Jim Corbett National Park, India’s oldest national park, is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, famous for its Bengal tigers, elephants, and diverse birdlife. If you’re planning to visit this natural wonder from the spiritual city of Haridwar, you’ll find the journey primarily by road, as direct train connections are limited.
The main gateway town to Jim Corbett National Park is Ramnagar, which is where most safaris start and where many resorts are located.
Distance Between Haridwar and Jim Corbett National Park (Ramnagar)
The distance between Haridwar and Ramnagar (the gateway to Jim Corbett) is:
- By Road: Approximately 115-150 kilometers.
- By Train: Around 245 kilometers (due to the route trains take).
How to Reach Jim Corbett National Park from Haridwar
Here’s a detailed look at your travel options:
1. By Road (Most Recommended and Flexible)
Traveling by road is generally the most convenient and flexible way to reach Jim Corbett National Park from Haridwar. The journey offers varied landscapes, from plains to more forested areas as you approach the park.
- Journey Time: A direct drive typically takes around 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the specific gate of Jim Corbett you’re heading to.
a. By Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Direct)
Hiring a private taxi or cab is the most comfortable and direct option, especially if you’re traveling with family or luggage.
- Pros: Door-to-door service, privacy, and flexibility to take breaks. You can be dropped off directly at your hotel or the specific safari gate.
- Cons: The most expensive option.
- Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi could cost anywhere from ₹3,200 to ₹5,000 for a sedan (like Dzire/Etios) and ₹4,500 to ₹7,500 for an SUV/Innova, depending on the car type, service provider, and whether tolls/taxes are included.
- Tips: Book a taxi in advance, especially during peak season. Confirm all-inclusive pricing (tolls, taxes, driver allowance) before starting your journey. You can find local taxi stands in Haridwar or book through online platforms like MakeMyTrip, Gozocabs, or CabBazar.
b. By Bus (Economical)
While there might not always be frequent direct buses from Haridwar directly to Ramnagar, you can find services that connect these regions.
- Journey Time: Bus journeys can take around 4 to 6 hours, depending on the number of stops and the route.
- Operators: State transport buses (Uttarakhand Roadways) and some private bus operators might offer routes. You might need to change buses at an intermediate hub like Najibabad or Kotdwar, although some direct buses exist.
- Ticket Price Estimates: Fares are economical, generally ranging from ₹200 to ₹600, depending on the bus type (non-AC, AC).
- Pros: Very economical.
- Cons: Can be less comfortable for a longer journey, especially non-AC buses. Might involve multiple stops or a change of bus. Schedules can be less predictable than trains or private taxis.
- Tips: Inquire at the Haridwar Bus Stand for direct buses to Ramnagar or buses going towards Kotdwar/Najibabad, from where you can find onward connections. Booking might be possible online via platforms like Paytm or RedBus for some private operators.
2. By Train (Indirect but Viable)
While there isn’t a direct and frequent train from Haridwar to Ramnagar, you can take a train to Moradabad Junction (MB) and then connect to Ramnagar from there. This option involves a change and is generally longer than a direct road trip.
- Journey Time:
- Haridwar to Moradabad: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.
- Moradabad to Ramnagar: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Total Train Journey (including transfer time): Can be 6-8 hours or more.
- Train Stations:
- From Haridwar: Haridwar Junction (HW)
- Via: Moradabad Junction (MB)
- To Jim Corbett: Ramnagar Railway Station (RMR)
- Frequency: Several trains run from Haridwar to Moradabad daily. From Moradabad, there are also a few daily trains to Ramnagar.
- Types of Trains: You’ll find a range of options, including Sleeper (SL), AC 3-tier (3A), and AC 2-tier (2A) classes.
- Ticket Price Estimates:
- Haridwar to Moradabad: Around ₹200-₹350 (Sleeper), ₹500-₹700 (3A).
- Moradabad to Ramnagar: Around ₹100-₹200 (Sleeper).
- Pros: Can be a good option if you prefer train travel and don’t mind the transfer. Generally comfortable.
- Cons: Involves a train change, which can be time-consuming. Overall journey duration is longer than a direct taxi. Limited direct trains.
- Tips: Check detailed train schedules and availability on the Indian Railways (IRCTC) website or platforms like MakeMyTrip or RedRail. Plan your connecting train well to minimize waiting time at Moradabad. The Haridwar – Ramnagar Intercity Express (15033) runs on specific days (Sun, Thu, Sat) and is a direct option, taking about 4 hours 50 minutes. It departs Haridwar at 18:45.
Reaching Jim Corbett National Park Gates from Ramnagar
Once you arrive in Ramnagar, the national park gates are still a distance away. You will need to take a local taxi or shared auto from Ramnagar to your specific safari zone or resort.
- Main Entry Gates:
- Amdanda Gate (Bijrani Zone): Approx. 1-2 km from Ramnagar. Known for dense forests and good tiger sightings.
- Dhela Gate (Jhirna Zone): Approx. 15-20 km from Ramnagar. Open year-round.
- Dhangadi Gate (Dhikala Zone): Approx. 19-20 km from Ramnagar. Popular for canter safaris and offers beautiful grasslands.
For most travelers, especially those short on time, hiring a private taxi from Haridwar directly to Ramnagar or your chosen resort in Jim Corbett is the most convenient and efficient option. While trains offer an alternative, the need for a change and longer travel time makes road travel more appealing for this specific route. Remember to book your safari permits for Jim Corbett well in advance, as they have limited availability.