Booking a Jim Corbett safari online is not complicated. But it’s specific. Wrong zone selection, a name mismatch on your permit or missing the booking window by a few days can mean you lose your slot and your money with it.
This guide walks you through the entire process from deciding which zone to book to what to carry on safari day. Every detail is sourced directly from jimcorbettbookings.com and is current for 2026.
Before you book: 4 things to decide first
Sort these out before you touch the booking portal. Changing them after payment is either impossible or costs you the full fee.
1. Which zone do you want?
Jeep safari is available across various zones: Jhirna, Dhela, Bijrani, Phato, Mohaan, Garjia, Durgadevi & Sitabani Zone
Canter safari runs exclusively in the Dhikala zone.
Each zone has different terrain, different wildlife and different permit availability. Not sure which zone suits your trip? Check our safari booking page and our team can advise you before you commit.
2. Which dates are you travelling?
Zone opening months vary. Some zones are open year-round. Others close during monsoon. Check the zone opening months before picking your dates.
3. Morning or evening slot?
Jeep safari runs 2 slots: morning (6 AM to 10 AM) and evening (3 PM to 7 PM). Morning slots consistently produce better wildlife sightings. Wildlife is most active before the heat builds. If you have one shot, take the morning. Having said that late evening hours are also considered fruitful for wildlife sightings.
Canter safari also runs 2 slots: morning (6:00 AM to 11:30 AM) and evening (12:00 PM to 5:30 PM).
Timings for both jeep & canter safaris are subject to change based on seasonal variations and Forest Department regulations. Confirm exact timings before your visit.
4. How many people in your group?
A jeep accommodates up to 6 persons. Groups larger than 6 adults & lower than 12 persons will need 2 jeeps and 2 separate permits. For larger groups wanting the Dhikala experience, a canter accommodates up to 16 passengers and is more economical per head.
Official portal vs. private tour operator: which to use
2 legitimate options exist. Neither is wrong. They suit different types of travellers.
Option A: Book directly through the official government portal
The official Jim Corbett safari booking portal (corbettonline.uk.gov.in) is run by the Forest Department. You select your zone, date and slot, enter guest details, pay online and receive your e-permit immediately.
Pros: Most cost-effective. Permit goes directly in your name. No middleman.
Cons: Competitive during peak season. Slots in popular zones disappear fast. Requires careful navigation to avoid zone selection errors. Even after booking the permit one needs to book the jeep offline. Please note the permit is for entry and it does not include jeep cost which is to be booked separately.
Option B: Book through an private tour operator
A private tour operator handles the permit booking, arranges a certified suitable jeep and coordinates with the jeep driver for boarding the vehicle and permit checking. Jim Corbett safari booking through our safari booking page is managed by Vijay Tours and Travels, an independent private travel agency.
Pros: Hassle-free. Expert guidance on zone and timing. Vehicle and driver arranged together.
Cons: Slightly higher cost than direct booking due to service fee. Service fee is included in the Rs. 7,500 jeep price.
Step-by-step: how to book online
Step 1: Decide jeep or canter
Jeep covers 8 zones. Canter covers Dhikala only. Pick your safari type first. This determines the process that follows.
Step 2: Select your zone
For jeep safari, choose from Jhirna, Dhela, Bijrani, Phato, Mohaan, Garjia, Durgadevi or Sitabani. For canter safari, Dhikala is the only option. Selecting the wrong zone means your permit is invalid at that gate.
Step 3: Select your safari date
Check zone opening months before picking a date. Greyed-out dates are fully booked. If your preferred date is unavailable, check adjacent dates or consider an alternative zone.
Step 4: Select your time slot
Morning or evening. Confirm exact timings for your zone as these shift slightly by season.
Step 5: Enter all guest details
Full name, age and gender of each visitor exactly as per their ID proof. Accepted IDs: Aadhaar, PAN card, driving licence, passport. Passport details are mandatory for foreign tourists. A single name mismatch between the permit and the ID results in denied entry with no refund.
Step 6: Pay online
Advance payment required. Safari charges are non-refundable once the booking is confirmed. Save your payment confirmation immediately.
Step 7: Download your e-permit
Your e-permit is issued after successful payment. Download it and save it in at least 2 places, your phone gallery and email. A printed copy is worth carrying as connectivity near forest gates can be unreliable.
Safari prices: what you’ll pay in 2026
Jeep safari: Rs. 7,500 per jeep
Accommodates up to 6 persons. Includes booking assistance and service fee, all permit charges, driver fee, jeep charges and entry fee.
Canter safari: Rs. 2,700 per seat
1 canter has 16 seats. Includes service charges. Dhikala zone only.
What’s included:
- All permit charges
- Driver fee
- Jeep or canter charges
- Zone entry fee
What’s not included:
- Guide fee: Rs. 1000, paid directly by the guest at the zone
- Hotel or resort pick-up and drop: not included, can be arranged separately
A Guide is mandatory. A government-registered guide must accompany every safari. No guide means no entry into any zone.
Zone opening months
Core zones:
| Zone | Opening period |
| Dhikala (canter only) | 15 November to 15 June |
| Bijrani | 15 October to 30 June |
| Jhirna | Open year-round |
| Dhela | Open year-round |
| Garjia | Open year-round |
| Durgadevi | 15 November to 15 June |
Eco-tourism zones:
| Zone | Opening period |
| Phato | 15 October to 15 June |
| Sitabani | 15 October to 15 June |
| Mohaan | 15 October to 15 June |
Jhirna, Dhela and Garjia are the only 3 zones open year-round including during monsoon.
Zone-wise booking tips
Dhikala (canter only)
Peak season November to June. Book exactly 45 days in advance. Canter slots open at a set time and fill within hours during peak season. Set a calendar reminder. Morning slots go faster.
Bijrani
Peak season October to June. Book 30 to 45 days out in peak season. More forgiving than Dhikala but popular dates still go quickly. October and June book out especially fast.
Jhirna
Open year-round including monsoon. More availability throughout the year. Best option for last-minute travellers. Open slots available within 2 weeks of your visit in most cases.
Durgadevi
Peak season November to June. Book 2 to 3 weeks in advance outside peak season. In peak months give yourself 30 days. Low demand overall but the best slots go faster than people expect.
Dhela
Open year-round including monsoon. Generally available within 2 to 3 weeks year-round. Lowest competition of all zones. Good fallback if Bijrani is fully booked.
Garjia
Open year-round including monsoon. Book 3 to 4 weeks in advance in peak season. Growing in popularity among repeat Corbett visitors. Slots easier to get than Bijrani but don’t leave it too late.
Phato
Open 15th October to 15th November. Witnessed excellent wildlife sightings (specially tigers) in the last couple of years. High in demand and popular among tourists.
Sitabani
Open 15 October to 15 June. Permit through the Ramnagar Forest Division, not the standard Corbett portal. Book 2 to 3 weeks out in peak season. Contact the division office directly or use an independent tour operator.
Mohaan
Open 15 October to 15 June. Book 2 weeks in advance in peak season. Witnessed good wildlife sightings (specially tigers) during last season.
Common booking mistakes to avoid
Name mismatch on the permit
Enter names exactly as they appear on the ID you’ll carry. One mismatch and the whole jeep turns back. No refund.
Booking during a closed season
Check zone opening months before confirming dates. Dhikala, Bijrani, Garjia, Durgadevi, Sitabani and Mohaan all have fixed opening and closing dates. Booking outside those dates means denied entry.
Assuming a Corbett Tiger Reserve permit covers Sitabani
Sitabani is under the Ramnagar Forest Division. Its permit runs through a separate authority. A standard Corbett Tiger Reserve permit is not valid at the Sitabani gate.
Arriving late
No grace period exists at any Corbett forest gate. there is a time limit to enter the forest and post that it is considered not showing up. Slot forfeited, no refund.
Forgetting the guide fee
The Rs. 1000 guide fee is not included in the jeep. It is paid directly to the guide. Please carry cash for guide fee as there is limited network connectivity for UPI payments. A guide is mandatory. No guide means no entry.
Safari Booking Options
One may book through the official government portal or an independent tour operator. Our safari booking page lists complete information required to book safaris.
What happens after you book
Immediately after payment
You receive a booking confirmation and e-permit. Download both. Save the e-permit to your phone gallery. Don’t rely solely on email access near forest areas.
The day before your safari
Confirm jeep and driver arrangements if booked through an operator. Charge your cameras. Arrange packed breakfast/ light eatables for early morning slots (no plastics allowed inside the park) since most resort restaurants won’t be open at 5:30 AM.
Safari morning
Arrive at the forest gate at least 30 minutes before your slot. Carry your e-permit (phone or print) and the exact same ID listed on the permit for every guest. The gate opens on schedule. It does not wait.
At the gate
The forest guard checks your e-permit, verifies IDs against the names on the permit and confirms your vehicle allocation. Your guide joins the jeep once cleared. Safari begins.
During the safari
Stay in the vehicle at all times. Follow your guide’s instructions. No flash photography. No loud sounds. No alcohol or non-vegetarian food inside the reserve. No pets. Your guide manages all wildlife approach and timing. Phones are not allowed inside the park during safari as per instructions & guidelines by the Hon. Supreme Court if India.
Frequently asked questions
What is the jeep safari price for Jim Corbett in 2026?
Rs. 7,500 per jeep. Accommodates up to 6 persons. Includes all permit charges, driver fee, jeep charges, entry fee and booking assistance. Guide fee of Rs. 1000 is paid separately at the zone.
What is the canter safari price?
Rs. 2,700 per seat. 1 canter has 16 seats. Canter safari runs exclusively in the Dhikala zone. Includes service charges.
Is the guide fee included in the safari price?
No. The Rs 1000 guide fee is paid directly by the guests/ tourists to the guide. A government-registered guide is mandatory for every safari without exception.
Which zones are open year-round?
Jhirna, Dhela and Garjia. These are the only 3 zones open during monsoon (July to mid-October). Every other zone has a fixed opening and closing date.
Is canter available in Bijrani or Jhirna?
No. Canter safari runs only in the Dhikala zone. Jeep is the only safari vehicle available in all other zones.
How far in advance should I book?
Generally bookings gets open 45 days in advance (except monsoon season). Permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Can I choose my zone, driver or guide?
Yes one can select zones & drivers for their safaris however naturalist guide are allocated by the Forest Department on random basis at the gate. No operator can influence these assignments.
Are safari charges refundable?
No. Safari charges are non-refundable once confirmed. If a booking fails due to a technical issue or unavailability, the full amount is refunded.
What ID is accepted at the gate?
Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, passport and voter ID. The ID must match the name on the permit exactly. Carry originals. Passport details are mandatory for foreign tourists.
What if I arrive late?
Your slot is forfeited if you do not arrive with given time as per guidelines set of the Forest Department. No grace period, no refund. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your slot time.
Ready to book your Jim Corbett safari?
Check available slots, compare zones and you may book here.
