Elephant Safari in Corbett: Making a Comeback After Six Years

The reintroduction of elephant safaris in Jim Corbett National Park after almost six years is a huge milestone in terms of wildlife tourism in Uttarakhand. These elephant rides, which have been sanctioned by the state wildlife board and made official by the chief wildlife warden with an order to start the business back up, will now be an asset to the Corbett Tiger Reserve by increasing visitor numbers, particularly during peak holiday travel seasons, i.e., Christmas and New Year.

In December 2025, safaris will commence again in the Dhikala and Bijrani Zones, providing an immersive opportunity for tourists to see Corbett's diverse grassland, forest, and wildlife environments. With regulated routes, time-bound shifts and other strict measurements, the goal is to improve upon the sustainability of tourism practices in the Corbett National Park and promote the continued responsibility of guests to protect wildlife.

Key Highlights of the Elephant Safari After a Prolonged Halt

After being suspended for six years due to a ban by the High Court issued in 2018, elephant safaris have resumed operations.
The State Wildlife Board approved the decision through the completion of all administrative procedures.
The elephant safari will operate in two of the top tourism zones in Corbett Park, Dhikala and Bijrani.
Visitors will be able to take morning and evening safari shifts.
Ticket prices for elephant safaris are Rs 1,000 per person for Indian tourists and Rs 3,000 per person for foreign tourists.
The maximum number of people allowed on each elephant safari (including children) is five.
Duration of each safari will be two hours long.

Safari Experiences & Designated Routes

Each of the Dhikala and Bijrani zones will provide well-defined safari experiences using predetermined or established trail systems specifically intended for viewing wildlife. In the Dhikala zone, two elephants will be utilized on two routes that go through the Ramganga River area, dense sal forests, and open grasslands, all of which are well-known habitat types supporting a diverse number of wildlife species in their respective areas. Bijrani provides a more serene and immersive two-hour deep forest ride through the landscapes of the forest due to the presence of an elephant on both routes. Travelers looking for an intimate wildlife experience will find this very suitable.

Impact on Tourism & Visitor Convenience

The expected influx of visitors to Jim Corbett National Park during the winter season will be largely attributed to the return of elephant safari operations.
Elephant safaris provide an additional experience to Corbett’s tourism offerings; they are not substitutive but rather additive.
Reservations/tickets will be available at the Corbett reception center on a first-come-first-serve basis.
This action is expected to help stimulate tourism-related businesses, guides and community service activity supporting Corbett National Park.

The return of elephant safaris in Jim Corbett National Park will be a game changer for the wildlife tourism industry in Uttarakhand. This new safari concept is based on a structured route system, a limited number of passengers and enforced management practices. This new model offers travelers an equal mix of adventure, sustainability and responsible tourism. As holiday travel begins to ramp up, the renewed elephant safari experience will be one of the key attractions of Corbett Tiger Reserve, energizing the overall tourism landscape of the area.

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