The concept of homestays is one where locals open up their homes for tourists and guests to stay as a part of their family or locality. Homestays give the guests a chance to experience the infamous Indian hospitality, after all, Atithi Devo Bav (Guest is God). Homestays promise you unique local experiences, up-close involvement in local traditions and culture, and a personalized stay in a unique ambiance – all at budget-friendly rates!
Jim Corbett is a well-known national park, which is part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Tucked away in the lofty hills of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett comprises lush forests and grasslands, marshy groves, riverine belts, and a sparkling lake. This enchanted land is a haven for the endangered and majestic Bengal Tigers. You may think that visiting a national park is all about wildlife safaris and bird watching, but Jim Corbett offers its visitors options for river-rafting, camping, and trekking!
So, if you’re up for a weekend getaway into the wild, away from the chaos of the city, then you should definitely plan to visit Jim Corbett. Here are the best homestays in Jim Corbett for your ‘escape into the wild’!
The Champions Bungalow is a homestay located in the Corbett Village and was built by a retired Wildlife Warden of the Corbett National Park. The homestay reflects his love for nature and the surrounding wildlife. The homestay is located on the outskirts of the southern boundary of the National Park, at Ramnagar. Ramnagar is the gateway to the national park that houses the endangered Bengal Tigers and a diverse variety of flora and fauna.
The homestay is a spacious contemporary-style bungalow and has several rooms and amenities. It has facilities for building a campfire and an open kitchen in the backyard if you’re in the mood for a barbeque or a campsite dinner. The bungalow has a large spacious terrace that provides a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and forests. Staying here, your day will begin with the sweet melodies of different birds. There are several temples near the homestay that also attract tourists. And if you wish to go for a jungle safari, the staff will help you with the booking and recommendations, so you’re sure to have an enjoyable time here!
Food Availability: The homestay has an in-house cook who provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the guests. The food consists of local Kumaon-style dishes and is simply delicious and worth the try! And if you wish to cook for yourself, then the staff will provide you with all the necessary groceries and amenities.
Accessibility: The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport which is located 55 km from the homestay, while Ramnagar Railway station is only 890 m from the bungalow. The homestay has a few tourist spots located nearby like Hauman Temple, Garjiya Devi Temple, and Maa Sita Bani Temple, other than Jim Corbett National Park.
Ideal For: Families with kids, married couples, and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, the homestay is not open to pets.
Rate: The prices at the Champions Bungalow starts at INR 1,000 per night.
Location: Sewalkhaliya, Ramnagar, Nainital, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand 244715.
Also Read: Best Restaurants And Cafés In Dehradun With A View
Timlansh The Jungle View is located amidst the jungle and is away from the maddening noise of the city. The homestay is surrounded by lavish greenery, misty hilltops, and of course, the calling of the nearby wildlife. Timlansh is the perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the city and is guaranteed to drive you into the arms of nature. The homestay is 15 km away from the nearest town and is located in the hermit village of Dhela, where you’ll experience the warm hospitality and lifestyle of the locals.
The homestay consists of several houses, all situated close to one another, to resemble a hamlet of sorts. The pebbled paths, expansive lawn, and several potted plants and vines add to the resort-like charm of the homestay. Timlansh provides you with a comfortable, cozy, and convenient living space, near the national park, making it an ideal place of stay for tourists and explorers of the Corbett National Park. The homestay has cozy and beautiful rooms, balconies that overlook the forested area, and expansive green space for lounging.
Food Availability: The homestay provides authentic North-Indian-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is prepared with organically grown veggies and cooked in the traditional way, so you are sure to get the taste of the local delicacies.
Accessibility: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is 58 km from the homestay. There are few cafes and restaurants located nearby. The Wildlife Art Gallery is a well-known tourist attraction, which is just 8.7 km from the homestay.
Ideal For: Families, married couples, small groups, and solo travelers
Pet Friendliness: The homestay is, unfortunately, not open to pets.
Rate: The prices of this homestay start at INR 2,300 per night.
Location: Village & Postoffice - Dhela, Ramnagar, Nainital 244715.
Also Read: Haridwar Travel Guide
Sparrow Nest Homestay is situated amidst a vast piece of farmland and is surrounded by the sheer natural beauty of the national park. It’s run by Ramesh Suyal who is a registered guide with the Jim Corbett National Park and has experience in guiding tourists, photographers, and researchers through the forest, adding to the list of pros for this homestay. Away from the hectic city life, this homestay is a great place to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time at.
The homestay strives to have an eco-friendly functioning with solar panels which provide electricity for hot water. Only organically grown fruits and vegetables are used to prepare the meals at the homestay. All the meals are cooked by the caretakers, and you’ll get to sample some of the most delicious local cuisines and dishes. The rooms of the homestay are well-furnished and have all the necessary amenities to provide the topmost comfort for the guests. The terrace offers an unhindered view of the clear night sky, perfect for an evening of star-gazing and chilling!
Food Availability: The homestay provides its guests with freshly prepared, traditional-style home-cooked meals. The veggies used in the meals are grown in the farmlands surrounding the homestay and are completely organic.
Accessibility: The homestay is located 54 km from Pantnagar Airport. The nearest railway station is the Ramnagar Railway Station which is 2 km away from Sparrow Nest.
Ideal For: Families, children, married couples, and solo explorers.
Pet Friendliness: The Spparow Nest Homestay is not open for your pet pals.
Rate: The prices of this homestay start at INR 2,500 per night.
Location: Vill-Malla Berajhal P+O-Karanpur, Sangam Vihar colony, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand 244715.
Also Read: Best Affordable Homestays in Rishikesh
Waking up to the first light and the chirping of birds is going to be the way you start your day at the Ranger’s Lodge. The lodge has spacious yet cozy rooms, and each room has an adjoining balcony where you can sit and enjoy a steaming cup of masala chai, all the while gazing down at the luscious greenery around you. You’ll find a plethora of birds and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll even spot deer or two foraging the grasslands nearby. The Ranger’s Lodge is located amidst the forest, and you will be surrounded by a diverse variety of flora and fauna.
The lodge is equipped with all the necessary amenities and facilities for the ultimate comfort of its guests, to make them feel right at home. The lodge’s caretaker and staff are super friendly and hospitable which is highlighted by the home-cooked, scrumptious meals that are sure to satiate your stomach and your soul! Staying in the forest may seem a little too wild, but with a trained naturalist to guide you and help you explore the wild, the Ranger’s Lodge is your top choice. You’ll get to enjoy exclusive jeep safaris, birdwatching expeditions, and numerous little anecdotes and experiences shared by your guide Imran.
Food Availability: The homestay offers scrumptious home-cooked meals, with an emphasis on local cuisines and delicacies. The produce used in the preparation of the meals is brought from the kitchen garden of the homestay itself!
Accessibility: The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport which is located 55 km from the lodge. The lodge is in close proximity to the Wildlife Art Gallery and Hanuman Dham, which are well-known tourist spots. The Kosi River, Ramganga River, and Tumariya Dam are also located at a traveling distance from the lodge.
Ideal For: Families, married couples, small groups, and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, the Ranger’s Lodge is not open for your furry friends.
Rate: The prices of the lodge start at INR 7,000 per night.
Location: Corbett Tiger Reserve, Malla Kaniya, Dist, across ESTC, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand 244715.
Also Read: Haridwar Travel Guide
The retreat is nestled between the Himalayan foothills in the north, the ancient Shivaliks in the south, and is surrounded by the 1300 square km of grassland, forest, rivers, and lakes. Located in this enchanted landscape, this boutique homestay offers a panoramic view of the lush forests, mountains, numerous ponds and lakes, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. The retreat offers its guests countless opportunities for bird-watching, nature walks, and safaris. The meals prepared at the retreat are all farm-to-table and the guests can explore the veggie patch and pick their own veggies to be prepped for their meals.
The rooms of this boutique homestay reflect the Raj-era legacy and the tribal heritage of the Van Gujjars. The accommodation styles of the retreat are designed such that they offer optimum comfort, are aesthetically pleasing, and reflect the local history. The jungle cottages and bungalow-style lodges stand out for their large wrap-around verandas, spacious living areas, cozy bedrooms, and en-suite bathrooms. You’ll find century-old lithographs and plates of Indian wildlife scenes framing the walls and the furniture is designed by local craftsmen, which adds to the unique charm and exclusivity of the rooms.
Food Availability: The retreat provides its guests with a farm-to-table dining experience. The in-house cook prepares sublime and mouth-watering Kumaon-style, Nawabi-style and Raj-style cuisines which are reminiscent of the local heritage.
Accessibility: The closest airport to Jim’s Jungle Retreat is the Pantnagar Airport, which is located 61 km from the retreat.
Ideal For: Families, children, married couples, and solo travelers.
Pet Friendliness: Jim’s Jungle Retreat does not allow pets.
Rate: The prices at Jim’s Jungle Retreat start at INR 13,365 per night.
Location: Village & PO Dhela, Ramnagar Corbett Tiger Reserve Ramnagar S.O, Uttarakhand 244715
Also Read: Jungle Stay In Jim Corbett’s Dhikala Forest Lodge
This homestead was started as a beautiful home by Amu and Anil Puri a few decades ago, and today it has grown into a lavish retreat with lush green gardens, fruit orchards, and 12 hideaway rooms! Located away from the hectic commotion of the city, this boutique homestay has turned into an oasis of calmness and serenity where you can relax and rejuvenate your body and soul. The homestay is a perfect place for a weekend getaway or even a week-long vacation for all nature lovers and enthusiasts.
This boutique homestay has ten hideaway rooms and two hideaway cottages set amidst lush greenery and are mostly accompanied by private sit-out spaces. A fun fact about these hideaways is that each room or cottage is named after a tree or a bird found in Corbett Park. The homestead has a colorful and vibrant patio that overlooks the extensive lawn area of the retreat. The patio and the surrounding green space are perfect spots to hit the snooze button with a steaming cup of coffee or tea and catch up on some much-needed me-time! The homestead’s lounge space is furnished with comfortable sink-in sofas and bookshelves, and even a fireplace for all the home-cats looking to curl up to your favorite book.
Food Availability: The homestead provides its guests with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and has a professional chef employed to provide a wide culinary variety to the guests. You can choose from Indian to Continental dishes, and enjoy your delicious meals in an indoor or outdoor dining area as per your mood!
Accessibility: The nearest airport to the Tree of Life Homestead is the Pantnagar Airport which is located 50 km away from the homestead.
Ideal For: Families, children, married couples, small groups, and solo explorers.
Pet Friendliness: Unfortunately, your pet pals are not allowed at the homestead.
Rate: The prices at the Tree of Life Homestead start at INR 5,700 per night.
Location: Jim Corbett National Park, Peerumadara Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand 244715.
Also Read: Best Homestays In Nainital
Are Homestays Cheaper Than Hotels?
Yes. Homestays are generally cheaper than hotels as they usually have all-inclusive meals, lodging, laundry, and some type of cleaning service bundled up into one, which is bound to save you some money.
Which Is The Best Month To Visit Jim Corbett?
The months between April and June are the best time to explore Jim Corbett. Though they are peak summer months and the temperature can rise up to 40°C, this is the best time to spot animals, including the tigers in the park.
Which Safari Is The Best in Jim Corbett?
The best zones in Jim Corbett, according to the Sightings Index by WildTrails, are the Bijrani Safari zone, Dhikala Safari zone, and Dhela Safari zone for their tiger sightings and safari tours.
Which Corbett Zone Is The Best?
The Dhikala Zone has maintained a celebrity status amongst all the tourist zones in Jim Corbett National Park. It is the most sought-after zone for safari tours and tiger sightings as well as for the night stay in the Dhikala forest rest house.
How Much Does A Jim Corbett Safari Cost?
A Jim Corbett safari costs approximately INR 1,500 for Indians and INR 3,000 for foreigners.
Which Jungle Safari Is Best In Jim Corbett?
If you'd like to see tigers, these are the best zones to go on a jungle safari in Jim Corbett: Bijrani safari zone, Dhikala Safari Zone and Dhela Safari Zone.
What Should I Wear In Jim Corbett National Park?
Assuming that you're visit is during the summer months, light cotton shirts and khaki shorts will be the best combination for exploring the Jim Corbett National Park. Don't forget to carry a pair of sunglasses and some sunscreen too!
