Planning a safari in Jim Corbett National Park can feel exciting but a little confusing—especially when you hear about different zones and multiple gates. Which Jim Corbett National Park gate should you choose? Is the Jhirna Zone better than Bijrani? And what’s special about the Durga Devi Zone?
Don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll break down the Jim Corbett gates and zones so you can decide the best entry point for your safari.
Safari Zones & Gates of Jim Corbett National Park
How Safari Gates Work in Jim Corbett
Jim Corbett is divided into several safari zones, each with its own entry gate. When you book a safari, your permit is linked to a specific zone, and you can only enter through that Jim Corbett National Park entry gate.
-
Morning and afternoon safaris run from these gates.
-
Each gate opens into a different forest habitat.
-
Your choice of gate can affect the kind of wildlife you’ll see.
Jhirna Zone – Open All Year
The Jhirna Zone is one of the most popular safari zones because it remains open throughout the year, even during the monsoon. This makes it perfect if you’re visiting Jim Corbett in July, August, or September, when most other zones are closed.
-
Wildlife: sloth bears, wild elephants, deer, and occasional tigers
-
Landscape: open grasslands mixed with dense forest patches
-
Stay: the Jhirna Forest Rest House is located here
-
Safari entry is through the Jhirna Zone Jim Corbett gate, located about 16 km from Ramnagar.
Bijrani Zone – Rich Forests & Tiger Territory
If spotting a tiger is high on your wish list, head to the Bijrani Zone. It is known for dense sal forests, wide grasslands, and frequent tiger sightings.
-
Wildlife: tigers, leopards, deer, elephants, and exotic birds
-
Landscape: thick forest mixed with clearings—perfect hunting grounds for big cats
-
Stay: Bijrani Forest Rest House (limited, must book early)
-
Safari starts from the Bijrani Gate, Jim Corbett, which is only 1 km from Ramnagar. Because of its popularity, permits for the Bijrani Gate Corbett tend to sell out quickly.
Durga Devi Zone – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
For those who love birds and serene landscapes, the Durga Devi Zone in Jim Corbett is unmatched. Located in the northeast part of the park, this zone is less crowded and feels more untouched.
-
Wildlife: wild elephants, otters, mahseer fish, and countless bird species
-
Speciality: Ramganga River flows here, making it great for angling and bird photography
-
Access: a little farther from Ramnagar, so fewer tourists visit
How to Choose the Right Zone & Gate
Each zone has its own charm, so the “best” really depends on your interest:
-
Jhirna Zone: open year-round, good for first-time visitors, family-friendly.
-
Bijrani Zone: best chance for tiger sightings, close to Ramnagar.
-
Durga Devi Zone: quiet, scenic, perfect for birdwatching and offbeat travellers.
If you’re travelling from Delhi or Kashipur, Bijrani Gate is the most convenient. For monsoon visits, Jhirna Zone Corbett is the safest choice.
Safari Booking & Entry Process
-
Safaris must be booked online in advance.
-
Carry a government-issued photo ID (passport, Aadhaar, etc.).
-
Reach your Jim Corbett entry gates at least 30 minutes before safari time.
-
Morning safaris are cooler with higher chances of spotting predators, while evenings are better for elephants and birdlife.
FAQs About Jim Corbett Gates & Zones
Q1. How many safari gates are there in Jim Corbett National Park?
There are several, including Bijrani Gate, Jhirna Gate, and Durga Devi Gate. Each leads to a specific zone.
Q2. Which is the best zone in Jim Corbett for tiger sightings?
The Jim Corbett Bijrani Zone is most famous for tiger sightings, while Jhirna and Durga Devi have their own unique appeal.
Q3. Is Jhirna Zone open all year?
Yes. The Jhirna Zone in Jim Corbett remains open even during the monsoon.
Q4. How far is Bijrani Gate from Ramnagar?
The Bijrani Gate Corbett is just about 1 km from Ramnagar, making it very convenient.
Q5. What makes Durga Devi Zone special?
The Durga Devi Zone in Jim Corbett is known for birdwatching, elephants, and the Ramganga River—a peaceful, less crowded safari experience.
Conclusion
Choose the zone according to the adventure you are looking for. If you want to have the thrill of tiger spotting, then the Bijrani zone is best for you. If you love birdwatching, then the Durga Devi zone is ideal for you. While the Jhirna zone is open throughout the year, it offers the opportunity to witness wildlife any time you visit.
To make the most of your visit, plan jim corbett booking in advance, choose the right gate to Jim Corbett National Park, and match the zone to the kind of adventure you’re looking for.
