Jim Corbett
Sal forests, river valleys and India’s oldest national park, a few hours from Delhi.
Staying near Corbett
Jim Corbett is India’s oldest national park, set in the foothills of Uttarakhand around the Ramganga and Kosi rivers. It is known for tigers, elephants and more than 500 bird species. Most stays sit near Ramnagar, the gateway town for the safari zones, so you can do a morning or evening jeep safari and still be back by the pool.
Best Time to Visit
November to June (core zones such as Dhikala close in the monsoon)
Getting There
Ramnagar railway station; Pantnagar airport about 80 km; around 6–7 hours by road from Delhi
Jeep safaris
Birdwatching
River and forest walks
Curated Stays
Handpicked villas and cottages, each one checked by our team before it is listed.
Jim Corbett stays and prices
Starting rates. Weekend, holiday and long-weekend prices can be higher. Message us for exact rates on your dates.
| Stay | Room type | Starting price |
|---|---|---|
| UnseenKey Forest Vilas | Cottage | ₹7,500 per night + taxes, breakfast for 2 |
| UnseenKey Forest Vilas | Villa (pool or forest view) | ₹8,500 per night + taxes, breakfast for 2 |
Safari zones and permits
Each zone has its own entry gate and season. Pick the zone first, then book the permit for that gate.
Dhikala
From 15 Novemberlocation_onGate: Dhangarhi
Core zone. Shared canter safaris and forest rest-house night stays
Bijrani
From 15 Octoberlocation_onGate: Amdanda
Jeep safaris, morning and afternoon
Jhirna
All yearlocation_onGate: Ramnagar side
Jeep safaris
Dhela
All yearlocation_onGate: Dhela
Jeep safaris
Garjiya
All yearlocation_onGate: Garjiya
Jeep safaris
Durga Devi
Mid-October to mid-November start (check the portal)location_onGate: Durgadevi
Jeep safaris
Sonanadi
Check the portallocation_onGate: Vatanvasa (Kotdwar side)
Jeep safaris
| Zone | Entry gate | Open | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhikala | Dhangarhi | From 15 November | Core zone. Shared canter safaris and forest rest-house night stays |
| Bijrani | Amdanda | From 15 October | Jeep safaris, morning and afternoon |
| Jhirna | Ramnagar side | All year | Jeep safaris |
| Dhela | Dhela | All year | Jeep safaris |
| Garjiya | Garjiya | All year | Jeep safaris |
| Durga Devi | Durgadevi | Mid-October to mid-November start (check the portal) | Jeep safaris |
| Sonanadi | Vatanvasa (Kotdwar side) | Check the portal | Jeep safaris |
How permits work
- check_circleSafari permits are issued only on the official portal, corbettonline.uk.gov.in. You need ID details for every guest when you book.
- check_circleOne jeep (Gypsy) takes up to 6 guests. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the park.
- check_circleMorning and afternoon slots are limited and sell out on weekends and holidays, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
- check_circleOpening dates and rules are set by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and can change. Check the portal before you travel.
Staying with us? Our Forest Vilas team can arrange a jeep safari for ₹8,500 per jeep for Indian nationals (₹12,000 for foreign nationals), including permit, Gypsy and guide. Safari bookings are non-refundable and depend on permit availability.
From Delhi to Jim Corbett
By road
About 260 km, 6 to 7 hours. The usual route is NH9 to Moradabad, then Kashipur and Ramnagar. Leave Delhi before 6 am to miss the traffic and reach in time for lunch.
By train
Ramnagar railway station is the closest, a short drive from most stays. Check current Delhi to Ramnagar trains on IRCTC.
By air
Pantnagar is the nearest airport, roughly two hours by road from Ramnagar. Most guests from Delhi NCR find driving quicker.
Jim Corbett: questions guests ask
What is the best time to visit Jim Corbett?add
Mid-November to June, when all zones including Dhikala are open. March to June is the most popular time for wildlife sightings. Jhirna, Dhela and Garjiya stay open through the monsoon, so a short trip is possible all year.
How do I book a Jim Corbett safari?add
Permits are booked on the official portal, corbettonline.uk.gov.in, with ID details for every guest. If you stay at Forest Vilas, our team can arrange the jeep, permit and guide for you, subject to availability.
Which safari zone should I choose?add
Dhikala is the core zone, reached by shared canter or with a forest rest-house night stay. Bijrani and Jhirna are popular for jeep safaris from Ramnagar. If you travel in the monsoon, Jhirna, Dhela and Garjiya are the zones that stay open.
How far is Jim Corbett from Delhi?add
About 260 km, roughly 6 to 7 hours by road via Moradabad and Kashipur. That makes it an easy weekend trip from Delhi NCR.
Can I drive my own car into the park?add
No. Private vehicles are not allowed inside the safari zones. Safaris run in registered jeeps (Gypsies) or forest-department canters with a guide.
Are there pet-friendly stays in Jim Corbett?add
Yes. UnseenKey Forest Vilas welcomes pets for ₹500 per pet per night, with bowls and bedding provided. Pets are not allowed in the swimming pool.
How much does a stay near Corbett cost?add
At Forest Vilas, cottages start at ₹7,500 and villas at ₹8,500 per night plus taxes, with breakfast for two included.
Need help choosing a stay?
Message us with your dates and group size and we will help you pick the right stay near Corbett.