Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest and one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries, attracting nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers from across the country and beyond. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a detailed wildlife safari, understanding how to reach Jim Corbett National Park, the best time to visit, and which safari zone to choose can completely change your travel experience.

Who Is Jim Corbett?

Jim Corbett National Park is named after Edward James Corbett, a legendary hunter turned conservationist. During the early 20th century, Jim Corbett helped eliminate several man-eating tigers and leopards that threatened villages in northern India.

Later in life, he strongly supported wildlife conservation and played a key role in establishing India’s first national park in 1936. His famous books like Man-Eaters of Kumaon are still widely read today.

Where Is Jim Corbett National Park?

Jim Corbett National Park is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, it’s spans across the sub-Himalayan belt and is characterized by its diverse geography, including riverine belts, marshy depressions, grasslands, and a large lake.

Safari Zones: The park is divided into several ecotourism zones such as Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Durga Devi, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Wildlife: It is a renowned tiger reserve, famously part of the Project Tiger initiative, and is also home to leopards, elephants, and hundreds of species of birds.

Access: The main entry point and headquarters for the park is located in the town of Ramnagar.

Location Highlights:

• State: Uttarakhand
• Nearest Town: Ramnagar
• Distance from Delhi: ~260 km
• Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar
• Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (80 km)

Ramnagar is the main entry point and tourist hub for Jim Corbett, offering hotels, resorts, safari booking counters, and transport services.

How to Reach Jim Corbett from Delhi

Delhi is the most convenient and popular starting point.

By Road (Most Preferred)

• Distance: ~260 km
• Time: 5.5–6.5 hours
• Route: Delhi → Moradabad → Kashipur → Ramnagar

Smooth highways make this route ideal for self-drive and taxi travel.

By Train

• Direct trains such as Ranikhet Express and Corbett Link Express
• Travel time: ~5–6 hours

By Air

• Delhi → Pantnagar → Jim Corbett (road journey)

How to Reach Jim Corbett from Mumbai

Via Flights

• Mumbai → Delhi or Pantnagar
• Road journey to Ramnagar

By Train

• Mumbai → Delhi/Kathgodam
• Continue by road

By Road

• Not recommended due to long distance (~1,600 km)

How to Reach Jim Corbett from Bangalore

By Air

• Bangalore → Delhi (best connectivity)
• Delhi → Ramnagar by road or train

By Train

• Bangalore → Delhi → Ramnagar (long journey)

How to Reach Jim Corbett from Jaipur

• By Road: ~390 km (7–8 hours)
• By Train: Jaipur → Delhi → Ramnagar
• By Air: Jaipur → Delhi → Ramnagar

How to Reach Jim Corbett from Kolkata

By Air

• Kolkata → Delhi or Pantnagar
• Road journey to Ramnagar

By Train

• Kolkata → Delhi/Kathgodam → Ramnagar

How to Reach Jim Corbett by Train

Best Railway Stations:

1. Ramnagar Railway Station
   • Direct connectivity with Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad
2. Kathgodam Railway Station
   • ~60 km away

Taxis and shared jeeps are easily available from both stations.

How to Reach Jim Corbett by Car

Traveling by car is ideal for families and groups.

Benefits:

• Flexible travel
• Scenic landscapes
• Comfortable luggage handling

Road conditions are mostly good, especially till Ramnagar.

How to Reach Jim Corbett by Air

Nearest Airport:

Pantnagar Airport (PGH) – ~80 km

Alternate Airports:

• Delhi (DEL)
• Dehradun (DED)

Pantnagar is best if flights are available; otherwise, Delhi is more reliable.

Jim Corbett Open Month

Jim Corbett National Park follows seasonal opening rules.

Park Opening Period:

• Open: 15 October
• Closed: 15 June (monsoon season)

Year-Round Zones:

• Jhirna Zone
• Dhela Zone

Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett National Park

October to November

• Lush greenery
• Pleasant weather
• Fewer tourists

December to February

• Cold mornings
• Best for birdwatching
• Clear forest views

March to June (Best for Tiger Sightings)

• High chances of tiger sightings
• Hot but rewarding safaris

Best Overall Time: November to May

How Many Tigers in Jim Corbett National Park?

Jim Corbett has the largest tiger population in India.

Tiger Population:

• 250+ Royal Bengal Tigers
• Spread across Corbett Tiger Reserve

This makes it one of the top tiger safari destinations in Asia.

Which Animals to See in Jim Corbett National Park?

Mammals:

• Royal Bengal Tiger
• Asian Elephant
• Leopard
• Sloth Bear
• Himalayan Black Bear
• Spotted Deer
• Sambar Deer
• Barking Deer

Birds:

• Over 600 species
• Crested serpent eagle, hornbill, kingfisher, owls

Reptiles:

• Mugger crocodile
• Gharial
• King cobra

Jim Corbett Safari Zones Guide (VERY IMPORTANT)

Choosing the right safari zone increases your wildlife sighting chances.

1. Dhikala Zone (Most Famous)

• Largest and richest zone
• Best tiger sightings
• Overnight stays available
• Entry via Dhangarhi Gate

2. Bijrani Zone

• Dense forests and grasslands
• High tiger movement
• Popular among photographers

3. Jhirna Zone (Open All Year)

• Dry deciduous forest
• Good leopard sightings
• Best during summer

4. Dhela Zone (Open All Year)

• Newest zone
• Less crowded
• Good elephant sightings

5. Durga Devi Zone

• Hilly terrain
• Excellent birdwatching
• Less tiger density

Final Travel Tips for Jim Corbett Visitors

• Book safari permits 2–3 weeks in advance
• Morning safaris offer better wildlife sightings
• Stay near Ramnagar or forest gates
• Carry valid ID for safari entry
• Avoid loud noise during safari

Conclusion

Jim Corbett National Park is not just a wildlife destination — it’s an experience of raw nature, adventure, and serenity. With this complete travel and safari guide, you now know exactly how to reach Jim Corbett National Park, when to visit, which safari zone to choose, and what wildlife to expect.