Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is India’s oldest national park, which has been famous and popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts for many decades. I have been to this place countless times and know in and out of all Jim Corbett Safari Zones. Be it timings, seasonality guide, what to expect, tiger sighting experience, natural scenic views, and much more. It’s truly a beautiful place that has to be on your bucket list if you are passionate about exploring nature, animals, and birds.
This blog is going to be a comprehensive guide about the key Jim Corbett Zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Garjiya.
If you are a first-time visitor or have even gone to Jim Corbett a few times before, knowing about the Corbett Buffer Zones vs Core Zones will help you understand how the park is structured for preserving the wildlife sanctity of various birds and animals here. You will also get to know how to have the best safari experience in these zones with Jungle Revives through our end-to-end trip planning expertise over the last 10+ years.
Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, and Dhela are the primary zones of the Corbett National Park, while Garjia is the secondary zone. Let’s deep dive into each of these and understand them in detail.
I have been to each of these zones, and I post about my safari experiences on my YouTube Channel. You can visit and subscribe to updates from my latest trips.
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View Jim Corbett Safari Zones from a Wildlife Explorer’s Perspective
The best zone in Jim Corbett for tiger sighting is generally Dhikala, as it is the heart of the national park and the most popular core zone. But recently, in the last few months, or I would say if you go back more than a year, other zones like Bijrani, Dhela, Jhirna, and Garjiya have shown potential in significant tiger sightings.
Sometimes, occasionally, but overall, other zones have also reported tiger spottings as notified by the group of naturalists and safari guides with whom I have been connected for the last many years.
So let’s explore what each of the zones has to offer in terms of a unique jungle safari experience for tourists like yourself who are planning to visit Jim Corbett in the upcoming months.
How is the Safari Experience in Dhikala Jim Corbett National Park?
The Dhikala zone of Jim Corbett is the most popular core zone that offers both Jeep and Canter Safari options for Tourists.
It receives a very high amount of footfall every year across the winter and summer seasons because most of the tigers are spotted here. It’s truly a tiger sighting hotspot where I have encountered tigers like Ped wali and Par wali, along with their cubs, a few years back during my wildlife safari with family. It was the perfect combination of luck, patience, and persistence that led me to spotting them.
So, if you are coming to Dhikala in the upcoming winter or summer season, be prepared to stay patient, and you will have the best tiger safari experience of your lifetime. Dhikala offers the best Grassland safari experience in Jim Corbett as it’s covered in large grasslands all across, which serves as a feeding cover for animals that reside here.
Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone opens during the winter and summer seasons only from mid-November to mid-June. For jeep safari, you need to stay in one of the forest rest houses like the Main Dhikala FRH Campus, Gairal FRH, Sultan Forest House, or Sarpduli Forest Lodge. Those who want to opt for the day safari experience can go with the canter option. Also, the Canter Safari is only offered in this zone.
Dhikala is the perfect place for hardcore wildlife lovers who want to have the best nature exploration experience in Jim Corbett.
How is the Bijrani Zone Safari in Jim Corbett?
Bijrani offers a perfect combination of wild jungles, natural landscapes, and a plethora of animals and birds. Overall, this zone is best suited for safari or those who want to go as a solo explorer, or in a large group of friends and family. Bijrani also falls under the core area of Jim Corbett and is the second most visited zone after Dhikala.
It is open for tourists for the winter and summer season, i.e., from mid-October to mid-June, and is one of the best places to spot animals like tigers, elephants, deer, and many others. You can opt for both the morning and afternoon safari options here.
The Bijrani zone only has the option of a Jeep Safari.
Popular FRHs here and in the vicinity include the Bijrani Forest Rest House Campus and the Malani FRH located just after Bijrani. I have been to both of these FRHs and had a wonderful stay experience throughout the days I stayed there. Staying in the FRH puts you extremely close to nature, and you experience wildlife in its most raw form.
Many times, I have simply woken up in the morning to see the view of many elephants passing by at a distance outside the FRH fencing. Also, a lot of times, I saw several unique birds sitting on the trees nearby, and occasional tiger roars from a distance during the night hours. All of this is a fascinating experience in itself.
Bijrani easily falls under the best zone for photography in Corbett for wild birds and animals due to its rich biodiversity. I would highly recommend you to plan your trip here with Jungle Revives if you want to have a balanced safari experience with a perfect combination of nature and wildlife sightings.
What it’s Like to Go on a Jhirna Zone Safari in Jim Corbett?
Jhirna is located in the southern region of the wildlife park and is known for offering a unique wildlife sighting experience to the visitors. Diverse types of animals are present here, and you can book a safari with Jungle Revives to explore its true beauty.
It has dense forests, grasslands, and overall scenic views that you can admire throughout your safari trip. Also, with a perfect combination of luck, persistence, and patience, you can spot a tiger too.
Jhirna is a year-round safari zone that operates across all 12 months of the year for Jungle and Nature exploration. It also has the option of only availing a jeep safari, either for the morning or afternoon session. No canter option is available.
Over the years of going on Jhirna Jungle Safaris, I have learned how to follow alarm calls, and that led me to my first male tiger spotting in Jim Corbett. There is only one FRH in the Jhirna Zone with limited room availability, and you have to plan your travel well in advance to secure an accommodation.
Jhirna is a perfect zone for those who desire a wildlife-rich and serene nature exploration experience in Jim Corbett. You will end up capturing some of the most amazing photos and videos of wild animals and birds in this zone. The natural beauty is remarkable in all seasons.
In Jhirna, during the monsoon season, the FRH closes, and only the Jeep safari remains operational.
Is the Dhela Zone Safari in Jim Corbett Worth the Experience?
Firstly, Dhela is considered amongst the best zone for birding in Corbett, along with spotting animals like tigers, bears, deer, and elephants. Moreover, Leopard sightings in Corbett Zones like Dhela are also quite occasional, and with persistence and patience, you can spot one, as they are known to camouflage themselves to capture the perfect kill.
So if you are planning for a Jungle safari in Jim Corbett Dhela Zone, then be ready for exploring the dense forest areas, grasslands, and large water reservoirs here in a guided jeep safari, either in the morning or afternoon session. No canter option available.
Dhela Zone is also open year-round and has only one FRH with limited capacity to host tourists. So, plan your trip accordingly. In general, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers. During the monsoon, the FRH closes here, but Jungle Safari remains operational. You can go on a jeep safari in Dhela if you prefer a quieter wildlife experience and want to feel at peace away from chaotic city life. Dhela is an eco-tourism zone and spans more than 1100+ hectares in size.
For Whom Garjiya Zone Safari in Jim Corbett Best Suited?
Garjia is one of the unique Jim Corbett Safari Zones that is less visited by people and is best for those who want to have an off-beat nature exploration experience. It is open year-round and does not have a proper FRH stay facility due to fewer travellers visiting here every year.
Known for dense forests and tiger sightings, Garjia is a serene place in Jim Corbett that you should definitely have on your bucket list. It’s a buffer zone and opened for safaris around 2020 as a new part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The Kosi river present by its side amplifies its true beauty, and you can easily reach this part of the National park. Key wildlife sightings apart on your safari trip apart from tigers may include elephants, deer, boars, plus rich birdlife.
You can opt for a jeep safari here, both for the morning and afternoon sessions, which takes up to 4 hours for complete exploration. It’s an accessible, underrated riverine and bird watching zone with moderate tiger sightings and ideal for tourists who prefer an overall forest experience over tiger sightings specifically.
What are the Entry Gates for Jim Corbett Safari Zones?
The various Jim Corbett zone entry gates for Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Garjia are as follows:
| Dhikala zone | Dhangadi Gate | Nearest to the City of Ramnagar in Uttarakhand’s Nainital District |
| Bijrani zone | Amdanda Gate | |
| Jhirna zone | Dhela gate | |
| Dhela zone | Dhela gate | |
| Garjiya zone | Garjia/Ringora gate |
Get in touch with the Jungle Revives team to plan your next jungle safari in Jim Corbett across these zones. Our partner guides and naturalists will be there with you from the start of your journey from these gates till the time you are back from your safari trip.
What are the Jim Corbett Safari Timings Across Seasons?
The Jim Corbett zone timings across Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Garjia are as follows during the Winter, Summer, and Monsoon Season:
| Summer Morning Safari Timings | Summer Afternoon Safari Timings | Winter Morning Safari Timings | Winter Afternoon Safari Timings | Open From | |
| Dhikala zone | 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM | Mid-November to Mid-June Closed During Monsoon |
| Bijrani zone | 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM | Mid-October to Mid-June Closed During Monsoon |
| Jhirna zone | 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM | All year round Monsoon Timings same as summer |
| Dhela zone | 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM | All year round Monsoon Timings same as summer |
| Garjiya zone | 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM | 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM | 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM | All year round Monsoon Timings same as summer |
Looking to book your next trip to Jim Corbett across the summer, winter, or monsoon season?
Get in touch with our expert team of travel planners who will assist you end-to-end with everything.
What are the Zones in Which FRH is Present in Jim Corbett?
The Jim Corbett FRH Zones, where you can stay to experience nature in its raw and most authentic form, are:
- Dhikala Zone: Main FRH Campus, Gairal, Sultan, Sarpduli
- Bijrani Zone:
- Bijrani Forest Rest House
- Malani FRH near Bijrani
- Jhirna Zone: Jhirna Forest Rest House
- Dhela Zone: Dhela Forest House
- Garjia Zone: None
To book your stay in any of these FRHs in Jim Corbett for your next wildlife trip, connect with Shishir or the expert team of travel planners at Jungle Revives.
Conclusion: Which zone is best in Jim Corbett National Park?
Out of Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Garjiya, the best zone for wildlife enthusiasts in Jim Corbett depends on various travel use cases.
| Zone | Best For | Safari Type | Overall Experience Summary |
| Dhikala | Hardcore wildlife lovers, tiger enthusiasts, and serious photographers | Jeep & Canter | The most iconic and rewarding zone for tiger sightings and grassland safaris; a must-visit for dedicated wildlife explorers. |
| Bijrani | Families, solo travellers, and bird/wildlife photographers | Jeep only | Balanced zone with great biodiversity, scenic forest landscape, and frequent sightings, ideal for all types of visitors. |
| Jhirna | Year-round explorers and wildlife photographers | Jeep only | Dense forest zone open year-round; excellent for serene nature exploration and high chances of varied wildlife sightings. Great scope of tiger sightings in recent years. |
| Dhela | Tiger spotting enthusiasts, Birdwatchers, peace seekers, and quiet nature lovers | Jeep only | Eco-tourism zone ideal for tiger spotting, birding and calm jungle experiences; less rush and a deeper forest feel. |
| Garjiya | Off-beat travellers, birders, and nature enthusiasts | Jeep only | Newly added buffer zone with serene forest and riverine landscape; perfect for peaceful and offbeat safaris. |
Which is the Best Safari Zone in Jim Corbett For First Timers?
Dhikala and Bijrani stand out to be the best zones in Jim Corbett National Park for those who are visiting it for the first time.
Dhikala Zone
- A premier tiger sighting hotspot.
- The best season to visit is winter, followed by summer.
- Options available for both Jeep and Canter Safari.
- Most popular and attracts immense footfall.
Bijrani Zone
- Offers an ideal mix of wildlife sightings and scenic landscapes.
- Less crowded than Dhikala.
- Only the Jeep Safari is available.
- The best seasons to visit are summer and winter.
A Quick Comparison of Jim Corbett Safari Zones for Your Next Trip
Dhikala vs Bijrani
| Comparison Aspect | Dhikala Zone | Bijrani Zone |
| Wildlife Sightings | Premier tiger sighting hotspot | Excellent for tiger, elephant, and bird sightings across terrains. |
| Safari Options | Both Jeep and Canter are Available | Only Jeep Safari |
| Stay Options | Multiple FRHs, including Main Dhikala Campus, Gairal, Sultan, and Sarpduli | Bijrani FRH + Malani FRH are the two options available |
| Photography Experience | Best for grassland and predator photography | Ideal for Bird and scenic photography |
Bijrani vs Jhirna
| Comparison Aspect | Bijrani Zone | Jhirna Zone |
| Accessibility and Season | Seasonal (Winter + Summer) | Open Year-Round |
| Wildlife Experience | Balanced Sightings | Dense Forests, high birdlife, and Good number of tiger sightings |
| Accommodation | Have two FRHs, including Bijrani FRH + Malani FRH | Only one FRH with limited capacity |
| Safari Type and Feel | Jeep safaris; moderate adventure level | Jeep safaris. Quieter and more immersive jungle experience |
Dhela vs Jhirna
| Comparison Aspect | Dhela Zone | Jhirna Zone |
| Seasonal Access | Open throughout the year | Open throughout the Year |
| Habitat and Terrain | Eco-tourism zone with open forests, grasslands, and water bodies | Denser jungle with grasslands and mixed landscapes |
| Wildlife Diversity | Best for tiger spotting and Birdwatching | Rich in Tigers, Elephants, and Birds |
| Safari Experience | Calm, offbeat, and ideal for peaceful nature lovers | Wildlife-rich, adventurous, and great for photographers for spotting tigers, birds and many other animals. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is Dhikala Zone in Jim Corbett?
The Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone is the best place in the National Park for tiger sightings as it’s a tiger hotspot and attracts the most footfall every year in the summer and winter seasons. You can opt for both the Jeep and Canter Safari options.
Is the Bijrani Zone Safari in Jim Corbett good?
Yes, it is actually very good for those who want to have a balanced experience of wildlife sightings and nature exploration. You can spot tigers, elephants, and many other wildlife in Bijrani, along with scenic views and terrains.
Should I go for the Jhirna zone safari in Jim Corbett?
Yes, absolutely. Firstly, Jhirna zone is open throughout the year and offers the best mix of wildlife and nature sightings. Moreover, it has dense jungles, grasslands, best for tiger sighting, birdwatching, and offers a peaceful wildlife experience for those who want to avoid crowds.
How to book the Dhela zone safari in Jim Corbett?
Firstly, you can connect with the Jungle Revives team to book your next safari into Jim Corbett’s Dhela Zone, either for the evening/afternoon sessions. Also, the Dhela zone is also open year-round, including the monsoon season. Moreover, our team will help you end-to-end with everything related to booking, accommodation, permits, documentation, and everything else.
Is it worth going for the Garjiya zone safari in Jim Corbett
Yes, it’s totally worth it as it’s a buffer zone and offers a peaceful safari experience into unexplored paths that most people avoid. Offers a perfect mix of wildlife sightings and scenic natural views.
What are the various Jim Corbett zone entry gates?
| Dhikala zone | Dhangadi Gate |
| Bijrani zone | Amdanda Gate |
| Jhirna zone | Dhela gate |
| Dhela zone | Dhela gate |
| Garjiya zone | Garjia/Ringora gate |
What are the Jim Corbett zone timings across Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Garjia?
Winter Season
- 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM 🡪 Morning Safari
- 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM 🡪 Afternoon Safari
Summer Season
- 5:30 AM to 9:30 AM 🡪 Morning Safari
- 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM 🡪 Afternoon Safari
Monsoon timings are the same as summer.
Which are the Jim Corbett FRH Zones?
Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, and Dhela are the Jim Corbett Zones where Forest rest Houses are present.
Which is the Best zone in Jim Corbett for tiger sighting?
Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, and Dhela, are best for Tiger Sighting in Jim Corbett. All of these are the primary zones in Jim Corbett.
How far is Dhikala Jim Corbett National Park from Ramnagar?
Ramnagar to Dhikala is approximately 30 kilometers.
Which zone is best in Jim Corbett for bird watching
Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, and Dhela Zones are best for Birdwatching in Jim Corbett.
Which is the Best Safari Zone in Jim Corbett For First Timers?
Dhikala and Bijrani are the best zones to visit in Jim Corbett if you are a first-time visitor.
