A throbbing getaway to the foothills of the Himalaya into the wild
- Jim Corbett National Park
- P.O.Dhikuli, Via Ramnagar
- District – Nainital
- Pin Code : 244715
- Uttarakhand, India
A throbbing getaway to the foothills of the Himalaya into the wild
After a period of close to six years, Elephant Safari in Corbett is returning, creating excitement in one of the most popular wildlife destinations in India. Uttarakhand High Court banned commercial elephant use in 2018, and the practice, which had been popular as an animal viewing experience, was halted. This valuable activity now returns to Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve with the permission of the State Wildlife Board and the Chief Wildlife Warden.
The reintroduction of elephant riding in Jim Corbett National Park is meant to fill a gap that wildlife lovers have experienced since 2018. Though the Uttarakhand Wildlife Board gave the green light in June 2024, safaris resumed after the formalities were completed. Now, this development will improve wildlife tourism while also following the strict animal welfare guidelines.
The timing couldn't be better for those who intend to take elephant safari holidays. The safaris would start in the first week of December 2025, which would be right at the time of the high season of the tourists when visitors throng the park during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
The safaris will be operated in the Dhikala and Bijrani zones, which are the most scenic and wildlife-rich zones of the reserve. Two tourist trails will guide you in Dhikala through the wonderful Ramganga River, thick forests, and vast grasslands, where you can spot different wildlife species. The Bijrani zone also has two dedicated routes that showcase the natural habitat and the movements of wild animals firsthand.
The specialty of these safaris is that they provide unique vantage points exclusive to the elephant riders. Compared to jeep safaris, elephants easily pass by terrains that cannot be accessed by vehicle, and this also provides the opportunity to visit areas where the elephant population in Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve thrives, along with tigers, leopards, and other rare species.
Tickets will be available at the reception centre of the park on a first-come, first-served basis. The price has been fixed sensibly, with a price of Rs 1,000 per head for Indian tourists and Rs 3000 per head for foreigners. A maximum of five people are allowed in each two-hour elephant safari, including children.
Both morning and evening sessions are available, which allows you to flexibly select the time that most readily fits your schedule. Wildlife enthusiasts, especially photographers, prefer morning safaris where they get a chance to see wildlife at its most active hours.
The resume is accompanied by strict guidelines that make animal welfare a priority. This move has been embraced by local populations, including mahouts and tourism professionals, who have been given a chance to earn their living while creating awareness on wildlife conservation. Such a moderate solution presupposes that the development of tourism is accompanied by the welfare of the majestic elephants, which are the keystone to these safaris. To anyone planning to have a wildlife adventure in Corbett, elephant safaris are now a good addition to the itinerary.