Jhirna Zone lies 16 km from Ramnagar, accessible via the Khar Gate or Dhela Gate. Originally farmland belonging to Jhirna, Dhara, and Kothirau villages, the area was incorporated into the Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1994 under Project Tiger. The relocation of villages allowed the land to regenerate into dense forests and grasslands, now teeming with wildlife. The Jhirna Zone’s terrain includes dry deciduous forests, riverine belts, and expansive chaurs (grasslands), notably the Laldhang Chaur, a prime grazing ground for herbivores like spotted deer (chital), sambar, and wild boar. These habitats attract predators such as tigers and leopards, making Jhirna a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts. Unlike other zones that close during monsoons (July–October), Jhirna remains accessible year-round, weather permitting. Safari Logistics Timings: Morning: 6:00 AM–9:30 AM (November–February); 5:30 AM–9:00 AM (March–June). Evening: 2:30 PM–6:00 PM (November–February); 3:00 PM–6:30 PM (March–June). Vehicle Capacity: 6 adults + 2 children per jeep; mandatory guide. Booking: Open 45 days in advance for Indians, 90 days for foreigners. Jhirna’s revival exemplifies successful habitat restoration, with tiger density increasing by 18% since 2015. Visitors must adhere to: Silence protocols during safaris. No plastic policy; biodegradable waste only. Vehicle limits: 30 jeeps/day to minimize ecological disruption.
Key features and unique experiences
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Peak elevation
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Challenge intensity
Arrive at Ramnagar and check into your wildlife resort. After a fresh lunch, proceed for your jeep safari in the Jhirna Zone. In Winter (November to February), the morning safari runs from 06:00 AM – 09:30 AM and the evening session from 02:30 PM – 06:00 PM. During Summer (March to June), the morning safari is from 05:30 AM – 09:00 AM and the evening session from 03:00 PM – 06:30 PM. This zone is famous for its bamboo forests and the Laldhang Chaur, providing a high probability of spotting Sloth Bears, Elephants, and the Royal Bengal Tiger. Return to the resort for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: 11 nights of stay in high-quality alpine tents (twin-sharing) and hotels/guest houses at base camps.
Transportation: Seamless transfer between Ramnagar and the Jhirna Zone entry gate.
Safari Vehicle: Dedicated 4x4 Gypsy/Jeep specifically authorized for forest safari use.
Permits & Fees: All-inclusive entry permits, road tax, and the mandatory services of a forest guide/naturalist.
Safari Session: Full safari charges for one designated shift (either Morning or Afternoon).
Child Policy: Complimentary entry for children below the age of 10 years (as per forest department guidelines).
Meals & Refreshments: Food and beverages (unless part of a longer residential package).
Personal Expenses: Costs for laundry, phone calls, tips/gratuities, and mandatory camera fees.
Accommodation: Overnight stays (typically not included for 1-day safari bookings unless specified).
Transit to Ramnagar: Transport costs to and from Ramnagar from other cities/locations.
Elephant Safari: Costs for elephant rides, which are very limited and not guaranteed.
Station Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off services at the railway station (chargeable at ₹1,000–2,000 per jeep).
Ideal seasons and weather conditions
Everything you need to know before booking
Jhirna offers year-round access, unlike Dhikala which is seasonal. While Bijrani has denser forests, Jhirna’s open grasslands improve visibility for spotting herbivores and predators like tigers and sloth bears.
Most safari packages exclude meals. However, the Forest Rest House (FRH) canteens serve buffet-style Indian cuisine. It is highly advisable to pre-book meals if you are planning an extended stay.
No. Safaris require official permits booked via authorized agents or the Jim Corbett official portal. Walk-in bookings are unavailable, and permits often sell out weeks in advance.
No. Safari operations are strictly limited to daylight hours. For enthusiasts, special permits for bird photography 'hides' are available for approximately ₹2,000/day.
Trained guides must maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters from elephant herds. All safari jeeps are equipped with communication devices to contact the range office in case of emergencies.
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