Durgadevi Safari Zone

Durga Devi Safari Zone, located in the north-eastern part of Jim Corbett National Park, is a scenic and less-crowded area known for its hilly terrain, river crossings, and dense forests. It is famous for sightings of wild Asian elephants, deer species, and a variety of exotic birds, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The zone is accessible through the Durga Devi Gate, approximately 28–30 km from Ramnagar, and offers jeep safaris in the early morning and late afternoon. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, river views, and diverse flora including Sheesham, Sisoo, and Chir Pine. Open from October to June, the zone remains closed during the monsoon season to protect its delicate ecosystem.

Location & Overview

• Durga Devi Zone is located in the north‑eastern side of Jim Corbett National Park (in Uttarakhand, India).
• The entry point is through the Durga Devi Gate.
• Distance from Ramnagar (nearest major town) is about 28 km (some sources say up to ~30‑36 km) via forest roads.
• zone is described as a “hill safari zone” — meaning more undulating terrain, river crossings, and forested slopes rather than wide open plains.
• Rivers : The zone is crossed by the Ramganga River and the Mandal River at several places, which adds to its scenic beauty and ecology.

Flora & Fauna

Flora

• Trees common in the zone include Sheesham, Sisoo, Dhak, Khair. Also, Chir Pine, Banj Oak, Kanju, Jamun, Amla etc are reported in the zone.
• The vegetation changes with altitude and terrain; hills have different cover than river banks.
• Because it’s partly in hill/foothill terrain, some species typical of Himalayan foothills may also appear.

Fauna

• Among mammals : wild Asian elephants, sambar deer, spotted/barking deer (cheetal, etc), jackal, rhesus monkey, black‑faced monkey are listed.
• The iconic big cat of the region, the Bengal tiger, is also present (since the zone is part of the broader tiger habitat) though no guarantee of sighting.
• Rivers : mahseer fish, otters (in some parts) are mentioned.
• Birds : varied species thanks to diverse terrain (forest + river + hills).
• Because the zone is somewhat less “open grassland” and more forest/river/hill, sightings may depend more on being in the right place/time and patience.

Safari & Visiting Details

Open / closed period

• The zone is open to tourists from about 15 October (or 15 November in some sources) to 15‑16 June. It is closed during the monsoon season (approx mid‑June to mid/late October) due to road/forest conditions.
• Example : one source says open 15 October to 15 June.

Safari Type & Timing

• The safari offered in this zone is a day Jeep safari (open 4×4 gypsy/jeep) (not the bigger canter) for the most part.
• Typically two shifts a day : morning and afternoon. For example: morning 06:30–09:30 and afternoon ~14:00–17:30 (timings vary by season).
• Duration : approx 3 hours 30 minutes is cited for one safari in this zone.
• Number of jeeps allowed : In one source, 11 jeeps per shift (this seems specific to the zone) are mentioned.

How to Reach

• Entry via “Durga Devi Gate”. ~28 km from Ramnagar.
• Road access : From Ramnagar to the gate then into the forest zone. Because terrain is hilly and forest road quality may vary, time required and conditions may differ especially in early/late season.
• It’s recommended to book safari well in advance because number of seats/slots is limited.

Accommodation / Night‑Stay Option

• There is a Forest Rest House (FRH) in the zone: the Lohachaur FRH (also spelled “Lohachaur Forest Rest House”) is mentioned for this zone.
• Staying inside the zone offers immersive forest experience (but requires advance booking & forest permission).
• If you stay overnight, you might get early morning safari the next day — giving better chances for wildlife.
• However : Overnight stays inside may have limited amenities, so check what is provided (food, electricity, etc) and plan accordingly.

Best Time to Visit

• Given the open period (~15 Oct to ~15 June), the ideal times are October‑November (when forest is fresh post monsoon) and February‑March (when weather is pleasant and wildlife is active).
• Avoid peak monsoon (mid‑June to October) since zone is closed or roads may be difficult.
• Early morning safari offers higher chances of wildlife sightings.
• For birdwatchers, seasons when migratory birds arrive or when water levels are moderate can be good.

Things to Check / Booking & Cost

• Safari booking : Must book online or via registering through forest department or authorised safari operators. Since number of jeeps is limited (e.g., 11 per shift) this zone can fill up.
• Cost : Rates vary for Indian nationals vs foreigners; for instance one website quotes ~₹5,000 per jeep for Indians and ~₹8,000 per jeep for foreigners (for up to 6 persons) for this zone.
• Permit, guide fees, road tax might be included; always clarify what is included in the package.
• Check whether your accommodation and safari are relevant to this zone (some resorts/bookings may be for different zone).
• Check what vehicle type is used (open jeep vs gypsy) and capacity (commonly up to 6 persons).
• Arrive early to gate; adhere to entry timings (varies by season) and safety instructions.