5 October 2026 · Travel · 8 min read · By Excel Hotels & Resorts
A Jim Corbett family safari is an opportunity to explore the wild lands of India as a family. Whether it's an early morning drive through the forest trails or watching birds, deer and other wildlife in their natural habitat, each safari will have a new story to tell.
By planning carefully, it can be a comfortable experience for children, parents and grandparents! This family guide details what to expect, what to pack and how to plan a safari and accommodation in Jim Corbett.
Why Go on a Family Safari in Jim Corbett?
Jim Corbett offers a host of adventure, wildlife and nature, combined with comfortable resort stays, making it an interesting place to visit for families. They get to know more about forests and animals, and enjoy a fun time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
A safari is not just the place to see a tiger. It is also observing the landscape, listening to birdsong, watching animal tracks and understanding how animals live in the forest.
There are a number of forest gates and wildlife areas located in the Corbett, such as Bijrani, Dhikala, Sitabani, Durgadevi, Phato and Pawalgarh. Access to the Safari and routes/permissions can change, please check before booking.
Select the Right Timing to Go on Safari.
Safari times are subject to change depending on the zone, season and forest regulations. Families must decide a time which is suitable for their children's age, sleep pattern and comfort.
In the morning safari it would be ideal for families that like cooler temperatures, and the silence of the early morning in the forest. This should be done early so children will have a full night's sleep the night before.
The afternoon safari could be a good option for younger children or families that prefer a less frenetic early morning. This will also provide a lovely forest photography scene with the warmer light.
Check the current safari schedule, reporting time, entry gate and travel arrangements with an authorised operator or your team at the resort before booking.
Teach Children How to Prepare for the Forest.
It's possible to make the safari a little more enjoyable with a little preparation. Let children know that a forest is not a zoo and that wildlife may or may not be seen.
Remind them to have a full experience:
Search for animals tracks, butterflies and birds.
Take note of the trees in the forest and the grasslands.
Be alert to warning calls and bird sounds.
Minimize voices in the car.
Listen to the directions of the guide/driver.
Don't feed or try to lure animals.
Children can be provided with a small wildlife checklist or a notebook. If the trip is more sedate, have them record the animals, birds and trees that they observe to keep them focused.
Packing for a Corbett Safari.
Change of weather may be experienced during the day, particularly between the morning and midday. Clothing should be light, practical and suitable for the safari.
Comfortable layered clothing.
Morning warm jacket or shawl to wear when driving.
Colours that are neutral: beige, olive or brown.
Comfortable closed shoes.
Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.
Water bottle used multiple times.
Binoculars, if available.
Essential medicines.
Children's small notebook and pencil.
A camera or cell phone with a good battery life.
Avoid wearing perfumes and flashy fabrics. If instructed by the safari operator, please bring snacks, plastic and photography and dispose of waste.
Make a Family-Friendly Itinerary
A safari should be a component of your stay in Corbett and not the entire trip. The families can also visit the nearby attractions and enjoy leisure time at the resorts while enjoying the wildlife drive.
Residents can take a tour to waterfalls, forest gateways, temples, museums and the landscape along the river in Jim Corbett. Places near by are Hanuman Dham, Girija devi Temple, Corbett Waterfall, Corbett Museum, Bijrani Gate, Sitabani Gate, Pawalgarh Safari and Phato Gate.
The Banyan Retreat is strategically located to visit a number of attractions in the Corbett region. The distance from Hanuman Dham is around 3 km, Bijrani Gate is around 8 km and Sitabani Gate is around 13 km away. Distance are approximate and subject to some variation in distance between routes.
Try not to have too many activities planned on the same day for younger children. Give time for rest, eating and leisurely family time.
Choose the Right Resort
There's a lot that could be the difference between an exhausting trip and a great holiday for the whole family. The Jim Corbett region has four properties with different settings at four different hotels of Excel Hotels & Resorts.
The Banyan Retreat
Banyan Retreat is an eco-luxury estate featuring lawns, groves, a pool, a spa and an events lawn. It is set in a resort, which is ideal for families seeking to enjoy safaris along with leisure and entertainment.
Excel Hotels & Resorts, Corbett
This peaceful nature retreat is situated at the edge of the reserve forest, with a safari desk, fine dining and a bonfire deck. It is an ideal option for families looking for a quiet location surrounded by nature.
La Perle River Resort
La Perle River Resort boasts a pool, fine dining, a bonfire deck and a riverside location beside the Kosi. This is suitable for families who wish to have a safari while enjoying the river side relaxation.
Mango Bloom River Resort
Mango Bloom River Resort is a small scale riverside resort nestled among old mango trees. It has a riverfront location, pool, dining and bonfire deck, and provides a relaxed and slower pace of enjoying the Corbett experience.
Keep Children Comfortable
An open vehicle safari may be a thrilling adventure but can also be a bumpy ride, cold or fatiguing for younger children. Keep the following points in mind:
Have kids get a good night's sleep prior to an early safari.
Cover them with layers of clothing.
Bring Water and necessary medications.
Do not have another strenuous activity right after.
Allow children to sleep at the resort.
Have realistic expectations of wildlife viewing.
The forest can be silent at times. This is not a disappointing safari, it's an opportunity to watch nature at length and in peace.
After the Safari You Will Have the Opportunity to Enjoy Various Activities.
The family experience can be continued upon returning to the resort. Depending on the property guests can swim, play indoor and outdoor games, stroll in the nature, birdwatching, children's play areas and bonfire evenings.
The Banyan Retreat is an eco-luxury property featuring a pool and a lawn, and the Corbett property is the Excel Hotels & Resorts with a forest-edge location that has a safari desk and a bonfire deck. For those wishing to unwind after a day outdoors, guests can stay in the riverfront properties at La Perle River Resort and Mango Bloom River Resort.
Time for kids to play and time for parents to relax at the resort before facing the activities of the day.
Best Time to Plan a Family Safari
The best time for a family safari trip and weather will depend on what type of adventure you seek and what the weather you prefer is.
Outdoor activities and early morning drives are best in the cool weather. In the summer months, other animals may also be seen, some of which may be heading towards the water, providing a different wildlife experience. Families should also remember that safaris and zones can change throughout the monsoon season so they should always verify the status before travelling.
The conditions of safari zones, permits, entry times and conditions may vary. Always obtain the most up-to-date information from the resort/authorized safari provider or forest authorities before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Jim Corbett be a family holiday destination?
Yes. Jim Corbett can be a perfect family destination with children and oldies as it offers wildlife, nature, sight seeing and resort activities.
What kind of clothes are appropriate for children to wear on a Corbett Safari?
Clothing should be comfortable, layered, and in neutral tones for children. A warm jacket is recommended for early morning safaris as well as a hat and a sunblock for the warmer part of the day.
Will we definitely see a tiger?
100% wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. A safari is a forest experience and one should enjoy the whole forest of birds, trees, landscapes, tracks and other animals.
What property in Excel would be appropriate for a family?
The ideal property will depend on one's tastes. For families looking for resort activities and lawns, the Banyan Retreat is ideal; the Corbett hotels is perfect for those who want a quiet place by the forest edge, while the La Perle River Resort and Mango Bloom River Resort are ideal for families who want the riverside ambiance.
Make a Plan and Plan Your Family Safari.
A family safari in Jim Corbett is an experience of discovering together nature. Timing your safari, packing properly, adhering to forest guidelines and giving yourself adequate rest breaks between activities.
Staying at one of the comfortable hotels in Excel Hotels & Resorts – The Banyan Retreat, Excel Hotels & Resorts, Corbett, La Perle River Resort and Mango Bloom River Resort, Excel Hotels & Resorts provides families with various ways to experience Corbett. Make plans, discover the forest and make memories that will stay with you after the safari!
