Jim Corbett weekend trip from Delhi is one of the most popular short breaks in north India. 260 km. 5 to 6 hours by road. You leave Friday evening or Saturday morning and you’re inside the Corbett landscape by afternoon.
The forest, the safari, the river and the jungle air are all there within a few hours of Delhi. No flights. No complicated logistics. A straightforward drive or an overnight train and you’re in a completely different environment.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a Delhi to Corbett weekend trip, from how to get there to what package suits your dates.
Ready to plan your trip? View packages here.
Why Jim Corbett works as a Delhi weekend trip
Distance and drive time.
At approximately 260 km from Delhi, Jim Corbett is close enough to reach in a single morning drive. Leave Delhi by 6 to 7 AM and you’re in Ramnagar by early afternoon, with enough time for an evening safari on Day 1.
No flights required.
Every other comparable wildlife destination from Delhi involves a flight or a significantly longer drive. Corbett is road and rail accessible without the complexity of air travel.
A complete change of environment.
Delhi to Corbett is not just a distance change. The transition from city to sal forest, river and wildlife is immediate once you cross into the Kumaon foothills. For a 2 day reset, few options within driving distance of Delhi come close.
Flexible trip length.
A Friday to Sunday trip gives you 2 nights and 2 safari slots. A Saturday to Sunday trip gives you 1 night and 1 safari slot. Both work depending on how much time you have.
How to reach Jim Corbett from Delhi
By road (recommended):
Distance: Approximately 260 km from Delhi to Ramnagar.
Drive time: 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.
Route: NH9 via Moradabad is the standard route. Leave Delhi by 6 to 7 AM to arrive by early afternoon.
The Moradabad stretch can have heavy traffic on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons during peak season. If travelling on Friday, consider leaving by 5 to 6 PM to clear Delhi traffic before the highway congestion builds. Or leave early Saturday morning.
By train:
The Ranikhet Express runs from Delhi (Anand Vihar / Moradabad) to Ramnagar. Travel time approximately 6 to 7 hours. Book train tickets at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance for weekend and peak season travel. Train is a comfortable option for those who prefer not to drive.
By cab or self-drive:
Both work well on the NH9 route. Self-drive is straightforward. Cabs from Delhi to Ramnagar are available and can be pre-booked. Confirm the cab pickup and return timing matches your safari slot schedule.
Best time for a Delhi to Corbett weekend
Peak season: November to February
Best weather for a Delhi weekend trip to Corbett. Cool temperatures, dry conditions and high wildlife activity. The drive is comfortable and the forest is at its most atmospheric. Book at least 30 to 45 days in advance. December and January weekends from Delhi fill the fastest.
Summer season: March to June
Warmer during the day but the drive from Delhi is still manageable with an early start. Good wildlife activity as vegetation thins and animals concentrate near water sources. More availability than peak season for both permits and accommodation.
Monsoon: July to mid-October
Most safari zones are closed during monsoon. Only Jhirna, Dhela and Phato run year-round. The drive can be challenging on narrow Kumaon roads in heavy rain. Not the ideal window for a Delhi to Corbett weekend trip for first-time visitors.
Weekend itinerary: 2 days 1 night
Best for: Quick Saturday to Sunday trip. 1 safari included in the package.
Day 1: Saturday
6:00 to 7:00 AM: Depart Delhi by road or board the overnight train.
1:00 to 2:00 PM: Arrive Ramnagar. Check in to resort.
2:30 PM: Lunch at resort or nearby. MAP plan covers breakfast and dinner only.
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Evening jeep safari. Reach the gate at least 30 minutes before slot. Carry e-permit and same ID as submitted at booking.
7:00 PM: Return from safari. Freshen up.
Dinner at resort (included in MAP plan).
Day 2: Sunday
Breakfast at resort (included in MAP plan).
10:00 to 11:00 AM: Check out.
Optional: Visit Garjia Devi temple on the Kosi River (approximately 14 km from Ramnagar) before departing. Accessible without a safari permit through the designated approach pathway.
11:00 AM onwards: Drive back to Delhi. Arrive by early evening.
Weekend itinerary: 3 days 2 nights
Best for: Friday to Sunday trip. 2 safari slots across the trip.
Day 1: Friday
Leave Delhi by 4 to 5 PM after work or by 6 AM Saturday morning. If leaving Friday evening, reach Ramnagar by 10 to 11 PM. Check in and rest.
Alternatively, take the overnight train from Delhi Friday evening and arrive Saturday morning.
Day 2: Saturday
5:00 AM: Wake up. Morning safari slot runs 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Depart by 5:15 to 5:30 AM.
6:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Morning safari.
10:00 AM: Return to resort. Breakfast included in MAP plan.
Afternoon: Free time. Corbett Museum in Kaladhungi (approximately 25 km), Garjia Devi temple or simply rest at the resort.
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Evening safari (second safari slot, booked separately).
7:00 PM: Return. Dinner at resort (included in MAP plan).
Day 3: Sunday
Breakfast at resort (included in MAP plan).
10:00 to 11:00 AM: Check out.
11:00 AM onwards: Drive back to Delhi. Arrive by early evening.
What to do beyond the safari
A Delhi to Corbett weekend is mostly about the safari and the forest. But if you have time between slots or on Day 3 morning before check-out, a few options are worth knowing.
Garjia Devi temple
Located on the Kosi River approximately 14 km from Ramnagar. The temple sits on a large boulder in the middle of the river. A significant pilgrimage site in the Kumaon region. Accessible without a safari permit through the designated approach pathway. Visit after the morning safari or before departing on Day 3.
Corbett Museum, Kaladhungi
Jim Corbett’s winter home in Kaladhungi, approximately 25 km from Ramnagar, has been converted into a museum dedicated to his life and work. Worth a visit for anyone familiar with his writing. Plan 1 to 2 hours for the visit.
Kosi River
The Kosi flows through the Corbett landscape. Several points near Ramnagar allow you to sit by the river. Peaceful, scenic and a good way to spend the gap between safari slots.
Ramnagar town
A small town with basic markets and local food options. Good for a quick local meal or picking up supplies before the return drive.
Package options for a Delhi weekend trip
Both Deluxe and Luxury packages through jimcorbettbookings.com suit the Delhi to Corbett weekend format.
Corbett Deluxe Package
Starts from Rs. 14,999 per night for double occupancy.
- 3-star accommodation
- 1 night, 2 days (customisable to 2 nights)
- 2 persons, 1 room
- MAP meal plan (breakfast and dinner)
- 1 jeep safari (safari permit and jeep cost included)
- Driver fee and guide fee included
- Booking assistance and service fee included
- Safari zone allocated as per availability
Corbett Luxury Package
Starts from Rs. 20,999 per night for double occupancy.
- 4-star accommodation
- 1 night, 2 days (customisable to 2 nights)
- 2 persons, 1 room
- MAP meal plan (breakfast and dinner)
- 1 jeep safari (safari permit and jeep cost included)
- Driver fee and guide fee included
- Booking assistance and service fee included
- Safari zone allocated as per availability
Each package includes 1 safari. For a 2 night trip with 2 safari slots, speak to the team when enquiring and they will customise accordingly.
All packages can be customised based on group size, number of nights, number of safaris and travel dates. Call or WhatsApp +91 9814701010 for a custom quote.
View packages and enquire here.
What to carry
Documents:
- Government-approved ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport or driving licence) for every guest – same as submitted at booking
- E-permit printout or saved on phone
- Resort booking confirmation
For the drive:
- Snacks and water for the road
- Car charger and phone mount if self-driving
- Toll cash or FASTag for NH9
For the safari:
- Neutral coloured clothing (green, brown, khaki – avoid bright colours and white)
- Binoculars
- Camera with fully charged battery
- Power bank
- Water bottle
- Light snacks (no food available inside the zone)
For the stay:
- Warm layers for November to February visits
- Personal medication and basic first aid
- Cash for personal purchases and tips
Inside the zone:
No alcohol. No non-vegetarian food. No pets. Stay inside the vehicle at all times.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Jim Corbett from Delhi?
Approximately 260 km from Delhi to Ramnagar. About 5 to 6 hours by road via NH9 through Moradabad. The Ranikhet Express train takes approximately 6 to 7 hours from Delhi to Ramnagar.
Is Jim Corbett worth visiting for a weekend from Delhi?
Yes. The distance and drive time make it one of the most practical wildlife weekend trips from Delhi. You get a full safari experience within a 2 day window without flights or complicated logistics.
What is the best time to visit Jim Corbett from Delhi for a weekend?
November to February is the best window for weather and wildlife activity. December and January weekends from Delhi are the most popular. Book at least 30 to 45 days in advance for peak season dates.
What is the price of a Delhi to Corbett weekend package?
The Deluxe Package starts from Rs. 14,999 per night for double occupancy including 3-star stay, MAP meals and 1 jeep safari. The Luxury Package starts from Rs. 20,999 per night including 4-star stay, MAP meals and 1 jeep safari.
What are the safari timings for a weekend Corbett trip?
Morning safari runs 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Evening safari runs 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Timings are subject to change based on seasonal variations and Forest Department regulations. Always confirm before your visit.
Can I do 2 safaris on a 2 day weekend trip?
A standard 1 night 2 day package includes 1 safari. For a 2 night 3 day trip you can fit 2 safaris: 1 evening on Day 1 and 1 morning on Day 2. Speak to the team when enquiring and they will customise accordingly.
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed on a weekend Corbett trip?
No. Wildlife sightings in Jim Corbett are never guaranteed. They depend entirely on luck and patience.
Which route is best for Delhi to Jim Corbett by road?
NH9 via Moradabad is the standard and most commonly used route. Leave Delhi by 6 to 7 AM to arrive comfortably by early afternoon. Friday evening traffic on NH9 can be heavy. An early Saturday morning departure avoids most congestion.
How do I book a Delhi to Corbett weekend package?
View packages and enquire here. Or call and WhatsApp on +91 9814701010 for a direct response.
