Safaris: the top things to do in Jim Corbett
Of all the things to do in Jim Corbett, a safari comes first. There are three ways to go in:
- Jeep safari: an open Gypsy for up to six guests in zones such as Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela or Garjia. It is the most flexible option and the best for photography.
- Dhikala canter safari: a shared open bus into Corbett’s most famous grassland, sold per seat. See the Dhikala canter guide.
- Elephant safari: a slow, quiet ride through grassland, usually for forest rest house guests or in buffer forests. Costs are in our safari price guide.
Book at least one morning and one afternoon shift in different zones. It doubles your chances and shows you two landscapes.
Spend a night inside the forest
Nothing beats falling asleep to alarm calls and waking to elephants on the river. Corbett’s old forest rest houses, at Dhikala, Bijrani, Gairal and others, let you stay inside the reserve. Rooms are simple and rules are strict, but you get safaris at the quietest hours and a sky with no city glow.
They book out fast from mid-November to June, so plan well ahead.
Nature and adventure activities
Bird watching
Corbett has recorded well over 500 bird species. Dawn walks along the Kosi, the Sitabani forest and Kyari village are rewarding even without a safari. Start with our birds of Jim Corbett guide.
River rafting on the Kosi
Some camps run gentle rafting on stretches of the Kosi, mostly easy grade I–II water. It is fun rather than white-knuckle and depends on water levels, so it usually runs outside the peak monsoon. For big rapids, Rishikesh is the place.
Mahseer angling
The Kosi and Ramganga are known for the golden mahseer. Angling is strictly catch-and-release, needs a permit, and is allowed only on set stretches and in season, typically in the cooler months either side of the monsoon. Go through an authorised camp or outfitter.
Nature and village walks
Walking is not allowed in the core zones, but guided walks in buffer forests, along riverbanks and through villages such as Chhoti Haldwani and Kyari show you a slower side of Corbett.
Rappelling, zip-lining and cycling
Several adventure camps near Ramnagar offer rappelling, zip lines, rope courses and Burma bridges. Many resorts lend bicycles for rides along quiet village roads at dawn.
Sightseeing, food and shopping
- Visit the Corbett Museum and the nearby Corbett Falls for a half-day outing.
- Climb up to the Garjia Devi temple on its rock in the Kosi river, early in the morning.
- Try Kumaoni food: bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke, madua roti, bhang ki chutney and bal mithai for dessert.
- Shop in Ramnagar’s market for local honey, pickles, woollens, wooden souvenirs and books on Corbett.
- Stargaze on a clear winter night. Resorts away from the main road and forest rest houses have the darkest skies.
See every nearby sight with distances in places to visit near Jim Corbett.
Best activities by traveller type
| You are | Don’t miss | Good extras |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Afternoon jeep safari, Dhangarhi museum | Corbett Falls picnic, resort nature walk, zip line |
| Couples | A night in a forest rest house | Sunset at the Kosi barrage, riverside dinner, stargazing |
| Photographers | Morning jeep safaris in two zones | Dhikala canter, Garjia temple at dawn |
| Birders | Dawn walks in Sitabani and Kyari | Durga Devi zone, Pangot and Kilbury |
| Groups | Full jeeps or a canter safari | Rafting, rappelling, bonfire nights |
When each activity works best
| Activity | Best months approx. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core-zone jeep safaris | Mid-Oct / mid-Nov to June | Jhirna, Dhela and Sitabani usually stay open in the monsoon |
| Dhikala canter & forest rest houses | Mid-Nov to mid-June | Closed in the monsoon |
| Bird watching | November to March | Winter migrants join resident birds |
| Rafting | Roughly Oct to June | Depends on water levels |
| Mahseer angling | Roughly Oct–Nov and Feb–Apr | Permit and catch-and-release only |
| Waterfalls | September to November | Fullest just after the rains |
| Stargazing | October to February | Clear, dry skies |
Summer (April to June) is hot in the day but often best for tiger sightings, so plan outdoor activities for early morning and late afternoon, and keep the midday for the pool or a museum.
Things to do with kids
- Choose afternoon safaris. They avoid the cold, early start and children are more alert.
- Visit the Dhangarhi museum before the first safari so they know what to look for.
- Give them a simple bird or animal checklist and a pair of binoculars.
- Book a resort with a pool, a lawn and a naturalist-led evening walk.
- Keep the Corbett Falls walk for a mid-morning outing with snacks.
Want it all arranged in one go? Our Corbett packages bundle safaris, stay and transfers.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Jim Corbett?
A jeep or canter safari, a night in a forest rest house, dawn bird watching, the Corbett Museum and Corbett Falls, the Garjia Devi temple and a Kumaoni meal.
Is river rafting available in Jim Corbett?
Some camps offer gentle rafting on the Kosi, mostly easy grade I–II water, depending on the season and water levels.
Can I go fishing in Jim Corbett?
Mahseer angling is allowed only on set stretches outside the core, with a permit, in season and strictly as catch-and-release.
What can I do in Corbett apart from safari?
Visit temples, waterfalls and the Corbett Museum, go birding or on village walks, try rafting or rappelling, and take a day trip to Nainital.
Is Jim Corbett good for kids?
Yes. Afternoon safaris, the Dhangarhi museum, Corbett Falls and resort activities keep children busy and interested.
How many days do I need in Jim Corbett?
Two to three days lets you do two or three safaris plus a half day of sightseeing. Add a day for Nainital.