Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest national park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and renamed in 1957 after Jim Corbett. Spread across 521 sq km of sal forest, grasslands, and the Ramganga River basin in Uttarakhand’s Nainital and Pauri districts, it is a cornerstone of Jim Corbett National Park tourism and one of the top wildlife destinations in India. The park has one of the highest tiger densities in the country, with around 260 Bengal Tiger in the wider reserve. It is divided into five main tourism zones Dhikala Zone (the core and oldest), Bijrani Zone, Jhirna Zone, Durga Devi Zone, and Sitabani Forest Reserve each offering different landscapes and wildlife experiences, making them key places to visit in Jim Corbett National Park. Jeep safaris are the primary way to explore, requiring advance permits and fixed entry times. The Dhikala zone uniquely offers overnight stays in forest rest houses inside the park, making it one of the most immersive things to do in Jim Corbett National Park. Beyond tigers, wildlife includes Leopard, Asian Elephant, Sloth Bear, and over 600 bird species, making it a rich destination for both safaris and birding under any Jim Corbett National Park travel guide. The park remains closed from mid-June to mid-November during the monsoon, so planning your Jim Corbett National Park trip around the open season is essential.