Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, and for all good reasons. The park is the oldest in India and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, elephants, and more. The climate in the park is pleasant all year round, but the best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is in the winters.
The cool weather during that time is perfect for exploring the entire sanctuary. You can also have a lot of fun spotting different wildlife species during your safari rides.
The park is open in both summers and winters, but it is closed during the monsoon season (core zones remain closed but the buffer zone remains open for guests). This is because the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to Ramnagar, and the roads in the jungle become very slippery and dangerous, even some roads in the park get washed out.
It is not safe to visit the park during monsoon season, as your Jeep could easily get stuck in the mud. That’s why the core zone(Dhikala, Bijrani) remains closed during this season.
But the Buffer zones Dhela and Jhirna remain open for the guests. So, if you are an adventure seeker and want your trip to this park to be less crowded then you can visit this park during Monsoon also.
Wintertime- From October to Mid-March.
The winter season is the best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park.
When the weather cools down and the ambient temperature becomes more comfortable, it’s a great time to go birdwatching and spot animals in their natural habitat.
The most prominent animal to spot during this time is the majestic Bengal tiger.
Bengal tigers are one of the most beautiful and feared animals in the world, and spotting one in the wild is an unforgettable experience.
Taking home some captivating memories of your encounter with this amazing animal is the perfect way to end your winter vacation.
All of the safari zones are open during this time, so you can explore the park to your heart’s content. You’ll also find some amazing accommodations inside the park, so you can make the most of your visit.
Whether you’re looking for a cosy cabin to snuggle up in or a luxurious lodge to relax in, you’ll find it all here around this national park.
If you’re the kind of person who loves being outdoors, then there are plenty of activities that you can enjoy during the winter season. Hiking, rappelling, river crossing, fishing, and local sightseeing are just some of the things that you can do.
However, it is important to make sure that you are wearing warm clothes to protect yourself from the freezing air. Do not forget to carry a pair of gloves and mufflers to beat the chilly winds.
Summertime- From Mid-March to June.
Although the temperatures during summertime in the park can be quite hot, reaching over 40 degrees Celsius, it is still can be considered to be the best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park if you want to spot tigers easily.
This is because all five of the park’s zones are open during summer, making it easier to spot a range of animals.
These animals are often searching for water, so they are more likely to be seen during this time of year.
Another benefit of visiting during summertime is that the leaves are dry, making it easier to spot the elusive tiger that’s why the summer months are typically more crowded making it the peak season.
The summer season is also a great time to enjoy adventurous activities like river crossing, nature walks, trekking, Camping and Rappelling.
However, you should be well prepared for Summer while visiting as the weather can be quite hot and humid. Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Monsoon time- From July to September
Monsoon season is the best time to plan a budget-friendly holiday in Jim Corbett National park. Since hotel and resort prices are discounted during this time, you can enjoy a luxurious vacation without breaking the bank.
Monsoon season also offers the perfect opportunity to explore India’s oldest park in its most serene self.
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, the monsoon season is the perfect time to plan your trip since the park remains less crowded, the surroundings are thriving and offer a refreshing escape for all the tourists.
However, it is also a time when many of the park’s roads become impassable and the core zones like Dhikala and Bijrani are closed to visitors. The buffer zones like Jhirna and Dhela remain open and are a great place to see the park’s wildlife in its natural habitat.
It’s also a great time for trekking, as the temperature drops during this season, but it can be a bit risky to go out for adventure activities due to soil erosion and landslides.
For adventurers, the best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is between July and September. This is when the rainfall is at its peak and the water level in the Kosi river is perfect for an adrenaline-pumping River-rafting experience.
Monsoon is the best time to take a jeep safari in the Dhela and Sitabani zones of Jim Corbett National Park. The lush green surroundings and the fresh smell of rain is an experience that cannot be missed.
However, one should take extra precautions while taking a safari ride as there is always a risk of landslides during heavy rains. It is advisable to avoid driving in risky areas and to follow the park official’s instructions while on the safari.
Entry timing in the park is different for summers and winters.
The timings for the safari ride in the park are as follows:
Winter Safaris Timings:
Morning safari Entry- 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Last Entry: 8:00 AM
Evening Safari Entry- 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Last Entry 3:30 PM
Summer Safaris Timings:
Morning Safari Entry- 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM, Last Entry 7:30 AM
Evening Safari Entry- 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Last Entry 4:30 PM
The entry fee in the park for a couple for safari ride is :
Indian: INR 1100/Jeep for a Couple. (including vehicle entry, driver charges, online charges, solid waste management charges).
Cost of per safari ride :
Indian: INR 4500/Jeep (Maximum 6 persons)
Foreigner: INR 7500/Jeep (Maximum 6 persons)
This includes the cost of Jeep, Driver, Permit, Guide charges and service charges.
If you’re wondering which Safari is better- Morning or Evening Safari, both safari timings are good but in the morning safari, you get to roam around the park for 4 hours and 30 minutes while at evening safari you get 3 and a half to 4 hours.
If you are hoping to see tigers, then a morning Safari may be the better option, as they are more likely to be active at that time of day. In the morning hours, the tiger goes to the water holes to drink water.
Other animals and birds are also easily spotted in the morning because they are looking for food.
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on several factors, including the time of year you visit, your interests and what you hope to see and do while you’re there.
However, in general, we would recommend allowing at least 2-3 days to get a good feel for the park and all it has to offer.
This will give you plenty of time to explore the different trails, go on safari rides, and see some of the key sights and attractions.
Opening and Closing Times for different zones of Jim Corbett National Park:
Zone | Open | Closed | Open |
---|---|---|---|
Dhikala | 15 November-2021 to 15 June-2022 | 15 June-2022 to 15 November-2022 | 15 November to 15 June-2023 |
Bijrani | 15 November-2021 to 15 June-2022 | 15 June-2022 to 15 November-2022 | 15 November to 15 June-2023 |
Garjiya | 15 November-2021 to 15 June-2022 | 15 June-2022 to 15 November-2022 | 15 November to 15 June-2023 |
Jhirna | Open throughout the year 2022 | ||
Dhela | Open throughout the year 2022 | ||
Sonanadi | Open throughout the year 2022 |
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