How to Reach Jim Corbett National Park from Bangalore – Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Jim Corbett National Park from Bangalore by train, bus, car, and flight with practical tips for a smooth journey.
Jim Corbett National Park is located in Uttarakhand, in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is famous for its rich wildlife and beautiful forests. Bangalore, in southern India, is a major IT city and a starting point for many travelers heading north to explore nature.
This route from Bangalore to Jim Corbett is popular among wildlife lovers and adventure seekers. This guide will help you understand the main travel options, step-by-step plans, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.
Getting from Bangalore to Jim Corbett National Park – Main Options
Train
Traveling by train is a popular and economical choice for this long-distance journey. It offers scenic views and a chance to experience Indian rail travel.
The nearest major railway stations to Jim Corbett are Ramnagar and Kathgodam, about 15-20 km from the park entrance. Bangalore’s main stations are Bangalore City (SBC) and Yesvantpur (YPR).
Direct trains from Bangalore to Kathgodam or Ramnagar are limited, so most travelers take trains to Delhi or Moradabad and then connect by train or road to Corbett.
The total train journey from Bangalore to Delhi takes around 36-40 hours, with fares ranging from ₹800 for sleeper class to ₹3000+ for AC classes, depending on the train and booking time.
Trains are generally reliable but can be crowded during holiday seasons. Booking tickets early on IRCTC is essential to secure preferred classes and avoid waitlists.
From Delhi or Moradabad, you can take a short train or taxi ride to Ramnagar station, which is the gateway to Jim Corbett National Park.
Bus
Bus travel is less common for this route due to the long distance but can be used for parts of the journey. It is more suitable for budget travelers who want to combine bus and train or bus and taxi.
There are no direct buses from Bangalore to Jim Corbett National Park, so you will need to break the journey, usually by taking a bus to Delhi or nearby cities first.
Buses from Bangalore to Delhi take around 40-45 hours and are mostly operated by private companies offering sleeper and semi-sleeper coaches.
From Delhi, you can take state transport buses or private taxis to Ramnagar or directly to Corbett, which takes 6-7 hours by road.
Bus fares vary widely, from ₹1200 to ₹2500 depending on the operator and coach type, and buses can be crowded during festivals and holidays.
Long-distance bus travel in India can be tiring, so plan overnight journeys and carry water and snacks for comfort.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving from Bangalore to Jim Corbett National Park is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility in travel.
The distance is approximately 2200 to 2400 km depending on the route, and the drive takes around 40-45 hours without long breaks.
The most common route is via NH44 and NH9, passing through cities like Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Delhi before reaching Ramnagar.
Highways are mostly in good condition, but you will encounter toll plazas, especially on NH44, so keep cash or FASTag ready.
Plan your stops in major cities for food and rest; popular stops include Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Delhi, where you can find good hotels and restaurants.
Driving through northern India during monsoon can be challenging due to fog and rain, so check weather forecasts and avoid night driving in hilly areas near Corbett.
Flight
Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way to cover most of the distance, combined with road travel to reach Jim Corbett.
The nearest airport to Jim Corbett National Park is Pantnagar Airport, about 70 km away, but it has limited flights mainly from Delhi.
The best option is to fly from Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), which has many daily flights lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours.
From Delhi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ramnagar or directly to Jim Corbett, which takes around 6-7 hours by road.
Flight fares from Bangalore to Delhi range from ₹2500 to ₹7000 depending on the airline and booking time; booking early can save money.
Delhi airport has good connectivity with prepaid taxis, Ola, and Uber, making onward travel easy and safe.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Jim Corbett National Park. It helps you organize your journey smoothly.
- Book your tickets early:
Whether train, flight, or bus, book your tickets in advance through IRCTC, airline websites, or trusted bus portals to avoid last-minute hassles and higher prices.
- Choose your main travel mode:
Decide if you want to fly to Delhi and then travel by road, or take a train all the way. Flights save time but cost more, trains are economical but slower.
- Plan your arrival in Delhi or nearby hubs:
If arriving by train or flight in Delhi, pre-book a taxi or check bus schedules to Ramnagar. Delhi’s transport options are plentiful but can be confusing without preparation.
- Arrange local transport to Jim Corbett:
From Ramnagar station or Pantnagar airport, hire a prepaid taxi or use local buses to reach the park entrance. Confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.
- Pack smartly for the journey:
Carry water, snacks, and light luggage. If traveling by train or bus, bring a neck pillow and charger. For road trips, keep a first aid kit and maps handy.
Practical Travel Tips
Always carry a valid photo ID for ticket verification during train and flight travel, as it is mandatory on Indian Railways and airports.
Drink only bottled water and eat at clean, popular restaurants during stops to avoid stomach issues common in long Indian journeys.
Use official booking portals like IRCTC for trains and airline websites or apps like MakeMyTrip for flights to avoid scams and fake tickets.
In cities like Delhi and Ramnagar, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber for safer and fair-priced local travel.
Pack light but include rain gear if traveling during monsoon (July-September) as roads can be slippery and some routes may face delays.
Keep your luggage secure and avoid carrying valuables openly during train and bus journeys to prevent theft, which can happen in crowded Indian transport.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is from November to June when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are good. Monsoon months bring heavy rain, making travel difficult.
Travel conditions vary with seasons, so plan accordingly to avoid delays and discomfort.
Avoid traveling during major Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi, as trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.
Monsoon season (July to September) can cause roadblocks and slippery highways, especially near Corbett’s forest areas.
Winter mornings (December to February) in northern India can be foggy, causing train and flight delays, so plan extra buffer time.
Early morning departures from Bangalore or Delhi help avoid city traffic and make long journeys smoother.
Arrival at Jim Corbett National Park & What to Expect
When you arrive at Ramnagar station or Pantnagar airport, you will find several options to reach the park entrance. Prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are common and reliable.
Local buses are available but less frequent and slower. Many travelers stay in Ramnagar town or nearby resorts, which offer easy access to the park and good amenities.
Ola and Uber services are limited in Ramnagar, so it is better to arrange transport in advance or use hotel pickups. The park gates open early morning, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Conclusion
Flying from Bangalore to Delhi and then taking a taxi or bus to Jim Corbett National Park is the most efficient and comfortable way to travel. It saves time and offers many options for onward travel.
Planning ahead by booking tickets early, choosing the right transport mode, and preparing for Indian travel conditions will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip from Bangalore to Jim Corbett and look forward to a memorable wildlife adventure.