Corbett Falls

About Corbett Falls

Corbett Falls is a waterfall of about 20–25 metres hidden in the sal and teak forest near Kaladhungi, roughly 25 km from Ramnagar. The stream drops over a rock face into a clear pool, and the spray keeps the glade several degrees cooler than the road outside.

It is named after Jim Corbett, who lived in Kaladhungi each winter and knew these forests well. The forest department manages the site as an eco-tourism spot, which keeps it cleaner and calmer than many roadside waterfalls in the hills.

It is not a big, roaring falls, and that is part of its charm. You come here for the walk through tall trees, the birdsong, the cool air and an hour of quiet by the water between safaris. Most visitors pair it with the Corbett Museum and are back in Ramnagar well before the afternoon safari shift.

The walk to the waterfall

From the parking area by the road, a forest path of about 1.5–2 km leads to the falls. It is mostly level and shaded, with a few uneven stretches near the end, so most families with children manage it comfortably in 25–30 minutes each way.

• Wear walking shoes with grip. Rocks near the pool stay wet and mossy.
• Carry water. There are usually a few snack stalls near the entrance, but nothing on the path.
• Stay on the trail and stay together. This is a real forest, and wild animals do move through it.
• Take your rubbish back out with you.

Entry fee and timings

The pool looks inviting, but the rocks are slippery, the water is colder and deeper than it looks, and flows can rise quickly after rain upstream. Paddle at the edge at most, and follow the staff’s instructions. The site may be closed after heavy rain.

Best time to visit Corbett Falls

• September to November: just after the monsoon the falls are at their fullest and the forest is lush green. This is the best time for photos.
• December to February: a gentler flow, crisp air and very pleasant walking.
• March to June: the flow drops, but the shade and cool spray make it a favourite summer picnic spot.
• July and August: the water is dramatic, but the site can close for safety after heavy rain.

Midday works well here. Unlike the safari zones, there is no need to be up at dawn, and the canopy keeps you out of the sun.

Birds and wildlife along the path

Walk slowly and the forest has plenty to show you. Birders regularly note kingfishers and forktails along the stream, drongos, minivets and woodpeckers in the canopy, and the calls of red junglefowl and peafowl from the undergrowth. Langurs and rhesus macaques are common, and barking deer are sometimes heard.

Keep food out of sight, as the monkeys are bold. Early in the day, before the crowds arrive, is best for birds.

Tips for families and photographers

Corbett Falls is one of the easiest outings around Corbett for families. The path suits children of about five and up, and grandparents who walk comfortably can usually manage it at a gentle pace. Pushchairs struggle on the last rocky stretch, so bring a baby carrier instead.

For photographers, the pool sits in shade for much of the day, which gives soft, even light. A small tripod and a slow shutter speed turn the falling water silky, and a polarising filter helps cut the glare off wet rocks. After the monsoon, the spray is heavy near the base, so keep a cloth for your lens and a plastic cover for your camera.

• Weekday mornings are the quietest; Sundays and holidays bring picnic crowds from Haldwani and Ramnagar.
• Do not climb the rocks beside the falls for a better angle. Falls here are a real risk.
• Pack a light picnic, but leave nothing behind, including fruit peel.

Combine with the Corbett Museum

The Corbett Museum in Kaladhungi is a few kilometres away. Visit the museum and the Chhoti Haldwani village walk in the morning, then walk to the falls around midday. Add a dhaba lunch on the Kaladhungi road and you are back in Ramnagar by mid-afternoon.

Chunakhan falls, a wilder waterfall reached by a longer trail, is an option for keen walkers. See the full list of places to visit near Jim Corbett, and book a local cab for the day.