Top 10 Animals To Spot In Jim Corbett National Park

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Royal Bengal Tiger

The flagship of Corbett, this iconic big cat lurks in dense forest or riverbanks. Corbett was India’s first tiger reserve and still records a high tiger density.

Close-up portrait of a Sub adult royal Bengal tiger clicked in Jim Corbett, India | Shutterstock

Asiatic Elephant

Corbett shelters large herds of elephants along rivers and grasslands, especially in Dhikala and Bijrani zones. Their movement across forest clearings is a majestic sight.

An Indian elephant spotted during late evening in Jim Corbett National Park | Shutterstock

Leopard

Elusive but present, leopards frequent rocky slopes and forest edges. Their camouflage makes sightings rare but rewarding for attentive safari travellers.

An Indian leopard | Shutterstock

Sambar Deer

The largest deer in Corbett, sambar roam in the denser woodland. Their dark coat and imposing antlers make them stand out in dawn or dusk light.

A shot of a Sambar Deer | naturesimagephotography/instagram

Spotted Deer (Chital / Axis)

Commonly seen in groups grazing at forest fringes and grasslands, their spotted coats make them distinctive as they warn their herd at the slightest disturbance.

A portrait of a Spotted Deer | Shutterstock

Hog Deer

Smaller deer species, often found near wetlands and shallow grasslands. Their cautious behaviour and subtle presence reward close observation.

A shot of a Hog Deer | rashisharmaphotography/instagram

Barking Deer (Muntjac)

Also called kakkar, this deer is small, solitary, and quick to evade. Its name comes from a sharp “bark” alarm call when startled.

A shot of a Barking Deer | sivaramansankar/instagram

Sloth Bear

Nocturnal and shy, sloth bears feed on ants, fruits and honey. In Corbett, they prefer forest interiors and dense cover, rarely seen in open areas.

A Sloth Bear forages for food | Shutterstock

Gharial

This fish-eating crocodilian with a slender snout lives in Corbett’s rivers—especially the Ramganga—often sunning itself on banks or floating in deeper pools.

Top view of the head and snoot of a gharial | Shutterstock

Indian Python / King Cobra

Among Corbett’s reptile residents, pythons and venomous snakes like king cobras compass forest floor and riverine zones, sometimes spotted at night or during early morning.

A shot of an Indian cobra | editorkaruna/instagram

How To Plan The Perfect Safari In Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Entrance to the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Jim Corbett National Park | Shutterstock
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