Elephant Safari Online Booking In Jim Corbett National Park

Getting Started - What You Need to Know

Bring Your ID

You'll need some form of identification with you - your driver's license, PAN card, voter ID, passport, or student ID all work perfectly. Just make sure to bring the exact same ID you mention when booking, as the park rangers will need to verify it matches.

Important Heads Up

Once you pay for your safari, we can't offer refunds, so please plan your visit carefully. Also, elephant safaris aren't something you can book ahead of time - they're available on a first-come, first-served basis when you arrive. If you want to experience an elephant safari, you'll need to book a jeep safari to Bijrani Zone first, as that's your gateway to this incredible adventure.

The Magic of Elephant Safari

Picture this: you're gently swaying on an elephant's back as it creates its own path through mysterious forests and deep valleys. The rhythmic sound of massive feet on earth, the creaking of the wooden seat, and the incredible feeling of being part of the wilderness itself.

Our elephant safaris take you into the heart of Corbett's landscape, away from the beaten path. From sunrise to sunset, you'll experience the jungle as few people ever do. We've tried to capture that old-world charm of early 1900s forest adventures - complete with heritage rest houses lit by lanterns instead of electric lights, and those wonderfully refreshing hot bucket baths after a day in the wild.

Our cooks will keep you well-fed with delicious Indian and continental meals, perfect for working up that jungle appetite. You'll have an English-speaking naturalist with you to help spot wildlife and share fascinating stories about what you're seeing.

Our Dhikuli Elephant Station

We have three magnificent elephants ready for your adventure at our private station in Dhikuli. These gentle giants will carry you across the Kosi River into the Corbett Landscape Area - vast grasslands and shrub country that's absolutely perfect for tiger and wildlife viewing. There's something magical about crossing a river on elephant-back, feeling your mount choose its own path through the flowing water while you sway gently in the wooden howdah above.

Here in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by lush layers of flora that glow golden in the afternoon sunlight, you might just witness something extraordinary. As Jim Corbett himself said: "Shoot only pictures, leave only footprints, take only memories." Imagine sitting quietly on your elephant when a tiger suddenly emerges from the tall grass just a stone's throw away, locks eyes with you for a breathtaking moment, then silently melts back into the wilderness. That's the kind of soul-stirring encounter that makes your heart race and creates memories you'll treasure forever.

Your experienced mahouts are incredibly knowledgeable about the area and will point out fascinating flora and fauna throughout your journey, making every moment an opportunity to learn something new about this incredible ecosystem.

Elephant Safari Schedule

• 4 people per elephant maximum
• 2-hour duration per session
• Winter times: 6:00-8:00 AM, 8:00-10:00 AM, 1:30-3:30 PM, 3:30-5:30 PM
• Summer times: 5:00-7:00 AM, 7:00-9:00 AM, 3:00-5:00 PM, 5:00-7:00 PM

Getting Your Permits Sorted

Getting Your Permits Made Easy

Everyone visiting Corbett needs permits, but don't worry - it's simpler than it sounds. Head to the park administration center in Ramnagar with photocopies of your ID, and you can get your 3-day permit issued right on the spot. International visitors just need their passport and a photocopy.

If you're planning to stay at the forest lodges, you'll need a separate accommodation permit, but these are also capped at three days maximum.

Keep in Mind

Your permit is personal to you and can't be transferred to anyone else. Once it's issued, there are no refunds or changes possible, so double-check your plans before finalizing. The park management isn't responsible for any changes in your personal circumstances.

Choosing Your Safari Zone

Corbett has four main entry points, each offering something unique:

• Bijrani - Great for first-time visitors
• Jhirna - Open year-round, perfect for bird watching
• Dhikala - The crown jewel with the best tiger sighting opportunities
• Durgadevi - More remote and peaceful

Planning Your Perfect Safari Experience

Smart Booking Strategy

Here's something really important - you need separate permits for your safari vehicle and for any forest lodge accommodation you might want. Both can be booked online, which is super convenient.

We strongly recommend booking 30 days ahead of your visit. Why? Because Corbett only allows 75 vehicles in the entire park at any given time to protect the wildlife and maintain that pristine wilderness experience. It's quite popular, so advance booking ensures you don't miss out.

Zone Restrictions Made Simple

Once you pick a zone, that's where you'll be exploring - no switching around or rescheduling allowed. Each zone has its own vehicle limits: Bijrani and Jhirna each welcome 30 vehicles per session, while the more remote Durgadevi keeps things intimate with just 15 vehicles allowed.

The park scientists have carefully calculated how many visitors each area can handle without disturbing the wildlife, so these numbers aren't arbitrary - they're about preserving this incredible ecosystem for future generations.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Vehicle Rules

You can't bring your own car into the park - everyone uses specially designed safari vehicles that are registered with the park. For Dhikala zone, you'll travel in larger canter buses that can handle the terrain and river crossings.

Timing is Everything

Each zone has specific gate times, and they're pretty strict about them. Arrive early to avoid any last-minute stress. The park carefully manages how many people can visit each area to protect the wildlife and maintain that authentic wilderness experience.

Extra Adventures

Beyond the regular safaris, you can enjoy elephant rides at Bijrani and Dhikala zones. Remember, these are first-come, first-served, so get there early if this is on your must-do list.

Keeping You Comfortable

There are canteens at Dhikala, Bijrani, and Gairal if you need snacks or drinks. Other locations have kitchen facilities available for your use.

Ready for an adventure that will change how you see the wild? Corbett National Park is waiting to show you wonders you never imagined possible.

General Rules

• What You Need to Know Before Your Visit
  Why We Limit Visitors
  We carefully control how many people can visit each zone during morning and afternoon sessions. This isn't to make things difficult for you - it's actually based on scientific research about what each area can handle while keeping the wildlife happy and undisturbed. Think of it as our way of making sure this incredible place stays incredible for years to come.
• Getting Your Permits
  Most zones let you book online through our website, which is super convenient. However, if you're planning to visit the Sonanadi Ecotourism zone, you'll need to swing by the visitor reception center in Kotdwar to get your permit in person.
• Timing Matters
  Please check the gate opening times for your chosen zone and arrive with some time to spare. Trust us on this one - arriving rushed or late can really dampen the start of what should be an amazing day. Give yourself that extra buffer time to start your adventure relaxed and ready.
• About Vehicles
  You won't be able to bring your own car into the park - everyone uses our specially designed safari vehicles that are built for the terrain and registered specifically for park use. For Dhikala zone, you'll travel in sturdy canter buses through our Ramganga Conducted Tours, which are perfect for handling the more challenging routes and river crossings.
• Extra Adventures
  Want to add some elephant magic to your day? Both Bijrani and Dhikala zones offer elephant rides, but these work on a first-come, first-served basis. Get there early if this is on your must-do list!
• Staying Fed and Comfortable
  You'll find canteens at Dhikala, Bijrani, and Gairal if you need snacks, drinks, or a proper meal during your visit. At other locations, we've set up kitchen facilities so you can prepare your own food if you prefer.

These guidelines help us protect the park while making sure you have the best possible experience. We're all working together to keep Corbett wild and wonderful!