Jim Corbett safari timings

Jeep safari timings by season

Every Corbett zone runs two safari shifts a day: a morning shift that starts around sunrise and an afternoon shift that ends around sunset. Because sunrise shifts through the year, the park moves the timings with the season:

A shift lasts about 3–3.5 hours inside the zone. Exact gate times are printed on your permit, so always follow the permit if it differs from this table.

Dhikala canter safari timings

The Dhikala canter covers much longer distances, so its shifts are longer, about 4.5–5 hours including the drive from Ramnagar:

Report at the CTR reception in Ramnagar at least 30 minutes before departure with your original ID.

When to reach the gate

• Be at the zone gate 30–45 minutes before the shift starts. Permit checks and guide allocation take time.
• Carry the same original photo ID used for the booking, for every guest.
• Your jeep usually picks you up from your hotel. Allow for the drive: Dhela, Jhirna and Durga Devi are 15–30 km from Ramnagar.
• Late arrivals may be refused entry once the gate closes for the shift, with no refund.

Morning or afternoon: which shift is better?

Morning shifts are the favourite. Animals are active in the cool hours, tigers are often seen on the forest roads, and the light is soft for photography. In winter, mornings can be very cold and foggy, which sometimes hides animals for the first hour.

Afternoon shifts are excellent in summer (April to June), when heat pushes tigers and elephants to waterholes and rivers later in the day. They are also easier for families who don’t want a 5 am start.

If you can, book one of each in different zones. It doubles your chances and shows you two different landscapes.

Full-day and night options

Some zones occasionally offer full-day permits for photographers. They are limited and priced higher. There are no night safaris inside Corbett Tiger Reserve. To stay inside after dark, book a forest rest house and enjoy the sounds of the jungle from the compound.