🐅 Jim Corbett Tiger Trail – 3 Days
“Walk Through the Wild Heart of India”
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Jim Corbett National Park is a paradise for wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. Known as India’s oldest national park, this sanctuary is famous for being home to the majestic Bengal tiger and a vast diversity of flora and fauna.
The Jim Corbett Tiger Trail – 3 Days tour offers a thrilling opportunity to experience the wilderness, listen to the roar of the jungle, and witness nature in its purest form. With its serene rivers, dense forests, and breathtaking landscapes, Corbett provides the perfect escape for travelers seeking a blend of adventure and tranquility.
🌄 Overview
Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, later renamed after the legendary hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, this reserve in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district covers an area of over 520 square kilometers. The park is divided into several zones — Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durga Devi, and Sitabani — each offering a unique ecosystem and experience.
From thrilling jeep safaris and elephant rides to peaceful riverbank stays and birdwatching, Jim Corbett offers a range of experiences that cater to both adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether it’s hearing the rustle of leaves signaling a tiger’s presence or spotting deer grazing near a river, every moment in Corbett is filled with the pulse of the wild.
🗓️ 3-Day Itinerary – Jim Corbett Tiger Trail
Day 1 – Arrival at Jim Corbett & Evening Jungle Walk
Arrive at Ramnagar, the gateway to Jim Corbett National Park. The drive from Delhi (around 250 km) takes approximately 6–7 hours. Upon arrival, check into your resort located amidst lush forest surroundings. After lunch, take a guided nature walk along the Kosi River, listening to the songs of birds and the whispers of the forest.
In the evening, enjoy a bonfire with light music and dinner under the stars — a perfect start to your jungle adventure.
Day 2 – Jeep Safari in Corbett National Park
Wake up to the sound of chirping birds and prepare for an early morning jeep safari into the core zone of the park. The thrill of entering the forest at dawn, with misty trails and the possibility of spotting the Bengal tiger, elephants, or leopards, is an unforgettable experience.
The Dhikala zone is the most famous for tiger sightings, while Bijrani is known for its scenic beauty. Post safari, return to the resort for breakfast and relaxation. Spend the afternoon at leisure — you can visit the Garjiya Devi Temple or the Corbett Museum dedicated to the life of Jim Corbett.
In the evening, enjoy another safari or relax by the riverside with your favorite book.
Day 3 – Birdwatching & Departure
After an early breakfast, take a guided birdwatching walk around the buffer area. With over 600 bird species, including kingfishers, hornbills, parakeets, and crested serpent eagles, Corbett is a bird lover’s paradise.
Later, check out from the resort and drive back to Delhi, carrying memories of a wilderness adventure unlike any other.
🏞️ Major Attractions and Points to See
1. Dhikala Zone
The largest and most popular zone of the park, Dhikala offers a diverse landscape of grasslands, dense forests, and river channels. It’s famous for spotting tigers, elephants, and crocodiles along the Ramganga River. The forest rest houses inside Dhikala provide a raw yet thrilling experience of living in the wild.
2. Bijrani Zone
Located near Ramnagar, Bijrani is known for its scenic meadows, dense sal forests, and frequent tiger sightings. The safari trails here are perfect for photography and wildlife enthusiasts.
3. Jhirna Zone
Open throughout the year, Jhirna is ideal for birdwatching and spotting deer, wild boars, and sloth bears. Its accessibility makes it one of the most visited zones for day safaris.
4. Garjiya Devi Temple
A sacred temple situated on a large rock in the Kosi River, dedicated to Goddess Garjiya. It offers a peaceful escape and panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
5. Corbett Waterfall
A scenic 60-foot high waterfall located around 25 km from Ramnagar, surrounded by dense teak forests. It’s a serene picnic spot for couples and families.
6. Corbett Museum
Located in Kaladhungi, this museum was once Jim Corbett’s home. It displays his personal belongings, photographs, and hunting equipment, offering an insight into his life and conservation efforts.
7. Sitabani Forest Reserve
Outside the core park area, Sitabani is rich in mythology, associated with the Ramayana. It is believed that Sita, wife of Lord Rama, spent her exile here. The zone is also a great spot for birdwatching and short treks.
🚗 How to Reach Jim Corbett
By Air:
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, located about 80 km from the park. From there, taxis are available to reach Ramnagar. Pantnagar has regular flights from Delhi.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Ramnagar Railway Station, well connected to Delhi, Moradabad, and Lucknow. From Ramnagar, the main park entrances are within 10–20 km.
By Road:
Jim Corbett is well-connected by road from major North Indian cities:
- Delhi to Jim Corbett: 250 km (6–7 hours via NH9)
- Nainital to Jim Corbett: 65 km (2 hours)
- Haridwar to Jim Corbett: 130 km (4 hours)
- Rishikesh to Jim Corbett: 140 km (4.5 hours)
Private cabs, buses, and tour operators offer convenient transfers. The drive through the winding roads and forested landscape adds to the excitement of reaching the tiger’s territory.
📍 Major Distances
- Delhi to Ramnagar: 250 km
- Ramnagar to Dhikala Gate: 18 km
- Ramnagar to Bijrani Gate: 12 km
- Ramnagar to Jhirna Gate: 16 km
- Corbett to Nainital: 65 km
🏡 Staying Options (Properties)
1. Corbett Tiger Resort by the Riverside
A luxurious resort located along the Kosi River offering modern comforts, open lawns, and beautiful river views — perfect for nature lovers and honeymooners alike.
2. Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness
An eco-friendly luxury resort that blends modern amenities with natural beauty. Known for sustainable tourism practices and wellness experiences.
3. The Den Corbett
Spread across 13 acres of forest land, this rustic resort offers wooden cottages and jungle ambiance. Ideal for those wanting to feel the wilderness up close.
4. Dhikala Forest Rest House
Managed by the forest department, it offers the most authentic jungle experience. Staying overnight here gives guests a chance to hear the wild at night — truly an adventure for wildlife enthusiasts.
5. Namah Resort
Located on the banks of the Kosi River, Namah offers luxury, excellent hospitality, and panoramic forest views, making it perfect for families and couples.
🐾 Wildlife and Flora
Jim Corbett National Park is home to over 50 species of mammals, 580 species of birds, and 25 species of reptiles. Apart from the iconic Bengal tiger, visitors can spot elephants, deer, langurs, otters, leopards, wild boars, gharials, and crocodiles.
The park’s landscape consists of sal forests, grasslands, riverine belts, and hilly terrain, creating a diverse ecosystem. It also shelters trees like rohini, mango, jamun, and peepal, along with endless stretches of tall elephant grass.
📅 Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett
The park remains open from mid-November to mid-June for visitors. However, different zones operate during specific periods:
- Winter (November to February): Cool weather, great for safaris, and ideal for tiger sightings.
- Summer (March to June): Hot but excellent for spotting animals near water bodies.
- Monsoon (July to October): Park mostly closed due to rains, but buffer zones like Jhirna remain open for limited safaris.
🧭 Safari Information
Safaris in Jim Corbett can be done in both morning and afternoon shifts. The most popular are:
- Jeep Safari: Conducted in zones like Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, and Durga Devi.
- Canter Safari: Operates in Dhikala Zone for group excursions.
- Elephant Safari: Available in selected buffer areas, offering a unique jungle experience.
Each safari requires a prior permit, which can be obtained online or through registered travel agents. Carry valid ID proofs and follow forest department guidelines strictly.
🍴 Local Cuisine
Most resorts and lodges offer both Indian and continental cuisines, but don’t miss the local Kumaoni delicacies such as:
- Bhaang ki Chutney: A tangy sauce made from roasted hemp seeds.
- Aloo Ke Gutke: Spiced potatoes cooked with mountain herbs.
- Singori: A sweet delicacy wrapped in Malu leaves.
- Madua Roti: Traditional millet bread served with ghee and curd.
🌺 Travel Tips for Visitors
- Book safari permits well in advance to secure desired zones.
- Wear neutral-colored clothes during safaris to blend with the environment.
- Carry binoculars, a camera with zoom lens, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
- Follow forest rules strictly; avoid littering or loud noises inside the park.
- Alcohol and smoking are prohibited inside the forest area.
- Keep cash handy as network and ATMs may be unreliable in remote areas.
🌸 A Poetic Tribute to the Wild
Where rivers whisper through emerald trees,
And tigers roam with silent ease,
The forest breathes, the jungle sings,
In Corbett’s heart, adventure springs.
Each rustling leaf, a tale untold,
Each sunrise paints the world in gold,
Here nature reigns, serene and free,
A wilderness for all to see.
The Jim Corbett Tiger Trail – 3 Days tour is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and ecological discovery. From the thrill of tiger tracking to the peace of riverside evenings, it offers an experience that awakens the spirit of exploration.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, or simply a traveler in search of nature’s raw beauty, Jim Corbett will etch its wild melodies into your soul forever.
Plan your jungle getaway with Nature Craft Tours and step into the wilderness where every trail tells a story.