Uttarakhand road trip
Delhi to Jim Corbett by Self Drive Car
Corbett's resorts are spread along the Kosi river and around Ramnagar, so a car makes it easy to reach your safari gate on time, visit Garjia temple and explore the forest edges at your own pace. It is also a manageable drive for a long weekend.
- Distance250 km
- Drive time5.5–6.5 hours
- Ideal trip3 days
- TerrainPlains
The drive from Delhi to Jim Corbett
Route: Delhi–Meerut Expressway to Dasna, NH9 via Hapur, Garhmukteshwar and Moradabad, then Kashipur to Ramnagar.
Leave on the Delhi–Meerut Expressway to Dasna and continue on NH9 through Hapur and Garhmukteshwar to Moradabad. There you leave the main highway for Kashipur and Ramnagar on a narrower road with village traffic, speed breakers and some rough patches, which makes the last hour the slowest part of the trip. Most resorts lie along the Ramnagar–Ranikhet road beside the Kosi or around Dhikuli, and these roads pass through forest where elephants and deer cross at dawn and dusk. Drive slowly, never honk at animals and do not stop for photos close to them. Aim to arrive before dark, as forest roads are unlit and safaris start early the next morning.
Best time to go: November to June, when the core safari zones are open, with February to May best for tiger sightings.
Stops on the way
- Delhi0 km
Pick up your car at home, the airport or a station. Leave early to clear city traffic.
- Hapur~60 km
A busy town where NH9 has been widened; a convenient early fuel stop before the Ganga crossing.
- Garhmukteshwar~100 km
Pause at the long Ganga bridge, or pick up snacks from the stalls near the ghats.
- Moradabad~165 km
Leave the main highway here towards Kashipur; the brass markets are worth a look if you have time.
- Kashipur~220 km
The last large town before Ramnagar, with fuel, ATMs and the ancient Drona Sagar tank.
- Jim Corbett~250 km
You have arrived. Park, check in and explore.
Things to do in Jim Corbett
- Jeep safaris in zones such as Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela and Durgadevi, booked through the official reserve website
- An overnight stay at Dhikala inside the park, when open, for the best chance of wildlife
- Garjia Devi temple on a rock in the middle of the Kosi river
- The Corbett Museum at Kaladhungi, in Jim Corbett's old home
- Corbett Falls, a short forest walk near Kaladhungi
- Birdwatching along the Kosi river and in the Sitabani forest
Driving tips for this route
- Private cars are not allowed on safari routes. Book a registered safari jeep with a guide, and carry the same photo ID used for the online permit.
- Permits for popular zones sell out weeks ahead during winter and summer holidays, so book them before you fix your dates.
- Core zones like Bijrani and Dhikala close for the monsoon, while zones such as Jhirna and Dhela usually stay open longer. Check the official site for current dates.
- Fill up in Ramnagar, as there are few fuel stations on the forest roads towards Marchula and Kaladhungi.
- Elephants often use the roads near Garjia and Dhikuli. If you meet a herd, stop well back, keep the engine running and wait for them to cross.
- Leave Delhi by 6 am to reach Ramnagar by early afternoon, well before the light fades.
Best cars for Delhi to Jim Corbett
Estimated rental cost for a 3-day trip
| Car | Rent (3 days) | Est. distance | Free km | Extra km cost | Est. total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Creta | ₹9,972 | ~540 km | 900 km | None | ₹9,972 |
| Mahindra XUV700 | ₹15,672 | ~540 km | 900 km | None | ₹15,672 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | ₹8,547 | ~540 km | 900 km | None | ₹8,547 |
Estimate assumes a round trip of 500 km plus some local driving. Fuel, tolls (FASTag), parking and any state entry tax are extra. Refundable deposit applies. Your exact quote depends on dates and car availability.
Delhi to Jim Corbett self drive: FAQs
Which car is best for a Jim Corbett trip?
The Hyundai Creta copes well with the uneven road after Moradabad and is comfortable for a few days of resort hopping. The Mahindra XUV700 suits larger groups wanting more space and an automatic. For a budget family trip, the Maruti Ertiga seats seven comfortably on these roads.
Can I take my rental car on a Corbett safari?
No. Safaris inside the tiger reserve run only in registered vehicles with an authorised guide. Leave your car at the resort or in the parking at the gate and join the jeep from there.
How far is Jim Corbett from Delhi?
Ramnagar, the main gateway, is about 250 km from central Delhi and usually takes 5.5–6.5 hours. Traffic on NH9 near Hapur and Moradabad, and the slower road from Kashipur, decide the total time. Resorts further along the Kosi add another 15–30 minutes.
Ready for Jim Corbett? Book your self drive car now.
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