Corbett National Park is one of the oldest and the largest national parks in India. It’s terrain varies from dense forest to open terai grassland to dry riverbeds and the slopes of the Himalayan foothills.
Corbett’s biodiversity is immense. The variety of flora and fauna in the park is enormous and it’s truly a nature lover’s paradise. Corbett has one of the largest numbers of tigers in India! It’s also got large populations of Asiatic elephants, Himalayan bears, sloth bears, leopards, and a variety of bovine herbivores, primates, avians and reptiles – particularly cobras and pythons. Due to the enormity of it’s terrain, the park is divided into several zones, each of which have their own beauty and charm. That’s why one needs at least 4-5 days to explore the park thoroughly and explore the varied landscapes and biodiversity of each zone.
Zone 1: BIJRANI
The Bijrani zone is by far the most popular, due to it’s easy proximity to the entrance of the park at Ramnagar. Bijrani is full of tall terai grasses, commonly known as chaur. These grasslands are ideal territory for the tiger to make itself at home. Bijrani is a little drier than some of the other zones, but tall grasses are interspersed with dense copses of Sal, and several streams and waterbodies. The views are stunning. The sense of serenity is unbelievable. Animals are frequently sighted in Bijrani. One often spots tigers and elephants here. An abundant prey base of deer and antelope make this a terrific hunting ground for felines. Sloth bears feed on termite mounds and while the Himalayan Bear is drawn to the nectar of the Mahua trees. Safaris in Bijrani are usually by jeep and there are several tracks that the jeeps can take. Bijrani is open between October and June.
Zone 2: DHIKALA
Dhikala is one of our favourite zones for its abundant wildlife. It’s the largest zone and one of the most picturesque with large tracts of chaur grass, rivulets, streams and dense tree cover. This zone is teeming with wildlife and one usually spots elephants, tigers, birds and several species of deer, moneys and other smaller creatures. Dhikala is one of the zones that lies deepest within the territory of Corbett. The landscape is stunning and simply being inside this jungle is worth the trip. To keep traffic to a minimum, the forest department only allows safaris in a Canter (16 seater van) in this zone. We do recommend an overnight at the Dhikala Forest Lodge. While it may not be fancy, it’s certainly comfortable and affords true wildlife enthusiasts a great chance of spotting animals. Dhikala is only open between November and June.
Zone 3: JHIRNA
Jhirna is near the southern border of Corbett. It’s got a great prey base which makes it a favourite hunting ground for tigers. Jhirna is also known for it’s wild Himalayan bears, a species that is often feared more than the tiger by locals! Jhirna’s biodiversity is varied and several species inhabit the area. One of the things we like about Jhirna is that it’s open throughout the year. Jeep safaris are possible.
Zone 4: DHELA
Dhela is another zone that has opened up relatively recently for tourists. The jungle here is mixed, made up of various indigenous trees like Sal, Haldu, Rohini, Kusum, Behra, and more. The landscape is interspersed with patches of grass and dry riverbeds. Dhela is a natural habitat for several species including tigers, leopards, elephants, bears, deer, monkeys and more. The buffer area of the Dhela zone is ideal for birdwatching, thanks to the mixed vegetation that grows here. One of the other highlights is that the buffer zone offers walking and bicycle safaris through the forest. The other reason we like Dhela is that it is open year round.
Zone 5: DURGA DEVI
Far into the park, along the north east border of it’s territory, lies Durga Devi. This zone has a raw, wild appeal, which is further enhanced by the Ramganga and the Mandal rivers. In addition to the felines, elephants and birds that inhabit the rest of the park, this area is also known for it’s marine life – especially it’s otters and the Wild Mahseer. Fish eating birds are often found here including raptors like the Grey Headed Fishing Eagle. One can enjoy a jeep safari in this zone.
Corbett is also bordered by other sanctuaries such as Sitabani and Marchula, where one can explore as well. Contact us at info@tigersafariindia.com to plan your Corbett safari experience today!
Sharad Vats brings over three decades of rich safari experience across the Indian wilderness, leading a passionate team dedicated to delivering seamless and memorable wildlife journeys. With deep knowledge of jungle logistics—ranging from flora and fauna to experienced guides and skilled jeep drivers—he ensures that every safari is thoughtfully curated and effortlessly executed, offering guests an immersive and almost ethereal experience in the wild.
Over the years, Sharad has also spent extensive time assisting guests, curating personalized tours, and leading wildlife expeditions, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of guest expectations.
Beyond tourism, he is an active contributor to the wildlife ecosystem. His initiatives include planting and maintaining thousands of trees, creating safe passages and corridors for tigers, and establishing solar-powered waterholes across Kanha and other national parks. He is equally committed to community development, supporting and adopting schools in nearby villages, reflecting a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable tourism.
Sharad Vats brings over three decades of rich safari experience across the Indian wilderness, leading a passionate team dedicated to delivering seamless and memorable wildlife journeys. With deep knowledge of jungle logistics—ranging from flora and fauna to experienced guides and skilled jeep drivers—he ensures that every safari is thoughtfully curated and effortlessly executed, offering guests an immersive and almost ethereal experience in the wild.
Over the years, Sharad has also spent extensive time assisting guests, curating personalized tours, and leading wildlife expeditions, combining operational excellence with a deep understanding of guest expectations.
Beyond tourism, he is an active contributor to the wildlife ecosystem. His initiatives include planting and maintaining thousands of trees, creating safe passages and corridors for tigers, and establishing solar-powered waterholes across Kanha and other national parks. He is equally committed to community development, supporting and adopting schools in nearby villages, reflecting a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable tourism.
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