Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is one of India’s oldest and most famous national parks. Renowned for its stunning landscapes and as the first park to come under Project Tiger, Corbett is home to Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and a variety of other wildlife. Here’s how you can reach Corbett Tiger Reserve.

1. By Air

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to Corbett Tiger Reserve, located about 80 km away. However, it is a smaller airport with limited connectivity to other cities, primarily flights from Delhi.

Step 1: Fly to Pantnagar (only a few flights operate from Delhi).

Step 2: From Pantnagar, hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Corbett, which takes around 2 hours by road.

Other nearby airports:

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL): This is the most convenient option for international travelers and those from cities with no direct flight to Pantnagar. Delhi is about 240 km away from Corbett, and the journey by road takes 5-6 hours.

2. By Train

Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar Railway Station (RMR) Ramnagar is the closest railway station to Corbett Tiger Reserve, located just 12 km away. The station is well-connected to several major cities, including Delhi.

Step 1: Take a train to Ramnagar from major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, or Moradabad.

Step 2: From Ramnagar, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach your accommodation or entry gate of Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Popular trains:

Ranikhet Express (from Delhi)

Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express (from Delhi)

Corbett Link Express (from Delhi)

3. By Road

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is well-connected by road to several cities in northern India. The most common way to reach Corbett is by road, either by hiring a taxi or driving your own vehicle.

From Delhi: The distance from Delhi to Corbett is about 240 km, and the journey takes approximately 5-6 hours via NH 9. The route passes through scenic landscapes and small towns.

From Dehradun: The distance is around 180 km, with a travel time of about 5 hours.

From Nainital: The drive from Nainital to Corbett is approximately 65 km and takes about 2 hours.

You can also take state-run buses or private buses from Delhi and nearby towns to Ramnagar, which is the gateway to Corbett.

4. Entry Gates of Corbett

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve has several entry gates that lead into different zones of the park. The most popular ones are:

Bijrani Gate: Located close to Ramnagar, it is one of the most popular zones for wildlife safaris and tiger sightings.

Dhikala Gate: Famous for its scenic beauty and wildlife, Dhikala is the most visited zone but requires an overnight stay to explore fully.

Jhirna Gate: Open throughout the year, Jhirna is known for its birdwatching and herbivore sightings.

Durga Devi Gate: A lesser-crowded zone known for its rugged terrain and leopard sightings.

5. Where to Stay in Corbett

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly lodges, located near the different gates of the park.

Luxury Resorts: For those looking for comfort and convenience, luxury resorts near Bijrani and Dhikala gates provide premium services, including guided safaris, nature walks, and spa facilities.

Mid-range Hotels: There are several comfortable mid-range hotels and lodges, particularly near Ramnagar, providing good accommodation with access to safari services.

Forest Rest Houses (FRH): To experience the wild up close, you can book a stay at the Forest Rest Houses within the park, especially in the Dhikala Zone. These rest houses offer basic amenities but are located in the heart of the reserve.

Ensure that you book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak season (October to June).

6. Safari Zones in Corbett

Corbett Tiger Reserve is divided into several zones, each offering unique wildlife experiences. The popular safari zones are:

Bijrani Zone: Known for its picturesque landscape and frequent tiger sightings.

Dhikala Zone: The largest and most famous zone, offering breathtaking views of the Ramganga River and diverse wildlife. Safaris in this zone require a stay at Dhikala Forest Lodge.

Jhirna Zone: This zone is open all year round and is known for birdwatching and sightings of elephants, sloth bears, and deer.

Durga Devi Zone: Located in the northern part of the park, it’s famous for its hilly terrain and leopards.

Dhela Zone: A newer addition, it offers a mix of grasslands and dense forests with good chances of spotting herbivores and bird species.

Both jeep safaris and canter safaris are available in the park, with Dhikala offering the most comprehensive safari experience.

7. Wildlife to See in Corbett

Jim Corbett is famous for its population of Bengal tigers, but the park is also home to an abundance of other wildlife, such as:

Tigers

Leopards

Asiatic Elephants

Sloth Bears

Gharials (Crocodiles)

Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, and Barking Deer

Wild Boar

Jackals and Foxes

Various bird species, including Great Hornbills, Crested Serpent Eagles, and Indian Rollers.

The park’s varied landscape of rivers, dense forests, and open grasslands creates the perfect environment for wildlife watching.

8. Do’s and Don’ts in Corbett

Do follow park rules: Always adhere to the guidelines provided by park authorities and respect your safari guide's instructions.

Do not litter: Keep the park clean and dispose of waste properly.

Keep quiet: Silence enhances your chances of spotting wildlife, especially tigers.

Stay inside vehicles: Never get out of the safari vehicle unless instructed to do so by the guide.

9. Nearby Attractions

If you have extra time, you can explore a few nearby attractions around Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve:

Corbett Waterfall: A small yet scenic waterfall located 25 km from Ramnagar.

Garjia Devi Temple: A revered temple located on a large rock in the middle of the Kosi River, near the Corbett Reserve.

Corbett Museum: Located in Kaladhungi, this museum is the former home of the famous conservationist Jim Corbett and offers insight into his life and work.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is a thrilling experience for any wildlife enthusiast. Whether you’re traveling by air, train, or road, the journey to Corbett is scenic and enjoyable. Make sure to plan your trip well in advance, especially if you wish to stay inside the park, as accommodations in the Dhikala Zone are limited and in high demand.

Enjoy your wildlife adventure at Corbett Tiger Reserve!