Are you someone who wants to plan the perfect trip to the Corbett Tiger Reserve? If so, then this blog is exclusively for you, where I will be helping you plan the perfect Jim Corbett Safari by walking you through all the essential details like zones to explore, various types of safaris you can do, where to stay, and timing-related details. But first, subscribe to the Jungle Revives YouTube Channel to stay updated on the latest videos on my jungle stories, adventures, and many other aspects related to Indian wildlife exploration.
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Plan the Perfect Jim Corbett Safari with Me and Jungle Revives
Over my past years of wildlife and nature exploration, I have gathered immense knowledge and experience, which I would love to share with you. I will guide you across various areas so that you can have the most memorable Jim Corbett safari experience and return home with lots of unforgettable memories.
There are a couple of things you should know before you start to plan your next trip to the Jim Corbett National Park, such as:
- What are the various zones.
- Best time to visit each zone.
- Core Zones vs Buffer Zones
- Zone Prioritization
- Jim Corbett National Park Safari types
- Staying in Forest Rest Houses vs Private Resorts
- Tentative Safari Pricing Details
- How to Book Your Jim Corbett Safari
- Tips and Tricks to Book the Perfect Itinerary
So, let me walk you through each of these aspects in detail so that you can plan your trip in the best way possible.
Let’s get started.
Discovering Jim Corbett Safari Zones: Which One Is Right for You?
The primary Zones of the Jim Corbett National Park are Bijrani, Dhikala, Dhela, and Jhirna. Other secondary and less visited zones include Durga Devi, Phato, Sitabani, and Garjia.
Dhikala is the heart of Jim Corbett and falls in the core region of this National Park. Due to the footfall it receives and the rush of tourists that I have observed in peak seasons, I can vouch for the fact that it’s the best safari zone in Jim Corbett. The largest number of tigers is spotted in this zone, and therefore, it’s the hotspot of tiger spotting across seasons. Jeep and Canter Safaris are both available here across the morning and afternoon sessions.
Ped Wali Tigress and Paar Wali Tigress are some of the popular tigers I have spotted in the Dhikala Zone over the past years during my Jungle Safaris. They are quite famous and renowned for many years, and spotting them needs the perfect combination of luck, patience, timing, and persistence.
This is followed by Bijrani Zone and the Jhirna Zone. Bijrani has a perfect combination of jungles, natural landscapes, and various wild animals. It’s best suited for both individual explorers and families/groups of people. Jhirna, on the other hand, is ideal for those who seek a quiet yet wildlife-rich experience all year round, as it’s open for all 12 months. Jeep Safari is the only available option in Bijrani and Jhirna.
Bijrani, Dhikala, and Jhirna are the core Corbett safari zones, while Dhela, Durga Devi, Phato, Sitabani, and Garjia come under the buffer zone areas of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Except for Dhikala, none of the other zones has a canter safari option available.
Each of these zones offers a truly unique experience spotting diverse wild animals and exotic birds.
What is the Best Time to Visit Every Jim Corbett Zone?
| Dhikala Zone | Mid-November to Mid-June |
| Bijrani Zone | Mid-October to Mid-June |
| Jhirna Zone | January to December Every Year |
| Dhela Zone | All Year round |
| Durga Devi Zone | November to June |
| Phato Zone | All Year Round |
| Garjia Zone | January to December Every Year |
| Sitabani Zone | All Year Round |
Discover more details on the best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park, along with seasonality information and some tips and tricks from my previous safari trips.
Corbett Safari Zones Prioritization for Your Next Trip
If you are excited about tiger, elephants, deer, and other animal sightings, you must plan your Jim Corbett Safari trip to the Dhikala, Bijrani, Dhela, and Jhirna Zones. It will be the best trip for capturing amazing photos and videos of wild animals and birds that you can cherish later as unforgettable memories.
On the other hand, if you want to have a rather peaceful and calm exploration of off-beat spots in the Corbett Wildlife Park, you can go on a jeep safari trip to the Garjia, Sitabani, Phato, and Durga Devi Zones. They are quieter zones with an overall unique experience of northern wildlife and nature, and will offer you a balanced experience.
Should You Choose a Morning or Afternoon Safari Session
Another question that people keep asking me is whether to go for an early morning safari or an afternoon Jim Corbett National Park Safari. And my answer is always this:
- If you want to come across peak animal activity and movement in terms of probability and possibility, experience cooler temperatures overall before the sun starts shining bright, and want to do golden hour photography and videography, always go for the early morning safari option.
- On the other hand, if you want to be more relaxed in your schedule and want to have a normally paced wildlife safari experience, you should book the afternoon session. You can also book the afternoon session if you are trying to spot your favourite wild animal, like a tiger, and haven’t been able to find one during the morning session.
Types of Jim Corbett National Park Safari Options You Can Go For
Primarily in the Corbett Tiger Reserve and across various zones, you get three safari options.
- Jeep Safari in Corbett Wildlife Park is the primary mode of wildlife and nature exploration available across all eight zones.
- Only the Dhikala Zone offers a Canter Safari Option.
- Buffer Zones offer an Elephant Safari Option also with 4 people allowed for a one-hour trip. This is more of an elephant ride trip.
Most People Prefer Jeep Safari to Explore Corbett National Park.
To book and reserve your ride, you have to first specify the number of people going with you for an approximate 3-hour exploration. You have to get a permit first for the respective zone you are visiting, and you must always book with an authorized and experienced jeep service provider. Jeep Safari offers flexibility and personalized travel comfort.
Depending on the zone, the costing can vary for Indians and go slightly higher if you are a foreign national. Pricing will also fluctuate depending on whether you are taking a guide with you or not. The jeeps are all sturdy and proper off-roaders that can navigate any type of terrain throughout the duration of your safari trip. Before starting the trip, always ensure that the jeep is in good condition and the driver is experienced.
Canter Safari in Jim Corbett is only offered in the Dhikala Zone.
Canter vehicles provide exclusive group safari options in the Dhikala Zone only to people who want to have an affordable safari experience and complete their trip in the daytime itself. It lasts for up to 4 hours, and the prices vary for Indians and Foreign Nationals. You will get cost-effective access to the prime areas of the Jim Corbett National Park through a canter safari. Explore wildlife up close for a unique experience.
Staying in Forest Rest Houses vs Privately During Jim Corbett Safari
This is another very common question I get from my audience.
However, before answering them about the details, I ask them only one thing: “Do you prefer having the actual raw wildlife experience or do you want to have a comfortable trip with more control over everything?”
For those who want the first option, I tell them to go with the Forest Rest Houses to book their accommodation. For those preferring the second option, I tell them to go with booking a private resort or an accommodation of their choice.
Why Choose Forest Rest House?
Forest Rest Houses are present across the Jim Corbett National Park and its various zones like Bijrani, Dhikala, and more. Some of the most common ones are Bijrani Forest House, Malani Forest House, and the Gairal FRH. It offers you a raw and actual experience of the wild jungles and the surroundings. You will end up spotting many animals like elephants and birds around the boundary of the FRH directly from the compound or even from your room.
The rooms are simple with all basic amenities and cost varies based on the number of people staying. You get eco-friendly options for everything, and many of them are even powered with solar energy. The overall capacity to accommodate is limited, and you have to book the FRH a long time in advance.
The rules are strict, and you must follow the discipline in adhering to the guidelines. But overall, you get to go on morning and afternoon safaris with flexibility as you stay inside the National Park.
Why Choose a Private Resort or Self-accommodation?
You should go with booking a private resort or the accommodation of your choice if you want more flexibility and comfort. Typically, you have to stay outside the Jim Corbett National Park within a 5-20 KMs distance from the entry gates. You can book a budget accommodation or a luxury resort based on your preferences.
They will be fully air-conditioned and offer all services that you will miss out on in the case of Forest Rest Houses. You get to see wildlife only during safaris. Overall, it’s easier and comfortable and offers greater convenience to you as a wildlife explorer.
| FEATURE | FOREST REST HOUSE | PRIVATE RESORT |
| Location | Inside park core zones | Outside park, 5-20 km from gates |
| Pricing | Varies for Indian and Foreign Nationals | Varied Pricing based on your preference. |
| Amenities | Basic, eco-friendly, occasional power | Full-service, air-conditioned rooms |
| Wildlife Viewing | Possible sightings from rooms | Safari-only, no direct wildlife |
| Booking Difficulty | Strict, limited capacity, advance booking | Easy and flexible |
| Best For | Immersive wildlife experience | Comfort and convenience |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a Perfect Jim Corbett Safari
What is the Step-by-Step process to follow to book a Jim Corbett National Park Safari?
First of all, you need to decide the zone you want to travel to, along with how many people will be going with you. Then you need to decide on the dates, gather all necessary documents for obtaining the permits, and connect with high-rated aggregators or travel planning professionals to plan your perfect itinerary. If you still need further personalized assistance, you can connect with Shishir from Jungle Revives. Once the booking is done, you must arrive at the entry gate on time, get your permits checked, and start with the safari by following all designated rules and regulations.
What is the Cost of a Jim Corbett Safari?
Costs will vary depending on your itinerary and travel plans. You must account for factors like entry permits, jeep vs canter safari, stay in FRH vs Private Resort, total people travelling, no of days, and tour guide charges. On average, what I have seen from my previous trips is that if you decide to stay in FRH, it will cost you a little more compared to staying in private accommodation, unless you are going with luxury resort options. But overall, it’s subjective and depends on a combination of the other mentioned factors.
What are some tips and tricks to make my Jim Corbett National Park Safari Trip Seamless?
- If going in peak season, book months in advance to get your preferred zone and safari.
- If going in the normal season, still book at least 50 days in advance.
- Always pack neutral and light colored clothing that blends easily with the environment.
- Pack light and only carry the essentials.
- Always follow the rules of the jungle and never threaten anybody’s safety.
- Always carry binoculars and camera gear with you and avoid the flash feature to avoid distracting he animal or bird.
- Choose accommodation wisely based on budget, comfort, and the wildlife immersive experience you prefer.
- Lastly, always stay hydrated and carry an ample amount of water with you.
Should I go to Jim Corbett in the Monsoon Season?
Although it’s the least visited time period by people, you can still go to the Jhirna, Dhela, Phato, Garjia, and Sitabani zones as they are open in the monsoon season due to their safe geography. Zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, and Durga Devi are closed due to the risk of floods and waterlogging, which results in the washing away of paths. The best time for people to enjoy a crowd-free and peaceful atmosphere.
What is the Difference Between Jim Corbett National Park and Corbett Tiger Reserve?
The former is the central and core area of the National Park, while the latter is its extended area. Read my full explanation about the differences between Jim Corbett National Park and Corbett Tiger Reserve for a deeper understanding of the demography.
