Ramnagar, India: travel guide
Corbett's gateway town, with sal forest, riverbanks and tiger country
Gateway town to Jim Corbett National Park — India's oldest tiger reserve, offering exceptional wildlife safaris through dense sal forest and riverine grasslands.
About Ramnagar
Ramnagar is a small town on the Kosi River in Uttarakhand that most travellers know as the main gateway to Jim Corbett National Park. Its role is practical and its setting is excellent: forest begins almost at the edge of town.
From here you reach the Bijrani, Jhirna and Dhikala zones of the reserve, where jeep safaris cross sal woodland and open riverine grassland in search of tigers, elephants, deer and a long list of birds. Back in town, the Garjiya Devi Temple stands on a rock in the Kosi, and Corbett Falls is a short drive away.
Ramnagar suits wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and families wanting a nature stay within reach of Delhi. Safari seasons run through the cooler, drier months, and the park closes for the monsoon, so check access before planning your Corbett trip.
- Country
- India
- Currency
- INR
- Time zone
- Asia/Kolkata
Last updated
Top places to visit in Ramnagar
Jim Corbett National Park (Bijrani)
Wildlife · 4.6 rating · about 4 h · entry ₹1,000
India's oldest national park (1936) and a flagship tiger reserve; the accessible Bijrani zone offers superb jeep safaris through sal forest and grasslands.
Dhikala Zone
Wildlife · 4.7 rating · about 5 h · entry ₹2,000
The largest and most prized Corbett zone, deep in the reserve with vast grasslands and the Ramganga reservoir — the best chance of tigers and elephants (day-visit or forest-lodge stay).
Garjiya Devi Temple
temple · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A revered temple perched on a large rock in the middle of the Kosi river, reached by steps, a striking pilgrimage spot near the park.
Jhirna Safari Zone
Wildlife · 4.4 rating · about 4 h · entry ₹1,000
A Corbett zone open year-round (even in monsoon), with dry deciduous forest and good sightings of deer, elephants, sloth bears and occasional tigers.
Corbett Falls
Waterfall · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A pretty 20-m waterfall set in dense forest ~25 km from town on the Kaladhungi road, a refreshing nature stop amid the Corbett landscape.
Kosi River & Barrage
Nature · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The scenic Kosi river running along the park's eastern edge, with riverside resorts, birdlife and a barrage viewpoint popular at sunset.
Corbett Museum (Kaladhungi)
Museum · 4.3 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The former home of hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett at Kaladhungi, now a museum of his life, rifles, photographs and the park's history.
Sitabani Forest Reserve
Wildlife · 4.3 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A buffer forest reserve outside the core park (no permit needed), good for birding, the Sitabani temple and quieter nature drives.
Ramnagar Town Market
Market · 4.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The bustling town market and gateway to Corbett, where safari permits and gypsy bookings are arranged, lined with shops and eateries.
Dhangarhi Museum (Park Gate)
Museum · 4.1 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A small natural-history museum at the Dhangarhi gate to Dhikala, with exhibits on the reserve's wildlife, a useful stop before the safari.
Things to do
- Corbett Jeep Safari (Bijrani) Wildlife · 4 h · from INR 2,500 per person
- Dhikala Zone Day-Visit Safari Wildlife · 6 h · from INR 4,500 per person
- Sitabani Birding & Nature Walk Nature · 3 h · from INR 1,200 per person
- Kosi River Rafting & Riverside Day Activity · 2.5 h · from INR 1,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Corbett Safari & Garjiya Temple Day 8 h · from INR 3,000
- Dhikala Full-Day Wildlife Experience 10 h · from INR 4,500
- Corbett Falls, Museum & Kosi Day 7 h · from INR 1,500
Where to stay in Ramnagar
- Corbett Gateway about INR 2,500 per night
Wildlife gateway with eco-lodges and resorts
Hotels
- Taj Corbett Resort & Spa 5-star · INR 12,000 to INR 24,000 per night
- Forest Lodge Dhikala (Forest Dept) 2-star · INR 3,000 to INR 6,000 per night
- The Riverview Retreat 4-star · INR 6,000 to INR 11,000 per night
- Corbett Riverside Resort 4-star · INR 4,500 to INR 8,000 per night
- Corbett Wild Iris Spa & Resort 4-star · INR 5,000 to INR 9,000 per night
- Sitabani Jungle Homestay 2-star · INR 2,000 to INR 3,800 per night
Where to eat
- Corbett Machaan Restaurant North Indian, Kumaoni, Tandoor · about INR 450 per person
- Govind Restaurant North Indian, Kumaoni · about INR 300 per person
- Masala Junction North Indian, Chinese, Tandoor · about INR 400 per person
- Dhaba Junction Punjabi, North Indian · about INR 300 per person
- River View Cafe Cafe, Continental, North Indian · about INR 300 per person
- Corbett Riverside Resort Restaurant North Indian, Continental, Kumaoni · about INR 600 per person
- Mauji Restaurant North Indian, South Indian · about INR 250 per person
- Pahadi Zaika Kumaoni, North Indian · about INR 300 per person
Getting to Ramnagar
Nearest airport: Rishikesh (via Dehradun) (DED), about 127 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Auto Rickshaw
- Offroad Vehicle
- Walking
More in India
Frequently asked questions about Ramnagar
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Ramnagar?
- The highest-rated places in our Ramnagar guide are Dhikala Zone, Jim Corbett National Park (Bijrani), Garjiya Devi Temple, Jhirna Safari Zone, Kosi River & Barrage.
- Where should I stay in Ramnagar?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Ramnagar: Corbett Gateway.
- How do I get around Ramnagar?
- Ways to get around Ramnagar covered in our guide: Auto-rickshaw, Off-road vehicle, Walking.