Jim Corbett National Park is India's oldest national park, established in 1936 to protect the endangered Bengal tiger. Spread across the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, the park covers over 500 square kilometres of dense sal forests, grasslands, river beds, and marshy depressions. It is one of the best places in India to see a tiger in the wild, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Beyond tigers, the park is home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, mugger crocodiles, and over 600 species of birds. The Ramganga River runs through the heart of the park, and the Dhikala zone -- deep inside the forest -- offers the most immersive wildlife experience. You will need to book a permit and a jeep safari well in advance, especially for Dhikala, which fills up quickly during peak season from November to June.
The nearest town is Ramnagar, about 15 kilometres from the main gate and well connected by rail from Delhi. The park closes entirely during the monsoon from July to October. If you are serious about wildlife, plan at least two or three nights to maximize your chances.