WHERE WILD
INDIA BEGAN.
Jim Corbett National Park is not just India's oldest national park — it is the origin story of Indian conservation. A land that shaped one of the world's greatest wildlife protection movements, and still shelters one of Earth's densest wild tiger populations.
India's first national park — Hailey National Park established
Renamed Jim Corbett National Park after the legendary naturalist
Chosen as the launchpad for Project Tiger — India's boldest conservation effort
260+ tigers. 650+ birds. 1,318 km² of protected wilderness
FROM HUNTER TO
PROTECTOR
Edward James "Jim" Corbett (1875–1955) was born in Nainital, Uttarakhand — a man who grew up in these very forests. He became famous as a hunter called upon to track and kill man-eating tigers and leopards that terrorized remote villages in the Kumaon hills.
But Corbett's relationship with the jungle ran deeper than hunting. He was one of the first conservationists to recognize that tigers were not threats to be eliminated — they were treasures to be protected. He began photographing wildlife in the 1920s when cameras were rare, and advocated urgently for wildlife protection long before it became mainstream.
In 1936, the British government established Hailey National Park — India's first national park — largely due to his advocacy. After Independence, it was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in his honour. In 1973, it was chosen as the site for the launch of Project Tiger — India's most successful wildlife conservation initiative.
The park today shelters one of India's largest tiger populations. Jim Corbett's legacy is alive in every pugmark on its forest floors.
A tiger is a large-hearted gentleman with boundless courage and that when he is exterminated, something irreplaceable will have gone out of the world.
Jim Corbett
Naturalist, Conservationist, Author · 1875–1955
Project Tiger — 1973
Launched from Corbett on April 1, 1973, Project Tiger began with just 9 reserves and 268 tigers. Today it covers 53 reserves and over 3,100+ tigers — the world's most successful large predator recovery program.
1,318km²
Total Protected Area
260+
Wild Bengal Tigers
650+
Bird Species
50+
Mammal Species
33
Reptile Species
87
Years of Protection
WHO CALLS CORBETT HOME
50+ mammal species, 650+ birds, 33 reptiles. A complete ecosystem, intact and thriving.
Bengal Tiger
Endangered260+ in Corbett
The apex predator and symbol of Corbett. Early morning jeep safaris in Bijrani offer the highest sighting probability. Listen for deer alarm calls — that's the naturalist's cue.
Best Zone
Bijrani, Dhikala
Asian Elephant
Endangered600+ in Corbett
Herds of 30–50 elephants are a common sight at Dhikala's chaur grasslands. Corbett hosts one of India's largest elephant populations — more reliable to spot than tigers.
Best Zone
Dhikala, Bijrani
Leopard
Vulnerable150+ estimated
Masters of camouflage. Often spotted at dusk in Jhirna and Dhela zones. Leopards in Corbett are thriving — but spotting one requires patience and a sharp naturalist's eye.
Best Zone
Jhirna, Dhela, Durgadevi
Sloth Bear
Vulnerable50+ estimated
Uniquely Indian. Jhirna zone offers among the best sloth bear sighting opportunities in India. Shaggy, insect-eating, and fiercely protective of their young — fascinating to watch.
Best Zone
Jhirna
Gharial
Critically EndangeredIn Ramganga & Kosi
One of the world's most endangered crocodilians. Their distinctive long, thin snout makes them unmistakable. Found in Corbett's rivers — a rare and remarkable sighting.
Best Zone
Bijrani, Dhikala riversides
650+ Bird Species
DiverseCrested Serpent Eagle · Ibisbill · Great Hornbill
Corbett is a world-class birding destination. Durgadevi zone is particularly exceptional, housing rare Himalayan species including the Ibisbill — sought by birders from across the globe.
Best Zone
Durgadevi, Garjia, Dhikala
BEST TIME TO VISIT CORBETT
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Winter
Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · 8°C – 22°C
Best season. Cool weather, animals congregate near water. Highest tiger sighting probability.
Spring
Mar · Apr · 18°C – 32°C
Excellent. Vegetation thins, wildlife easier to spot. Warm but pleasant.
Summer
May · Jun · 28°C – 42°C
Hot but rewarding. Animals visible near water. Dhikala and Jhirna open.
Monsoon
Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · 22°C – 35°C
Most zones closed. Jhirna and Sitabani open year-round. Lush green landscape.
Visiting during monsoon (July–October)? Jhirna zone and Sitabani Forest Reserve remain open all 12 months. Lush green forests, fewer crowds, and unique monsoon wildlife behaviour. Contact us for monsoon-specific packages.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
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OUR NATURALISTS WILL
CHOOSE FOR YOU.
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