Jhirna Zone Safari

Jhirna landscape and safari route

Jhirna feels drier and more open than Bijrani. The tracks run through mixed deciduous forest, scrub and patches of bamboo, with sal on the higher ground. Because the southern slopes are lower and more exposed, the zone has a slightly harsher, sunlit character, especially in summer.

The standout feature is the grassland left behind by the relocated village. Areas such as the Laldhang chaur now support herds of chital and are good places to scan for predators at the forest edge. Seasonal streams cross the route and fill quickly after rain.

Jhirna shares its entry area with the Dhela zone, about 15–16 km from Ramnagar, so the approach drive is short and easy.

Wildlife you can see in Jhirna

Jhirna is one of the best places in Corbett to look for the sloth bear. Bears are most active early in the morning and in the late afternoon, often digging for termites or feeding on fruiting trees.

Tigers use the zone regularly, and you may also see elephant herds, especially after the rains. Sambar, chital, barking deer and wild boar are common. Leopards are present but seen less often.

Birdlife is varied thanks to the mix of scrub and grassland. Look for Indian peafowl, hornbills, rollers, bee-eaters and several species of eagle.

When to go and which shift to book

Jhirna is generally open year-round, although heavy rain can close tracks for a day or two at a time during the monsoon.

• July–September: green, quiet and atmospheric. Sightings are harder in thick growth, but crowds are small.
• October–February: comfortable temperatures and good birding.
• March–June: the most productive months for tigers and bears, as cover thins and water becomes scarce.

The morning shift is usually better for sloth bears. In summer, the afternoon shift can be hot but tends to reward patience near water points.

Permits, gate and how to get there

You enter from the Dhela–Jhirna gate area, roughly 15–16 km from Ramnagar. Around 30 jeeps are allowed per shift.

Online permits usually open 45 days ahead for Indian visitors and 90 days ahead for foreign nationals. During the monsoon months (roughly July to September), permits for Jhirna have often been issued at the counter in Ramnagar rather than online, so rules can differ from the peak season. Check the latest position in our permit booking rules, and see jeep costs in the safari price guide.

Carry the same original photo ID that was used for the permit. Only registered safari Gypsies with a guide may enter.

Where to stay near Jhirna

There is a small forest rest house at Jhirna, but like all rest houses in the reserve it follows the night-stay season (roughly mid-November to mid-June), not the zone’s year-round safari calendar. Details are in our forest rest houses guide.

Most visitors stay in Ramnagar or at lodges along the Dhela and Kyari roads, which keep the drive to the gate short. See our resorts and stays near the gates.