Durgadevi zone

Durgadevi zone is a serene and less-crowded ecotourism zone in Corbett Tiger Reserve, named after the local deity Durga Devi. It is known for its rich biodiversity, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes. Situated along the banks of the Ramganga River, this zone offers an offbeat experience for wildlife enthusiasts seeking tranquility and excellent tiger sightings.

Durgadevi zone is open for day visits and night stays from November 15th to June 15th. The zone is accessed via the Vatanvash Gate, which is approximately 35 km from Ramnagar town. The zone is particularly famous for sighting tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species.

Accommodation : Durgadevi Forest Rest House

The accommodation at Durgadevi is limited and basic, offering a true wilderness experience. The Forest Rest House (FRH) provides comfortable rooms with essential amenities. Staying here allows visitors to experience the jungle at its most authentic, with sounds of the wild surrounding the rest house.

Food & Other Services : Durgadevi Forest Rest House

Durgadevi FRH has a kitchen facility where visitors can cook their own meals or request a cook through the forest department (subject to availability). Visitors are advised to carry essential food supplies, as there is no restaurant or canteen inside the zone. Basic utensils and cooking gas are provided.

Night Stay Options

Durgadevi FRH

Durgadevi Forest Rest House is a charming and rustic accommodation situated in a very scenic location along the Ramganga River. The FRH offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. It is an excellent base for wildlife viewing, bird watching, and nature walks. The area around Durgadevi is known for frequent tiger and elephant sightings, especially near the riverbed.

• DURGADEVI FRH - Double Bed

  Room Type: FRH - (Double Bed)
  Location: Durgadevi
  Entry Gate: Vatanvash Gate
  Distance from Ramnagar: 35 km
  No. of Rooms: 2
  Kitchen: Yes (self-cooking or cook on request)
  Restaurant/Canteen: No
  

• DURGADEVI Dormitory

  Room Type: Dormitory (Multi-bed)
  Location: Durgadevi
  Entry Gate: Vatanvash Gate
  Distance from Ramnagar: 35 km
  No. of Beds: 4
  Kitchen: Yes
  Restaurant/Canteen: No
  

Other Nearby FRHs (accessible with prior permission)

While staying at Durgadevi, visitors can also explore nearby Forest Rest Houses if they book a multi-day trip. However, the primary night halt destination within the zone itself is Durgadevi FRH.

• Kanda FRH

  Room Type: FRH - (Double Bed)
  Location: Kanda range
  Entry Gate: Vatanvash Gate
  Distance from Ramnagar: 45 km
  No. of Rooms: 2
  Kitchen: Yes
  

Attractions

Jeep Safari

Jeep safari is the only way to explore the Durgadevi zone. The forest terrain is rugged and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. The safari route goes through dense sal forests, grasslands, and along the Ramganga river, increasing chances of sighting tigers, leopards, elephants, and numerous deer species.

Ramganga River Front

The Durgadevi zone has a beautiful stretch of the Ramganga River. The river attracts a wide range of wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals come to drink water. One can spot crocodiles (muggers) and gharials basking on the riverbanks. It is also a paradise for bird watchers with species like kingfishers, cormorants, and fish eagles commonly seen.

Bird Watching

Durgadevi zone is considered one of the best zones in Corbett for bird watching. The varied habitat of dense forest, open grasslands, and riverine ecosystem supports over 300 bird species. Look out for the Great Hornbill, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, and many colorful woodpeckers and barbets.

Wildlife Viewing

The zone is home to a healthy population of tigers, Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and wild boars. Among deer, you can spot sambar, spotted deer (chital), and barking deer. The area is also known for its large herds of elephants, especially during summer months when they gather near the river.

One of the major highlights of Durgadevi is the chance to see tigers in their natural habitat without the crowds found in more popular zones like Dhikala. The forest here is less disturbed, offering more authentic jungle experiences.

The zone is also excellent for herpetofauna including several species of snakes, monitor lizards, and turtles in the river.

The best time to visit Durgadevi for tiger sightings is from February to May when the weather is dry and animals frequent the river and waterholes.

The sloth bear is also frequently sighted in this zone, especially in the months of April and May when the Mahua trees are in bloom.

Open & Close Time

Open

The Durgadevi zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve remains open for tourists from 15th November to 15th June. Entry timing for day visit is from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with night halt guests required to enter before 12:00 PM.

Closed

Durgadevi zone remains closed during the monsoon season (16th June to 14th November) due to heavy rainfall, high water levels in streams, and for breeding season of wildlife. During this period, no day visits or night halts are permitted.

How to Reach Durgadevi

To reach Durgadevi zone, one must enter through the Vatanvash Gate. Vatanvash is located approximately 35 km from Ramnagar city. After entering from Vatanvash Gate, it takes about 20-30 minutes of drive to reach the Durgadevi Forest Rest House. The route passes through beautiful forested areas and small streams.

Durgadevi Range Entry Timing

Entry to Durgadevi zone is allowed from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM for day visitors (must exit by 6:00 PM). For night halt guests, entry is permitted from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It is mandatory to report at the Vatanvash Gate with valid booking documents and photo ID proof. Late entry is strictly prohibited.

Important Note: Corbett Tiger Reserve remains closed during the monsoons. All ecotourism zones including Durgadevi are closed for night halts from 15th June to 14th November. Durgadevi zone also remains closed for day visits during this period. From 1st to 15th June, the zone operates on a standby mode, and advance reservations may be cancelled at short notice by the Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve due to adverse weather conditions and visitor safety concerns.

It is advised to book your safari and accommodation well in advance, as the number of permits for Durgadevi zone is very limited to maintain low tourist impact and preserve the wilderness.