Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park holds a singular place in Indian conservation history: established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was the country's first, and it became the launch site for Project Tiger in 1973. Today it protects one of India's densest tiger populations across a varied landscape of sal forests, grasslands, and the Ramganga river valley.

The park is divided into six zones — Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Durga Devi, Sonanadi, and the buffer zone — each with a distinct character. Dhikala is the crown jewel: a sweeping chaur (grassland) where elephants, deer, and tigers gather at dawn, and where the only accommodation inside the park's core zone sits. Overnight stays at Dhikala Forest Rest House require advance booking through the Forest Department and sell out months ahead.

Corbett's terrain is markedly different from Rajasthan reserves — lush, green, and set against the backdrop of the lower Himalayas. The Ramganga river hosts gharial crocodiles (one of the world's most endangered reptiles) and mugger crocodiles, along with golden mahseer fish that attract experienced anglers. Over 600 bird species make Corbett one of the subcontinent's premier birding destinations, including the endangered Bengal florican and pallas's fish eagle.

Elephant safaris were historically the signature Corbett experience; jeep safaris have become the modern standard. The closest town, Ramnagar, has grown into a full-service tourist base with everything from budget guesthouses to Taj-affiliated river lodges. From Delhi, Corbett makes a perfect long weekend — an overnight train, two full days in the park, and home by Sunday.