Have you ever thought about experiencing the untamed wilderness and staying close to nature? If you are a wildlife buff or just looking to get away from the daily grind, a place that has safaris, dense forests and exotic wildlife then Delhi to Jim Corbett road trip is waiting for you. Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is India’s first national park established in 1936. Spread over 520 sq km it has over 650 species of wildlife including the rare Bengal tiger. Did you know it’s part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve?
With diverse landscapes from grasslands to riverine belts, it attracts over 200,000 visitors every year. Whether you want to spot wildlife or nature’s raw beauty Jim Corbett has it all. So what makes it a traveller’s top pick? Let’s find out everything you need to know for your trip.
Delhi to Jim Corbett National Park Distance
Delhi to Jim Corbett National Park distance is 245 km and It takes around 5 to 6 hours to cover the distance by car. The road is excellent and will give you a smooth drive. You will start from Delhi and then pass through Ghaziabad, Hapur, Moradabad, Kashipur and finally Ramnagar which is the entry point of the park.
The drive is scenic with lots of greenery and some farmland on the way. Early morning is the best time to start your trip to avoid the traffic in and around Delhi. With several fuel stations, rest stops and eateries en route, the drive is convenient and comfortable. This moderate distance makes Jim Corbett a perfect weekend getaway for Delhiites looking for a quick escape into nature.
How to Reach Jim Corbett from Delhi?
You can reach Jim Corbett from Delhi by various modes of transportation. So based on your preference you can choose one.
By Car
Travelling by car is one of the best ways to get to Jim Corbett National Park. If you do not have your own car then you can rent a Delhi to Jim Corbett taxi to reach the destination in comfort. Here are two routes you can take:
Via NH9 (245 km)
From Delhi take NH9 to Hapur. Then continue on the highway to Garhmukteshwar and Moradabad. From Moradabad take the exit to Kashipur and then merge onto NH121 which will take you straight to Ramnagar. This is the shorter route and the roads are well maintained so preferred by most travellers.
Via NH24 (310 km)
From Delhi take NH24 to Ghaziabad. Then pass Hapur, Amroha and Moradabad. From Moradabad take the exit to Kashipur and then continue on NH121 to Ramnagar. This route is a bit longer but has scenic views and food stops to make your journey relaxed.
By Bus
Many buses run between Delhi and Ramnagar which is a budget-friendly option. State-run buses like Uttarakhand Roadways are reliable and frequent. Private operators like RSRTC, UPSRTC, HRTC offer different levels of comfort AC and non-AC.
You can book your bus from Delhi to Jim Corbett online through trusted platforms only. Prices are competitive and you can compare. The bus journey takes 6 to 8 hours. Once you reach Ramnagar you can hire a local taxi or auto to reach the park gates. Buses are a good option, especially for solo travellers or those on a budget.
By Tempo Traveller
If you are travelling in a group then hiring a Tempo Traveller in Delhi is the best option. It comes with various seating capacities from 9 seaters to 26 seaters. Tempo Traveller will give you a spacious and private travel experience and is perfect for families or friends. The journey takes 6 to 7 hours depending on the route. It can be booked through our online platform and you can travel together without having to split into multiple cars. You can enjoy the luxury in a budget friendly option.
By Train
Ramnagar Railway Station is the nearest railway station which is just 12 km from Jim Corbett National Park. The best train is the Ranikhet Express which runs daily. The train departs from Delhi at 10:50 pm and reaches Ramnagar at 4:35 am. For the return journey train departs Ramnagar at 9:05 pm and reaches Delhi at 5:00 am. This is ideal for overnight travel.
Alternatively, you can also travel to Kathgodam Railway Station which is 3.5 hours away from Ramnagar by road. From Kathgodam, hire a cab or taxi to reach Jim Corbett. Trains are budget friendly option, comfortable and direct from Delhi.
Suggested Read: Delhi to Haridwar Road Trip
Places to Eat En-Route
- Shiva Tourist Dhaba – Famous for its kulfi but it also has varieties of Parathas.
- Kundans – This is a 76 years old shop with so many options like Chaat, Chole Bhature, Tandooi etc.
- Bhajan Dhaba – It has so many vegetarian dishes options like Daal fry, Kadhi, etc.
- Bambozz Walk – Mostly for Indian cuisines with proper hygienic and cleanliness.
Best Safari Zone in Jim Corbett
These are the top 5 famous Safari Zones in Jim Corbett.
Dhikala Zone
Open grasslands, Ramganga River views and high chances of tiger sightings. Only open to those who are staying in forest lodges. Also has elephants, crocodiles and many bird species.
Bijrani Zone
Best for day safaris and has a mix of dense forests and open areas. Famous for tiger and elephant sightings. Also has deer, langurs and many bird species. Close to Ramnagar so very accessible.
Jhirna Zone
Open all year round. Drier forest landscape. Good for sloth bears, elephants and peacocks. Best for monsoon season visitors.
Dhela Zone
Newest eco-tourism zone in Jim Corbett. Dense forests and water bodies. Leopards, deer, wild boars and over 200 bird species. Favourite among photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Durgadevi Zone
Situated in the hills of the park. More rugged safari experience. Birdwatchers paradise. Crested serpent eagle and maroon oriole are common. Wild boars and elephants are frequently seen.
Jim Corbett Safari Timings
Safari timings are very important to plan your visit to Jim Corbett National Park. The park is open in two shifts daily: morning and evening. These timings vary slightly as per season.
Summer Timings (March to June):
- Morning Safari: 5:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Evening Safari: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Winter Timings (October to February):
- Morning Safari: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- Evening Safari: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
The park is closed during monsoon (July to September) as some areas are waterlogged. Except Jhirna and Dhela which are open throughout the year. Please reach the gate at least 30 minutes before the safari time for registration and to avoid the delay.
Booking Tips
Morning safaris are best for wildlife spotting as animals are more active during cooler hours. Safari slots are limited so book at least a month in advance on the official Jim Corbett website. Carry a valid photo ID for smooth entry and dress in neutral colours to blend in.
Jim Corbett National Park Ticket Price
Jim Corbett National Park has various safari options with different ticket rates for different zones, safari types and visitor types:
Jeep Safari
- Indian: ₹4,000 – ₹4,500 per jeep (6 people)
- Foreigners: ₹7,000 – ₹8,000 per jeep
Canter Safari (Dhikala Zone Only)
- Indian: ₹1,500 – ₹1,600 per person
- Foreigners: ₹3,000 – ₹3,200 per person
Elephant Safari
- ₹3,000 – ₹3,500 per elephant (max 4 people)
These rates include permit fees, guide charges and vehicle charges. Private operators may charge extra service charges. Book in advance to avoid last minute disappointment, especially during peak season.
Places to Visit Near Jim Corbett National Park
Garjiya Devi Temple
Located 14 km from Ramnagar, this temple is dedicated to Garjiya Devi. Situated on a big rock in the Kosi River, it attracts pilgrims and photographers. The peaceful surroundings and greenery make it a peaceful place.
Corbett Falls
Corbett Falls is 20 meters high waterfall in dense forest and is perfect for picnics. The peaceful atmosphere and bird sounds are a paradise. Situated 25 km from Jim Corbett is a must visit for nature lovers.
Sitabani Forest Reserve
This reserve is full of mythology, it is believed to be the place where Sita spent her exile. Dense forests and ancient temples are perfect for history lovers and bird watchers. Sitabani is open to all unlike other park zones.
Kalagarh Dam
Located at the southern end of the park, Kalagarh Dam is a peaceful place for bird watching. In winter it attracts many migratory birds. The views of the dam and surrounding hills are a beautiful sight.
Marchula
A small village 30 km from the park, Marchula has beautiful views of the Ramganga River. Perfect for nature walks and relaxation. Peaceful place for those who want to be alone.
If you have some extra time after visiting Jim Corbett and its nearby places, think about going to the lovely hill town of Nainital. Its beautiful views and peaceful lakes make it a great addition to your trip. You can easily arrange your visit with a Nainital tour package from Delhi for a smooth and easy experience.
Best Place to Stay in Jim Corbett
The Riverview Retreat
Located by the Kosi River this luxury resort offers spacious villas, a spa, a pool, and guided safari tours. Its serene location and top-notch amenities make it perfect for families and couples seeking comfort and exclusivity.
Aahana The Corbett Wilderness
Known for its eco-friendly practices it blends luxury with nature. It features organic farms, wellness programs, and yoga retreats. The property is ideal for those looking for a rejuvenating experience amid lush greenery.
Jim’s Jungle Retreat
This resort is perfect for an authentic jungle experience and offers cottage-style accommodations surrounded by wildlife. With guided nature walks and wildlife talks, it’s a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Bijrani Forest Rest House
Government managed forest rest house with basic rooms but direct access to the park. Staying here is a unique experience of being close to nature, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
Winsome Resort & Spa
Mid range resort with comfortable rooms, pool and recreational activities. Close to major attractions and well maintained facilities for budget travellers.
Final Thoughts
A Delhi to Jim Corbett road trip is an unforgettable experience combining adventure, nature and scenic drives. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, setting the tone for an exciting wildlife adventure. For group travelers choosing a Delhi to Jim Corbett Tempo Traveller adds comfort and convenience making the trip hassle-free and enjoyable. Ample space and smooth traveling make it perfect to see Jim Corbett National Park in its splendor and to spend good quality time with family or friends.
