Jim Corbett National Park
The Elephant Safari offers a serene, elevated ride through Corbett’s interior—ideal for wildlife watchers and photographers, offering intimate and quieter encounters than typical car or canter safaris. You travel through areas inaccessible by vehicles, offering a unique perspective on forest life.
The ride lasts about 90 minutes to 2 hours (including embarkation and disembarkation), typically 1 hour of moving through the forest.Adult riders must reach the mounting point (often Dhikuli or Sitabani), as pick-up from resorts is not provided.
Elephant Safaris are typically offered twice a day—in the morning and evening. Exact timings vary slightly based on the season (summer or winter) and sunlight availability.
Morning Safaris :- 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Evening Safari :- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Morning Safaris :- 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Evening Safari :- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Carry valid ID, including name, age, gender as per official documentation like Aadhar, Passport, Driving License. These details are required for permits.
Reserve in advance if you have forest lodge permits for zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, Dhela, Jhirna, etc. early booking is recommended.
Expect some limitations : expectant mothers or specially-abled persons may be ineligible; the elephant load is carefully managed based on riders' total weight.
Elephant safaris typically operate within the Corbett Landscape including zones like Dhikuli, Sitabani, and sometimes Bijrani and Dhikala depending on permit status.
Access to certain zones may depend on night stay permits in forest rest houses like Dhikala or Bijrani. Day visitors without accommodation may be limited to areas like Sitabani or Corbett Landscape.
You're guided by an experienced mahout, who provides insight into the forest and wildlife. Their knowledge enhances both safety and the educational value of the ride.
Riding on an elephant gives you less disturbance for sightings—ideal for quietly spotting deer, elephants, even tigers if they're nearby.
The community of riders generally finds it safe and family-friendly, as the elephants move calmly and not too rapidly.
While sightings depend on timing and luck, you may spot :
The best time for an Elephant Safari in Jim Corbett National Park is from October to mid-June, when the weather is pleasant, forest zones are open, and wildlife activity is high. During the autumn and winter months (October to February), the temperatures are cool and the forest is lush and green, offering ideal conditions for a peaceful and scenic ride through the jungle. This period also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings, especially in the early morning when animals are most active. From March to mid-June, the dry summer conditions improve visibility through the forest, and the chances of spotting animals—especially elephants and even tigers—near rivers and waterholes increase significantly. However, the monsoon season (mid-June to mid-October) is best avoided, as most core zones are closed due to heavy rainfall, and elephant safaris may be suspended. Overall, for the best combination of comfort, forest access, and wildlife visibility, November to April is considered the prime time for experiencing an Elephant Safari in Corbett.
The Corbett Elephant Safari offers a serene and majestic wildlife experience through the buffer zones of Jim Corbett National Park, primarily Sitabani (also known as Corbett Landscape). It allows visitors to explore the forest in a slow, eco-friendly, and traditional way—on elephant back, guided by an experienced mahout.
| Price (Indian) | Price (Foreigner) |
|---|---|
| ₹ 3,500/Elephant* Onwards (Max 4 Persons are allowed in ONE Elephant) | ₹ 3,500/Elephant* Onwards (Max 4 Persons are allowed in ONE Elephant) |
| Zones :- Sitabani (Corbett Landscape) & Dhikala | Zones :- Sitabani (Corbett Landscape) & Dhikala |
| Timings :- Morning 7 AM - 9 AM | Evening 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Timings :- Morning 7 AM - 9 AM | Evening 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| GST :- 18% applicable on the safari fee. | Inclusions :- 18% applicable on the safari fee. |
Corbett Elephant Safari offers a unique one-hour ride through the Sitabani buffer zone, providing close wildlife encounters atop an elephant. It’s guided by an experienced mahout and limited to 4 passengers per elephant.
Corbett Elephant Safari offers a unique and scenic wildlife experience from atop elephants, appreciated for its close nature encounters. However, some visitors note limited animal sightings and logistical challenges with bookings.
Elephant Safari at Jim Corbett is a popular activity, apart from the jeep and canter safari. Done under the supervision of an elephant handler in the daytime or in the afternoon, one would get to go up to the periphery of the park and see tigers, elephants and other animals and birds. The handlers often provide interesting information about the region, the elephant and also let tourists feed them! One must make sure to wear sunscreen and of course, a camera to take pictures.
Great cut, great price, great service, and billy is a great guy! go there for great skills and friendly service in a clean shop.