Home / Jim Corbett Safari
Jim CorbettSix gates, and we sit closest to the one that never closes
We share a boundary with the Dhela Wildlife Zone. Permits are issued by the forest department and sell out early, so send ID details when you book the room.
Six ways into the forest
Each has a different character, season and reputation. Pick one to see the detail.
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When to come, and what you get
November to February
Cool mornings, clear air and the best birding of the year. Comfortable game drives and excellent light. Bring a jacket for the open jeep at six.
March to mid-June
The highest sighting odds, as water shrinks and animals move predictably. Afternoons get genuinely hot, so take the morning slot.
July to September
Monsoon. Core zones close for breeding season, Dhela and Jhirna stay open. Green, quiet, and the best value of the year.
What guides wish everyone knew
- Muted greens, browns and greys. Bright colours carry a long way in a forest.
- Layer up in winter. An open jeep at first light is much colder than the resort was.
- Skip perfume and scented sprays entirely.
- Keep your voice down and stay seated. Standing costs everyone else the sighting.
- Carry more zoom than you think you need, and a spare battery for the cold.
- Carry the same ID you used on the permit. It is checked at the gate.
Asked at the desk most mornings
How do I book a Jim Corbett safari permit?
Permits are issued online by the Uttarakhand forest department and are tied to a zone, date and slot. Share the full name, age, ID type and ID number for every guest, ideally 30 to 45 days before arrival in peak season. Our desk books the permit, arranges the jeep and naturalist, and packs a breakfast box.
Which zone is closest to the resort?
Dhela, at about ten minutes. We share a boundary with the Dhela Wildlife Zone. Jhirna is twenty minutes, Bijrani forty, and Durga Devi around ninety.
Will I definitely see a tiger?
No, and be suspicious of anyone who says otherwise. Corbett has a healthy population and good sighting rates by Indian standards, but it is a forest rather than an enclosure. March to mid-June gives the best odds as animals move to water.
What should I wear and carry?
Muted greens, browns and greys, nothing bright or white. Layers in winter, because an open jeep at six is much colder than the room you left. A cap, sunglasses, sunscreen and more zoom than you think you need. Leave perfume behind and carry the same ID you used on the permit.
How much does a safari cost?
It varies by zone, by shared or private jeep, and by whether you are an Indian or foreign national, because permit fees differ. Rates also move between seasons. Ask our desk for the current figure rather than relying on an old number from a blog. We book at cost.
Book direct, stay better
Best available rate, breakfast for everyone in the room, first pick of the forest-facing stays, and a safari desk that actually gets the permit.