With the arrival of winter, Uttarakhand's dense forests are once again ready to welcome wildlife enthusiasts and travellers. Jim Corbett National Park and Rajaji National Park, which had been closed since June due to monsoon-induced track damage and wildlife breeding concerns, officially opened their gates for the new tourism season on November 15. The reopening marks the resumption of jungle safaris, giving visitors an opportunity to witness Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, wild Asian elephants, deer, and numerous species of resident and migratory birds in their natural habitats. For residents of Delhi-NCR and northern India, these protected forest reserves offer a convenient weekend escape or a relaxing two to three day nature getaway.
Jim Corbett National Park and Its Reopened Safari Zones
Located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is recognized as the country's oldest national park. Centred around the town of Ramnagar, the reserve is globally renowned for its significant tiger population, alongside herds of wild elephants, deer species, marsh crocodiles, and an extensive array of birdlife.
Starting November 15, tourist safaris resumed in the iconic Dhikala and Durgadevi zones. Dhikala permits canter safaris that take groups deep into grasslands, while Durgadevi offers open gypsy safaris through rugged forest trails. In addition to these newly opened zones, popular sectors such as Bijrani, Dhela, and Jhirna are actively hosting visitors. For travellers seeking an immersive overnight wilderness stay, forest rest houses located inside Dhikala, Bijrani, Dhela, and Jhirna are accessible via prior official booking.
Attractions Around the Corbett Landscape
Beyond the core safari zones, visitors touring the Ramnagar landscape can explore several scenic and cultural spots nearby.
- Garjiya Devi Temple: Perched atop an enormous natural boulder situated right in the middle of the Kosi River, this revered temple provides picturesque views of the surrounding valley and clear river currents.
- Corbett Falls: Encircled by dense woodland, this natural waterfall offers a calm and pristine environment for travellers who want to spend quiet time listening to mountain streams and forest bird calls.
- Corbett Museum: Situated in Kaladhungi, the museum is housed inside the former winter residence of the legendary hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett. It exhibits personal belongings, historical archives, and documentation of his wildlife preservation efforts.
- Sitabani Forest: Known for its mythological lore and serene green canopy, this buffer forest area is an excellent choice for peaceful walks, nature trails, and bird watching away from heavy tourist traffic.
Accommodation Options Near Corbett
Visitors can choose from a wide range of stay options around Ramnagar, Dhikuli, and Garjiya. Those who want to remain right at the forest's edge and along the Kosi River can stay at the upscale wilderness resorts located in Dhikuli. Budget-conscious travellers can find economical guest houses and boutique hotels in Ramnagar town. Additionally, travellers desiring an authentic stay in deep forest silence can reserve government forest rest houses situated inside the core park zones through prior booking.
Wildlife Encounters at Rajaji National Park
Stretching across the foothills spanning Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun, Rajaji National Park is renowned primarily for its wild Asian elephant herds. The tiger reserve also supports healthy populations of tigers, leopards, spotted deer, barking deer, sambar, and a rich variety of birdlife.
Starting November 15, regular jeep safaris commenced across key zones of the reserve, including Chila, Motichur, Ranipur, and Chilawali. The Chila zone remains especially sought-after because of its unique location alongside the Ganges and its dense green plains. Tourists can hire authorized open-top gypsies along with certified naturalists to explore these forest trails.
Places to Explore Near Rajaji Reserve
Travellers heading to Rajaji can easily pair their wildlife expedition with sightseeing across nearby cultural and natural landmarks.
- Haridwar Pilgrimage: Visitors can witness the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri and immerse themselves in the riverside spiritual heritage of the holy city.
- Rishikesh Excursions: Known globally for wellness and scenic river banks, the Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula neighbourhoods in Rishikesh offer peaceful walking trails and dining by the Ganges.
- Chila Dam Reservoir: Overlooking expansive water channels backed by forested hills, this reservoir site provides refreshing views and relaxing photo stops.
- Motichur Belt: This lush pocket within the park is an ideal spot for dedicated birders and wildlife observers looking for quieter forest tracks.
Where to Stay in the Rajaji Region
Near the main entrance of the Chila zone, the tourist rest house operated by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam provides reliable and comfortable lodging close to safari gates. Alternatively, the adjacent towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh feature everything from pocket-friendly inns to luxury riverside wellness resorts. To make the most of the early morning safari slot, staying close to Chila or Motichur is recommended to avoid travel delays at dawn.
Transit Routes to Corbett and Rajaji
Both protected areas boast solid transit connectivity from national highways, rail heads, and regional airports.
Reaching Jim Corbett: The road distance from Delhi to Ramnagar is approximately 240 kilometres. Motorists can drive along the highway route through Moradabad and Kashipur to reach Ramnagar smoothly. Train services regularly link major junctions directly to the Ramnagar railway terminus. Travellers arriving by air can fly to Pantnagar Airport, which lies roughly 80 kilometres from Ramnagar.
Reaching Rajaji: The road journey from Delhi to the Chila zone covers around 220 to 225 kilometres. Drivers can take the national highway passing through Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, and Haridwar. Rail passengers can disembark at Haridwar railway station and hire local cabs or autos to reach park checkpoints. For air travellers, the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest domestic airport offering road connections directly to the sanctuary gates.
Crucial Safari Regulations and Guidelines
Tourists planning a visit must keep several forest safety norms in mind. Each zone within both Corbett and Rajaji requires separate entry permits. Because vehicle entries per shift are strictly limited to prevent ecological disruption, permits should be secured well in advance through official forest department booking portals.
Once inside the sanctuaries, visitors must strictly adhere to forest department regulations, stay inside designated safari vehicles, avoid littering or making noise, and keep a respectful distance from wild animals. Travellers should also keep in mind that wildlife sightings in natural reserves depend purely on wild animal movements, and spotting a tiger or leopard is never guaranteed during any given drive.
