildlife photographers and naturalists.

Which zone is best for birdwatching?

Durga Devi Zone is the standout choice for birdwatching. Located in the northeastern part of the park along the Mandal River gorge, its hilly terrain and dense riverine forest support an exceptional diversity of Himalayan bird species including the Pallas's fish eagle, red junglefowl, great hornbill, and numerous warblers and flycatchers. Dhela Zone is also excellent for birds, particularly waterbirds and raptors, given its wetland patches. Sitabani, as a buffer zone forest reserve rather than a core wildlife zone, allows longer and quieter nature walks alongside its safari — particularly useful for birding at a relaxed pace.

How do I select and book a safari zone package?

Click "View Details" on any zone listed on this page to see the full itinerary, included safari details, accommodation, and per-person pricing. If you are unsure which zone suits your priorities — tiger sightings, birdwatching, monsoon travel, photography, or a first-time visit call and our team will recommend the right zone based on your travel dates, group size, and wildlife interests. Safari permits at Dhikala and Bijrani fill up weeks in advance during peak season (February–May and October–November), so early booking is strongly advised for these zones.