Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most famous wildlife parks in India. It is in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and is known for its rich forest, wide grasslands, and the Ramganga River that flows through it. The park covers more than 1,300 square km, which includes hills, river areas, dense sal forests, and open meadows. It was started in 1936 and is the first national park in India.
The park was created to protect the Bengal tiger. Later, in 1973, it became the first place to start Project Tiger, which helped increase the tiger population across India.
Today, Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in the country. Thousands of people visit it every year to enjoy safaris, nature views, and peaceful stays near the forest. It is also known for its strong connection with Jim Corbett, a hunter who turned into a wildlife protector and inspired many to conserve nature.
Before the park became a protected area, the entire region was a hunting ground during the British rule. Many forests were destroyed, and animals were hunted in large numbers. Later, the British declared some parts as reserved forests to control logging and hunting.
In 1936, the area was officially declared a national park named Hailey National Park. After independence, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1954, as the Ramganga River is the lifeline of this forest.
Later, in 1955–56, the name was changed again to Jim Corbett National Park to honor Jim Corbett. His work in wildlife protection and his books about tigers made him a respected figure in conservation.
In recent years, there has been talk about renaming it back to Ramganga National Park, but no decision has been made. As of 2025, the official name remains Jim Corbett National Park.
The park lies in the foothills of the Himalayas. The northern side touches the lower Himalayan range, while the southern part meets the Shivalik Hills. The Ramganga River flows through the middle and creates beautiful valleys, small streams, and grasslands. The height ranges from around 360 meters to more than 1,000 meters.
To manage tourism better, the park is divided into different safari zones. Each zone has its own gate, landscape, and wildlife experience.
| Zone | Entry Gate | Distance from Ramnagar | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bijrani | Bijrani Gate | 10 km | Dense sal forest, open grasslands | Easy trails, birds |
| Jhirna | Jhirna Gate | 15 km | Open areas, riverbeds | Good tiger sightings |
| Dhikala | Dhangarhi Gate | 19 km | Core zone, views of Ramganga | Canter safari, landscapes |
| Dhela | Dhela Gate | 20 km | Mixed forest, hilly patches | Leopard sightings |
| Durgadevi | Durgadevi Gate | 30 km | Hills, small streams | Birds and scenery |
| Sitabani | Sitabani Gate | 25 km | Buffer zone, temples | Nature and culture |
Most tourists stay in Ramnagar town as it is close to all the gates.
| City | Distance | Travel Time | Route Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 260 km | 5–6 hours | Moradabad – Kashipur |
| Nainital | 62 km | 2 hours | Kaladhungi road |
| Lucknow | 280 km | 6 hours | Bareilly – Haldwani |
| Dehradun | 220 km | 5 hours | Haridwar – Rishikesh |
| Pantnagar Airport | 75 km | 2 hours | Nearest airport |
| Ramnagar Railway Station | 12 km | 20 minutes | Connected to Delhi |
Jim Corbett National Park is home to hundreds of plants, birds, and animals. The mixture of sal forests, grasslands, and river areas makes it one of the richest wildlife habitats in India.
Most of the forest is covered with sal trees. Other common trees include:
The grasslands are important for animals like deer and elephants, as they depend on tall grass for food and shelter.
The park is famous for its rich wildlife. Animals you may see include:
It is also a paradise for bird lovers. More than 500 bird species live here or migrate seasonally. These include:
Reptiles like crocodiles, pythons, and gharials are found near the river.
The climate is comfortable through most of the year, but summers can get warm.
The best time for safari is November to June.
Since the start of Project Tiger, the park has played an important role in protecting tigers. Poaching has reduced, forest areas have improved, and many villages were moved out to give more space for wildlife.
The park also works with different wildlife groups to protect elephants, leopards, and river species like gharials. The forest brings huge ecological value to Uttarakhand and India.
You need a safari permit to enter any tourism zone. This permit is booked online through the official government website.
All visitors must reach the gate at least 30 minutes early.
Ticket prices change by zone and season. Below are the average rates:
| Safari Type | Indian Visitors | Foreigners | Extra Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Safari | ₹3,350–₹7,500 per jeep | ₹6,700–₹16,000 per jeep | Guide: ₹500–₹750 |
| Canter Safari (Dhikala) | ₹2,600 per person | ₹5,000 per person | Included |
| Night Safari (Buffer) | ₹1,500–₹2,000 | ₹3,000 | Camera: ₹200 |
Each jeep can take up to 6 adults and 2 small kids.
Many resorts are spread around Ramnagar, Dhikuli, and Mohaan. Below are some good options based on comfort, service, and location.
| Resort | Location | Price (2025 – 2026) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aahana Resort | Near forest area | ₹15,000–₹25,000 | Luxury stay, spa, greenery |
| Lemon Tree Premier | Riverside | ₹12,000–₹20,000 | Good rooms, pool |
| The Riverview Retreat | Kosi riverside | ₹10,000–₹18,000 | Quiet stay, views |
| Namah Resort | Jungle area | ₹14,000–₹22,000 | Peaceful, nature-friendly |
| Sterling Corbett | Hill views | ₹8,000–₹15,000 | Value for money |
Most resorts also help book safaris.
The park spreads around Ramnagar town. The Ramganga River flows from east to west. Safari zones are spread on different sides of the forest, with entry gates along the main highway. Dhikala lies deep inside the core area, while other zones surround it.
Visitors often see:
Simple wildlife photos or nature shots make your Jim Corbett blog more informative and search-friendly.
No. Most zones stay open from November to June.
Jhirna, Bijrani, and Dhikala are known for good sightings.
There was discussion about renaming it to Ramganga National Park, but no change has been made yet.
Two nights and two safaris are enough for a good experience.
Yes. You must book online before visiting.
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