Safari zones compared

Corbett Tiger Reserve runs eight tourism zones, each issued as a separate permit that cannot be switched on the day. The monsoon (July to October) closes Dhikala, Bijrani, Durga Devi, Garjia and Phato; Jhirna, Dhela and Sitabani stay open year-round.

• Dhikala: The largest zone: grasslands along the Ramganga reservoir, reachable only by the shared Canter safari, not a private jeep. Open 15 Nov-15 Jun.
• Bijrani: Dense sal forest a few minutes from Ramnagar town, generally the most reliable zone for tiger and leopard sightings. Open mid-Oct-30 Jun.
• Jhirna: The only core-adjacent zone open year-round, with dependable elephant-herd sightings; the default choice during the monsoon closure.
• Dhela: A newer eco-tourism zone on buffer land with shorter routes and a calmer pace. Open year-round.
• Durga Devi: A hilly, riverine zone at the confluence of the Ramganga and Mandal rivers - the strongest zone for birdwatchers. Open mid-Nov-15 Jun.
• Sitabani: A buffer forest with no fixed permit quota and flexible timing. Open year-round.
• Garjia: Approached from the Kaladhungi side rather than Ramnagar, opened to spread visitor load. Open mid-Nov-15 Jun.
• Phato: The most recently opened, least crowded of the eight zones, on the reserve's western edge. Open mid-Nov-15 Jun.