Corbett National Park is famous for its jungle safaris, and many people want to know the top safari zones in Corbett. To manage tourism in the tiger reserve area effectively, the park is divided into eight ecotourism zones, Dhikala, Durga Devi, Garjiya, Bijrani, Jhirna, Sitabani, Dhela, and Phato.
The safari trips are carefully planned in two shifts, morning and evening for all the ecotourism zones of Corbett. Only a limited number of safari jeeps are allowed to enter each zone. Each zone has its own special natural beauty, with unique landscapes and a variety of wildlife. Therefore, we consider seven zones as the best, based on their flora, fauna, and the adventure that tourists can experience.
Here are brief descriptions of the top 7 safari zones in Corbett, where tourists can enjoy jungle safaris within the Corbett Tiger Reserve area.
1. Dhikala Ecotourism Zone
The Dhikala Zone is a special zone for safari adventures. You can get there through the Dhangadi Gate, which is 32 km away from Ramnagar. The safari tours are open from November 15th to June 15th. In this zone, you can only go on a Day Canter Safari; there’s no Jeep Safari available.
During the Day Canter Safari, up to 32 people can enjoy a close-up view of the different plants and animals in the Dhikala Zone. The safari takes you through a beautiful landscape, making it a memorable experience for people who love wildlife and nature.
If you’re lucky, you might see a tiger chasing a deer in the grasslands or by the water. There are also many different kinds of birds here, making it a treat for Bird watching enthusiast. It’s important to note that in the Dhikala zone, there are no jeep safari options available for visitors during the day. They can visit in this zone with canter safari.
Hence, if you want, you can join a day tour on the Canter safari. Canter is like an open bus with 16 seats, and only 2 canters are allowed in one shift. So if you want you can book your seat in advance for the Canter safari and go to the Entry gate of the Dhikala zone when it’s time for your safari.
If you want to stay longer, the Dhikala Zone has Forest Rest Houses where you can stay. These include Dhikala FRH, Gairal FRH, Sarpduli FRH, and Sultan FRH. They not only provide a comfortable place to stay but also a chance to be close to the surrounding nature.
2. Bijrani Ecotourism Zone in Corbett
Bijrani is the second top safari zone in Corbett. Here, there is also the possibility to sightsee many kinds of plants and animals, especially the famous tigers for which Corbett is known.
In the beautiful area of Corbett, you’ll find the Bijrani Zone. It welcomes people who love adventure through its entry gate called Amdanda Gate, which is just 2 kilometers away from the busy town of Ramnagar. This zone is open for safari tours from October 15th to June 30th, giving nature enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the diverse plant and animal life.
You can take part in a Day Jeep Safari, an exciting journey that lets you explore the different plants and animals in the area. In the Bijrani Zone, they have a maximum of 30 Jeeps for each safari, making sure that everyone gets a close and immersive experience.
In the middle of the wild surroundings, you’ll find two Forest Rest Houses, BIJRANI FRH and MAILANI FRH. These places are like peaceful havens, offering a chance to relax in the heart of nature and enjoy the calm beauty of Corbett.
3. Jhirna Ecotourism Zone in Corbett
Jhirna Ecotourism zone holds the third position in this race. It also provides the opportunity to see many kinds of plants and animals within the zone.
This beautiful zone of Corbett can be accessed through Dhela Gate, which is about 18 kilometers away from the busy town of Ramnagar. This special zone is open all year round, but keep in mind that safari tours depend on the weather, giving you a different experience each time.
You can go on a Day Jeep Safari, a chance to discover the natural wonders of Jhirna. The zone has a maximum of 30 Jeeps for each safari, making sure everyone gets a close and immersive experience.
In the middle of the wild, you’ll find two Forest Rest Houses – Jhirna FRH and Dhela FRH. These places are like peaceful getaways, letting you enjoy the calm beauty of Corbett and connect with nature throughout the year.
4. Dhela Ecotourism Zone
Dhela Ecotourism zone shares its entry gate with Jhirna Zone. It is the fourth top safari zone in Corbett, offering tiger sightseeing and the chance to see other animals.
Visitors can explore it through Dhela Gate, which is about 18 kilometers away from the lively town of Ramnagar. This special zone is beautiful all year round, but keep in mind that safari tours depend on the weather, giving you a different experience each time.
You can go on a Day Jeep Safari, a delightful chance to enjoy the wonders of Dhela. The zone has a maximum of 15 Jeeps for each safari, making sure everyone gets a close and immersive experience.
Even though Dhela Zone doesn’t have a Forest Rest House, it still offers a magical wilderness experience. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with nature, letting you enjoy its untamed beauty throughout the year.
5. Durga Devi Ecotourism zone
This area is a beautiful spot for people who love nature. It has lovely hills and lots of natural beauty. The place is on the northeast side of the park and has a variety of plants and animals. There are also some water bodies that make it even prettier. You can often see leopards, otters, and elephants in this area.
Visitors can explore it through Durga Devi Gate, which is positioned 28 kilometers away from the lively town of Ramnagar. This special zone shows its natural beauty from November 15th to June 15th when safari tours are open, giving you a different experience based on the season.
You can go on a Day Jeep Safari, a deep journey into the heart of Durga Devi’s wilderness. The zone has a maximum of 11 Jeeps for each safari, making sure everyone gets a close and personalized experience.
If you want to stay in the area, the only accommodation is the Lohachaur Forest Rest House. It’s a peaceful place where you can relax and connect with the wild beauty of Corbett’s Durga Devi Zone.
6. Garjia Ecotourism Zone
Garjia is a village in Corbett National Park near Ramnagar, and the Garjiya Devi temple is very famous among both locals and tourists. This zone is named after the renowned temple. This zone has two entry gates, sometimes visitors enter from Amdanda Gate, which is only 2 KM away from Ramnagar, and sometimes from Ringora Gate, which is 4 KM away from Ramnagar.
Visitors can explore the magic of safari tours in this zone from November 15th to June 30th. Enjoy enchanting experiences during this time when nature is at its best.
Take part in safaris during the calm mornings and peaceful evenings. These wildlife adventures are designed to give you a glimpse of Corbett’s natural beauty during the best times of the day.
Although the number of Jeep Safaris is limited, each journey is special, providing a personalized and immersive experience. Stay at the peaceful Garjiya FRH or Malani FRH, surrounded by nature, offering a unique chance to connect with the beauty of Jim Corbett National Park.
7. Phato Ecotourism Zone
The newly designated Phato Ecotourism Zone is the 7th top safari zone in Corbett. Within this zone, visitors may have encounters with potentially hazardous wildlife, including tigers and elephants.
You can explore it through Phato Gate, which is 23 kilometers away from the busy town of Ramnagar. The journey starts and ends at the same gate, making it convenient.
The exciting safari adventures in Phato Zone happen from November 15th to June 30th. Enjoy Morning and Evening safaris, carefully planned to give you a special experience in the wild beauty of Corbett.
You can choose from a maximum of 50 Jeeps available in two shifts for an extensive and immersive safari experience. If you want a unique stay, the Forest Rest House in Phato Zone offers the charm of a Treehouse, providing a peaceful retreat in the middle of the wilderness.
So here, we have discussed the top 7 safari zones in Corbett briefly. I hope you will find this guide helpful in choosing the best zone based on your interests.
Because choosing the best zone to explore in Jim Corbett National Park is tricky, there are a lot of different plants and animals. Each safari zone in Corbett has its own special things to see, making it interesting. So, it’s a good idea to plan your trip carefully to enjoy all the unique experiences each zone has.
FAQ about Top 7 Safari Zones in Corbett
The Dhikala Zone is the best zone to see tigers in Jim Corbett National Park. It’s deep inside the forest and close to where the wildlife lives. There are many forest rest houses around the park where visitors can stay. Dhikala Zone is famous for being the main area where people often see tigers.
Durga Devi Zone is known as the best place to see elephants and a top spot for finding many different plants and animals. Just keep in mind that the entry gate for this zone is a bit far from Ramnagar compared to other zones.
The place where you go for elephant safaris is called the Corbett Landscape Area. It’s on the other side of the Kosi River and has wide grasslands and shrubs.
Corbett National Park is divided into eight ecotourism zones. These are Dhikala, Durga Devi, Garjiya, Bijrani, Jhirna, Sitabani, Dhela, and Phato.
Safari trips in Corbett National Park are available throughout the year. However, the specific open period for safari tours is from November 15th to June 30th.
Safari trips in Corbett National Park are carefully planned in two shifts, morning and evening, for all ecotourism zones. The park limits the number of safari jeeps allowed to enter each zone to ensure a controlled and sustainable tourism experience.
