Uttarakhand's Wildlife Sanctuaries
Uttarakhand has 6 national parks and 7 wildlife sanctuaries covering over 13% of its total area. The state is home to the Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard, and an incredible diversity of Himalayan birds.
Jim Corbett National Park
Location: Nainital/Pauri Garhwal • Area: 1,318 sq km • Est.: 1936 (India's oldest national park)
Jim Corbett is India's most famous tiger reserve — home to over 260 tigers, 600+ elephants, 580+ bird species, and diverse flora. The park is divided into zones:
- Dhikala Zone: Core zone, best for tigers and elephants. Jeep and canter safaris.
- Bijrani Zone: Popular day zone, good tiger sightings year-round.
- Jhirna Zone: Open all year including monsoon. Good for leopard and sloth bear.
- Sitabani Zone: Buffer zone, tiger sightings + birdwatching.
- Durga Devi Zone: Remote, best for birding and fishing.
Safari Types at Corbett
| Safari Type | Timing | Zone | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Safari (6 pax) | Morning / Evening | All zones | ₹5,000–₹8,000/jeep |
| Canter Safari (16 pax) | Morning only | Dhikala | ₹1,500–₹2,500/person |
| Elephant Safari | Morning | Dhikala/Bijrani | ₹2,000/person |
| Night Stay Dhikala | 24h zone entry | Dhikala | ₹3,000–₹8,000/person |
Rajaji National Park (Tiger Reserve)
Location: Haridwar/Dehradun/Pauri • Area: 1,075 sq km
Rajaji is home to Asia's largest wild elephant population — over 700 elephants roam freely here. The park also shelters tigers, leopards, king cobra and over 400 bird species including the Great Hornbill. The Chilla range near Haridwar is the most popular entry point.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Almora • Area: 47 sq km • Altitude: 2,420m
Dense oak-rhododendron forests with leopard, barking deer, goral, and over 200 Himalayan bird species. The Zero Point viewpoint gives a spectacular 300km panorama of the Himalayas on clear days.
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Pithoragarh • Home to the rare Snow Leopard and Musk Deer. One of India's few habitats where snow leopard sightings have been reported. The sanctuary borders Nepal and Tibet border areas.
Best Time for Wildlife Safari
- November–June: Best overall — parks fully open, animals congregate near water in summer
- February–May: Peak season for tiger sightings at Corbett
- October–February: Best for bird watching and elephant sightings
- July–Sept: Most parks partially closed due to monsoon; Jhirna zone at Corbett stays open
Booking Safari Permits
- Corbett safaris must be booked online at the official Uttarakhand forest portal
- Dhikala canter slots fill up 45 days in advance — book early
- Carry valid photo ID — Aadhar/passport required at park gates
- No plastic bags, smoking or loud music inside park zones