Jim Corbett’s 5 safari zones for tiger spotting and wildlife adventures

Lying on the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett National Park is an adventure paradise for those who want to experience the thrill of hearing a roar echoing amidst the deep forest or spotting the yellow-black stripes. Corbett park is also noted for its different safari zones which offer different beauty and experiences.
Let’s have a look at 5 safari zones in Corbett National Park that you should immediately jot down in your travel diary for a wholesome Jim Corbett experience: (Canva)

At every stay in Jim Corbett, your eyes will find a mandatory Dhikala Zone safari package poster. The question here is, is the hype worth it? With the highest tiger spotting rate, you know what the hype is for. But putting that aside, if you are coming with a group of friends, Dhikala Zone would be your perfect pick. Why? The canter safari, which accommodates up to 16 people in a mini bus, takes them into the heart of the jungle. These open-top buses, guided by experienced naturalists, are a great adventure-mixed, budget-friendly option.
Canter safari booking: Cheaper than jeep safaris; booking starts from approximately INR 2500.
Forest Rest House permission: Dhikala Zone does not offer jeep safaris for day visits. To enter this zone, you must get a permit for an overnight stay at one of the Forest Rest Houses (FRH) within the park. Because of heavy demand, make sure the reservations are made in advance. (Canva)

Spotting tigers during the day and staying amidst the forest at night—if this gives you a thrill down your spine, then Dhela Zone is a perfect pick for you. Not all the zones in the Jim Corbett region give you the liberty to stay overnight, so this 11-year-old eco-tourism zone has become a wildlife enthusiast’s favorite for a reason.
Night stay permit (online booking opens 45 days in advance)
Dates open: Throughout the year. (Canva)

Located outside the core tiger reserve, this zone ensures one of the best birdwatching experiences of your life. This bird paradise also consists of multiple prominent temples. As the name suggests, there is a Sitabani temple dedicated to Goddess Sita situated inside the reserve. Legend has it that Sita, during her exile, spent a few days here. During Ramnavami, you can witness another level of footfall of devotees in this temple.
Dates open: Throughout the year (Canva)

Durga Devi zone is perfect for spotting elephants, birds, and tigers. The Ramganga River flows and the Mandal River crosses each other at several places in the zone, making it more attractive to tourists. If you are lucky, you can also find the famous Mahseer fish in the river channels of the zone. (Canva)

This zone offers an endless number of wild animal spotting experiences, leaving you satisfied even if you are not lucky enough to spot a tiger. The topography of the Jhirna zone is primarily dry and consists of a large grassland known as the Laldhang Chaur. If not anywhere else, here you will find numerous deer, chitals, nilgai, and elephants, as this area is a favorite place for herbivores.
Forest Rest House: Even though most Forest Rest Houses offer night stays, the Jhirna FRH has a compound where day safari visitors can stay temporarily.
Dates open: This zone remains open throughout the year. (Canva)