{"id":1139,"date":"2026-08-05T14:46:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T09:16:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corbettbookings.com\/public\/blog\/?p=1139"},"modified":"2026-08-05T14:46:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T09:16:15","slug":"most-popular-safari-zone-in-corbett","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corbettbookings.com\/public\/blog\/most-popular-safari-zone-in-corbett\/","title":{"rendered":"Which is the Most Popular Safari Zone in Corbett National Park?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have been dreaming of watching a Royal Bengal Tiger walk through a golden grassland, Corbett National Park is the place to be. Nestled in the foothills of Uttarakhand, this is India’s oldest and most celebrated tiger reserve. One of the first things people ask before planning a trip is \u2014 which safari zone in Corbett National Park<\/a> should I visit? With multiple zones to choose from, picking the right one can feel a little overwhelming. This guide breaks it all down simply, so you can make the best choice for your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Many Safari Zones Are There in Corbett National Park?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Corbett National Park is divided into several eco-tourism zones, each with its own landscape, wildlife density, and safari experience. The major zones currently open for tourism are Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Durgadevi, Sitabani, Garjiya, and Sonanadi. Each zone gives you a different view of the forest. Some are better for tiger sightings while others are great for bird watching or elephant spotting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both jeep safari (gypsy safari) and canter safari options are available, depending on the zone you choose. A maximum of 6 adults can travel in one jeep, making it perfect for small families or groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dhikala Zone \u2014 The Most Popular Safari Zone in Corbett<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Without any debate, Dhikala Zone is the most famous and most visited safari zone in all of Corbett National Park. It sits deep inside the core of the reserve, which means the forest here is dense, wild, and far less disturbed by outside activity. This is why tigers are spotted here more frequently than anywhere else in the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The landscape of Dhikala is stunning \u2014 open chaurs (grasslands), the flowing Ram Ganga River, thick Sal forests, and rolling hills in the background. You could spot herds of wild elephants, spotted deer, sambar, and if luck is on your side, the elusive Bengal tiger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One thing you really should keep in mind : Dhikala Zone does not run the usual gypsy safari kind of thing. Instead, visitors typically go on canter safari , that\u2019s the large open vehicle style. If you want to feel Dhikala the proper way , it\u2019s better that you book a stay at the Dhikala Forest Rest House which is actually inside the park itself. Overnight, you can do both the morning safari and the evening safari on back to back days, and that really boosts your chances for a tiger sighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dhikala zone is generally open from mid-November to mid-June and remains closed during the monsoon season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bijrani Zone \u2014 Best for Day Safari Visitors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are visiting Corbett National Park<\/a> for just a day or two and want the best possible gypsy safari experience, Bijrani Zone is your top choice. Located near the Amdanda gate, this zone is extremely popular among day visitors and is known for its rich mix of wildlife and beautiful scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bijrani has broad open grasslands, pretty dense Sal woods , and a bunch of little streams also running through the place. Somehow that mix of spaces and shade pulls in a huge range of animals. Tiger sightings are reported quite often here, like regularly. And besides tigers, you might see leopards, elephants, jungle cats, and hundreds of different bird species too .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bijrani Zone is open from October 15 to June 30 each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jhirna Zone \u2014 Open All Year and Perfect for Wildlife Lovers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jhirna Zone holds a special place among visitors because it is one of the few zones that stays open throughout the entire year, even during the monsoon season when most other zones close. Located on the southern edge of the park, this zone has gained massive popularity since 2019 due to consistently high wildlife sightings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apart from tigers, Jhirna is well known for sloth bear sightings, which is something most visitors do not expect but absolutely love. You can also spot wild elephants, sambar, spotted deer, and barking deer here. Birdwatchers are particularly fond of this zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dhela Zone \u2014 A Quiet and Underrated Gem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Added to Corbett’s tourism circuit in December 2014, Dhela Zone is one of the newer zones but has quickly built a loyal following. It is quieter compared to Dhikala and Bijrani, which actually works in your favor if you want a more peaceful and uncrowded jungle experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like Jhirna, Dhela Zone is also open throughout the year. Only 15 gypsies are allowed per shift, which means there is less crowd inside the forest. This actually increases the quality of your wildlife experience significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durgadevi Zone \u2014 For Bird Watchers and Nature Lovers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are passionate about birds or simply love the idea of a quiet forest drive with minimal crowds, Durgadevi Zone is worth exploring. Located on the northern boundary of the park, this zone is surrounded by hilly terrain and the Ramganga river valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tiger sightings are possible here, but the zone is more celebrated for its incredible bird diversity and the chance to spot the Indian grey hornbill, pied kingfisher, and other rare birds. It is also a great zone for spotting elephants in their natural habitat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sitabani Zone \u2014 The Buffer Zone Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sitabani is technically a buffer zone of Corbett, and it operates differently from the core zones. It remains open throughout the year and does not require a forest permit in the same way. Sitabani is ideal for those who want a gentle introduction to Corbett’s ecosystem without the pressure of strict slot timings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The forest here is beautiful and offers sightings of deer, nilgai, wild boar, and various birds. Tiger sightings are rare but not impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which Zone Should You Pick?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is a simple way to decide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n