Day trip from Delhi, Delhi
Jim Corbett National Park
India's oldest national park (established 1936), named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett. The park is set in the Himalayan foothills with the Ramganga River and its valley forming the park's core. Corbett has one of India's highest tiger densities and is renowned for the quality of big cat sightings. Six safari zones — Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Durgadevi, Dhela, and Sonanadi — offer different terrains and wildlife experiences. While technically a day trip from Delhi, the 5-6 hour drive each way makes an overnight stay the recommended choice.
How to get there
- {'mode': 'Private car', 'route': 'NH-9 to Moradabad, then NH-734 to Ramnagar', 'duration': '5.5h each way', 'cost_usd': 70, 'cost_inr': 5800, 'notes': 'Road conditions are good to Moradabad, then narrower mountain roads. Base town is Ramnagar.'}
- {'mode': 'Train', 'service': 'Corbett Park Link Express (Delhi to Ramnagar, overnight)', 'duration': '6h each way', 'cost_usd': 8, 'cost_inr': 650, 'notes': 'Night train makes an overnight trip most convenient. Book on IRCTC.'}
Tips
- Book Corbett safari permits well in advance — the popular Bijrani zone sells out months ahead on weekend dates (corbettonline.uk.gov.in).
- Dhikala zone (best for tigers) requires staying overnight inside the park and books out fastest.
- A 300-600mm telephoto lens is essential for wildlife photography.
- Monsoon (July-September): most zones close except Jhirna and Dhela. Best season: November-June.