Sitabani Zone in Jim Corbett National Park is a serene and spiritually enriched forest area, known for its mythological connection to the Ramayana. Unlike other core zones, Sitabani is a buffer zone, open year-round for visitors seeking peace, nature walks, and birdwatching. The zone is home to elephants, deer, leopards, and numerous bird species. Its lush forests, ancient temples, and calm riverbanks make Sitabani a perfect blend of wildlife, spirituality, and scenic beauty, ideal for a relaxed jungle experience.
It's highly recommended to book well in advance, especially the safari permits, which open slots up to 45 days prior. The Official Corbett Tiger Reserve website is the only source to get a safari permit. You'll need to provide ID details for all visitors. Be aware that permits are generally non-refundable. Corbett Waala also facilitate Corbett Safari bookings, often including permit, jeep, and a guide. Remember to carry your original ID!
You can only book a permit through the official website, rest other essentials like jeep and guide need to book manually. You can simply ask us to do all the hard work for you.
Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in India. Known as the country’s first national park and the birthplace of Project Tiger, it attracts thousands of wildlife lovers every year. The biggest highlight of visiting Corbett is undoubtedly the jungle safari, which allows visitors to explore the dense forests, riverbeds, and grasslands while spotting tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and hundreds of bird species.
If you are planning a Corbett jungle safari, here’s everything you need to know about the types of safaris, different zones, the best time to visit, useful tips, and answers to the most asked questions.
Nestled within the outer periphery of Jim Corbett National Park, the Sitabani Zone is a hidden gem that beautifully blends mythology, spirituality, and wildlife. Unlike the park’s core areas such as Dhikala or Bijrani, Sitabani functions as a buffer zone, offering visitors an offbeat yet equally enriching experience of the forest. It is a place where history and nature coexist — where dense forests echo ancient legends, and every trail tells a tale from the epic Ramayana.
For travelers seeking peace, birdwatching, and a deeper connection with nature, Sitabani Zone is an ideal destination. It is open throughout the year and is the only area in Corbett where visitors can enjoy walking and cycling tours, making it truly unique among the park’s zones.
Sitabani’s name itself is derived from Sita, the goddess and wife of Lord Rama, who, according to the Ramayana, spent a part of her exile here. It is believed that when Sita was abandoned by Lord Rama, she took refuge in this forest and gave birth to her twin sons, Lava and Kusha, within the boundaries of what is now the Sitabani Zone.
The area still preserves this divine connection through the Sitabani Temple, dedicated to Goddess Sita. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit this sacred temple nestled amidst lush greenery to pay homage and experience its spiritual aura. During festivals, particularly Ram Navami, the temple becomes vibrant with devotees, blending faith with the sounds of the forest — a rare and soulful harmony of religion and nature.
Thus, Sitabani is not merely a wildlife zone; it’s a living testament to India’s ancient mythology and a destination where spirituality and wilderness coexist in perfect balance.
Located about 20–25 kilometers from Ramnagar, the Sitabani Zone can be accessed easily by road. The Sitabani Forest Entry Gate is near Teda Village, and the journey from Ramnagar takes around 45 minutes. The drive to the zone is scenic, with winding roads, thick sal forests, and occasional sightings of elephants and deer along the way.
Unlike the core zones of Corbett, which require prior government-issued safari permits, entry to Sitabani is simpler. Visitors can explore it by jeep, bicycle, or even on foot — making it a favorite for those who wish to experience the forest more freely. The zone’s management is overseen by the Sitabani Forest Reserve, an independent body distinct from the Corbett Tiger Reserve authority.
The landscape of Sitabani is truly mesmerizing. It features a diverse terrain of dense sal and teak forests, open grasslands, rocky riverbeds, and hilly stretches that create a captivating visual canvas for travelers. The Kosi River and several smaller streams flow through the region, providing essential water sources for the wildlife and adding to the charm of the landscape.
During monsoons, the forest transforms into a lush paradise, with vibrant greenery, flowing streams, and mist-covered canopies. In contrast, the winter months reveal clear blue skies, golden grasslands, and the rhythmic calls of migratory birds. The diversity of habitats supports an impressive array of wildlife and flora, making Sitabani a photographer’s delight.
Though Sitabani is a buffer area, it still offers thrilling wildlife experiences. Visitors frequently spot elephants, leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, and wild boars. Tigers occasionally wander into the zone from the core forest areas, though sightings are rare and purely by chance.
The forest is also home to smaller mammals like langurs, jackals, foxes, porcupines, and mongooses. Reptiles such as monitor lizards and various snakes can also be seen basking on sunny days near riverbeds.
However, Sitabani’s biggest charm lies in its birdlife. With over 300 species of birds, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers. The region hosts a fascinating mix of resident and migratory species, including crested serpent eagles, hornbills, kingfishers, woodpeckers, barbets, drongos, and paradise flycatchers. During the winter, migratory birds such as ruddy shelducks, herons, and storks can be seen near water bodies, making the zone a vibrant spectacle of color and song.
The Sitabani Zone offers a different kind of safari experience compared to the rest of Jim Corbett National Park. Since it’s a buffer zone, visitors can explore it in multiple ways:
Unlike core zones, Sitabani is open year-round, including the monsoon months when other zones are closed. This makes it an ideal destination for visitors visiting Corbett during off-season periods.
Sitabani Zone can be visited throughout the year, but each season offers a different flavor of the forest:
Whether you visit in winter or monsoon, Sitabani promises a refreshing experience unlike any other zone in Corbett.
While there are no forest lodges inside Sitabani itself, several comfortable resorts, cottages, and homestays are located nearby, especially in Teda Village, Pawalgarh, and Ramnagar. These accommodations cater to different budgets, from eco-friendly lodges to luxury resorts with modern amenities.
Many resorts also organize guided safaris, birdwatching tours, and temple visits, making it easy for tourists to plan their day in Sitabani. Visitors can also enjoy local cuisine, cultural performances, and village walks that reflect the rich heritage of Uttarakhand.
Sitabani plays a vital role in conservation and buffer management for Jim Corbett National Park. It acts as a protective barrier that reduces human pressure on the core tiger reserve while still offering tourism opportunities that support local communities.
Visitors are encouraged to follow responsible tourism practices — avoiding littering, respecting wildlife, and maintaining silence inside the forest. Local guides and forest rangers play an essential role in preserving the area’s ecological and cultural balance.
By promoting eco-tourism, Sitabani not only supports conservation efforts but also empowers local villagers through employment and sustainable development initiatives.
Sitabani Zone is perfect for travelers who want a peaceful, spiritual, and nature-filled experience away from the tourist rush. Here’s why it deserves a place on every Corbett itinerary:
Conclusion:
The Sitabani Zone is more than just a wildlife destination — it’s a soulful journey into nature, spirituality, and history. With its ancient legends, peaceful forests, and vibrant wildlife, it offers an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the thrill of safaris. Whether you seek spiritual connection, birdwatching, or simply wish to escape the noise of modern life, Sitabani provides a sanctuary of calm and beauty.
Here, the whispers of the forest mingle with the echoes of mythology, making Sitabani not just a place to visit, but a place to feel, experience, and remember forever.
