Safari Zones in Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is thoughtfully divided into eight distinct ecotourism zones to efficiently manage tourism activities and preserve the delicate tiger reserve ecosystem. These zones include Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Garjiya, Sitabani, Pakhro, Dhela, and Durga Devi. To maintain a balanced flow of visitors and ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife, safari tours are conducted in two shifts per day, with limited vehicles allowed in each zone. Each zone offers its own unique natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife, including fairly consistent tiger sightings across the board due to the park’s shared geography.

Here’s an overview of all eight safari zones:

Dhikala is often regarded as the crown jewel of Corbett’s safari zones. Nestled on the edge of the Patil Dun valley, it boasts expansive grasslands known as Chaurs, dense sal forests, and winding channels of the Ramganga River. The stunning valley views overlooking the Kanda Ridge provide an unforgettable backdrop. Famous for tiger sightings, it’s a hotspot for wildlife lovers eager to catch glimpses of tigers, elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species. Safari rides here are conducted via open Canter buses, creating an immersive experience of the park’s wilderness.

Bijrani is the second most popular zone after Dhikala, favored for its peaceful ambiance and diverse wildlife. Its landscape features sprawling grasslands, thick sal forests, and numerous water streams, making it equally attractive to visitors. The zone is renowned for frequent tiger sightings and offers day jeep safaris, which must be booked in advance. Though elephant safaris were once offered here, they have been discontinued.

Located at the park’s southern boundary, Jhirna is a relatively recent addition to the reserve. Open throughout the year, it attracts visitors year-round with its abundant wildlife, including tigers, wild bears, elephants, and various deer species. Known for frequent tiger sightings, Jhirna also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Jeep safaris operate in two shifts daily, with advance booking necessary.

Dhela is one of the newest safari zones, opened to tourists in 2014. It features a mixed landscape of dense sal, haldu, bahera, and kusum forests combined with open grasslands and water bodies. This zone is rich in wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors must book safaris and guides in advance, as entry is strictly regulated.

Durga Devi offers a hilly terrain with abundant flora and fauna, enriched by the waters of the Ramganga and Mandal rivers. Apart from tigers, visitors might spot leopards, wild elephants, otters, and the famous Mahseer fish in the river streams. The area is also a hotspot for birdwatching, with rare species like the Gray-headed Fishing Eagle and Maroon Oriole. Tourists can also stay overnight at the Lohachaur Forest Guest House with prior booking.

Sitabani lies outside the core tiger reserve and serves as its buffer zone. This area is known for dense forests, flowing streams, and several ancient temples, including the Sitabani and a Shiva temple maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Although tiger sightings are rare here, herbivores such as elephants, deer, and sambars roam freely, alongside a rich bird population with over 600 species. Visitors can explore the forest via jeep, elephant safari, or on foot, and private vehicles are permitted.

Garjiya is one of the newer safari zones introduced to meet rising tourist demand. It rivals the Dhikala zone in natural beauty, featuring dense forests and abundant wildlife, including a healthy population of tigers. The area offers a tranquil atmosphere with breathtaking landscapes, making it a favorite for nature lovers.

Phato is celebrated for its scenic beauty and rich wildlife. The zone is well-loved by visitors seeking a deep connection with nature and is known for frequent tiger sightings. Safaris here provide a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, with guided jeep tours exploring the diverse flora and fauna. The entry gate is located in Mohan Nagar Maldhan, and the zone offers jeep safaris twice daily.