Sitabani Buffer Safari

Sitabani landscape and route

The forest is a mix of sal, riverine woodland and scrub, crossed by clear streams and dry riverbeds. The approach is via Teda village, about 4 km from Ramnagar, and the track then winds through the forest towards the temple.

The atmosphere is gentler than the core zones: fewer vehicles, more birdsong and plenty of spots where you can stop and listen. It is part of the wider Corbett Landscape, which also includes areas such as Bhandarpani and Pawalgarh.

Wildlife and birds in Sitabani

Sitabani is best known for birdwatching. Serious birders come for species such as the tawny fish owl, forktails, kingfishers, woodpeckers, minivets and a good range of flycatchers in winter.

Mammals are present, as the forest is continuous with the reserve. You may see chital, sambar, barking deer, langurs and wild boar, and leopards, elephants and even tigers pass through. Sightings are less frequent than in core zones, so treat any big cat as a bonus.

The streams are the best places to pause. Kingfishers and forktails hunt along the water, and deer come down to drink in the early morning and late afternoon.

Sitabani temple and walking

The Sitabani temple is tied to a local tradition that Sita spent time in this forest, and that it was near the hermitage of Valmiki, author of the Ramayana. The temple and the natural springs around it make a peaceful stop, and a small fair is usually held here in spring.

Sitabani is one of the only areas around Corbett where you are allowed to walk in the forest. Walking is not permitted in the core zones. If you walk, go with a local guide, stay on established paths and return well before dusk; this is still wild elephant and leopard country.

When to go and which shift

Sitabani is generally accessible all year, which makes it a useful choice from July to mid-October when most core zones are closed. After very heavy rain, stream crossings can be difficult, so check locally.

• November–March: the best months for birding, with winter visitors.
• April–June: hot, but animals gather near streams.
• July–September: lush and quiet; carry rain protection.

Early mornings are best for birds. There are no fixed core-zone style shifts, but entry is usually limited to daylight hours.

Entry, how to get there and where to stay

No online permit is needed. You pay for an entry slip at the gate, and there is no fixed daily jeep quota. You can go in a hired safari jeep with a driver who knows the route; ask your hotel or our team to arrange one.

This is different from the core zones, where permits must be booked online in advance. If you also plan a core-zone safari, read our permit booking rules and check costs in the safari price guide.

There are no rest houses for tourists at Sitabani. Ramnagar and the nearby villages have plenty of options; browse our resorts and stays near the gates.