Blog Details of Jim Corbett National Park

What to Pack When Staying in a Forest Rest House of Jim Corbett

•  12-12-2025
•  Sanskriti Goyal

Jim Corbett National Park is a famous spot in Ramnagar, and many people choose this spot to plan a thrilling and adventurous trip. This park is home to wild animals, and people can go inside the park on safari to see them. This park attracts a lot of tourists every year, and because of that, many resorts and hotels can be found near Jim Corbett. Apart from them, this park even allows people to stay inside the boundaries of the park in Forest Rest Houses. 

Staying inside a Forest Rest House (FRH) of Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most special experiences for any nature and wildlife lover. The rest houses are made deep in the park, away from city life. They are inside the boundaries of Jim Corbett National Park, and there are no markets, no shops, and no last-minute arrangements. People can spend a nice and peaceful holiday if they stay at the forest rest houses. 

But this also means that once you enter the forest, you won’t get things easily. You will only get what the FRH offers. And, every forest rest house is different, so packing smartly is important. Some Forest Rest Houses, like Dhikala, have a full canteen where you get proper meals. But many others, especially Jhirna, Dhela, Sultan, Malani, Gairal, and several smaller FRHs, do not have a canteen, and to live there, you have to cook your own food. 

You can also inform the caretaker in advance, who can cook very basic meals if you bring raw materials. Staying inside the Jim Corbett Forest Rest House gives the feeling of camping inside the Jungle - but with a bed and basic amenities. Packing the right things is highly important if you have booked a forest rest house for your stay in the Jim Corbett National Park. 

Important Documents 

These are the things without which you cannot even enter the park. 

• Carry original ID cards like Aadhaar, Driving Licence, or Passport. The forest officials check them at the gate before entry.

• Keep a printout of the safari and stay permits when you go to Jim Corbett. Also, keep them downloaded on your phone for double safety. 

• The Jim Corbett National Park is a natural home of animals, and you will be staying deep inside. The network connectivity is low there, and most canteens do not accept online payment. Cash is needed for food, staff tips, firewood, or small help. ATMs are outside the forest, so carry enough cash before entering.

• Also, the medical help is outside the forest. So, keeping regular medicines, tablets for fever, cold or stomach upset, motion sickness, pain relief spray and ORS can be good for you. 

Clothing for All Weather Conditions

The weather in Jim Corbett can change at any time while you’re staying or enjoying a Jim Corbett safari. 

• Keep comfortable cotton clothes for summer and monsoon months.

• In winter, carry inner layers under normal clothes.

• Forest Rest Houses have solar power or electric lines, so they get cold at night. Carrying jackets, sweaters, shawls and warm socks are important. 

• The weather in the park is unpredictable, and rain can come at any time. Carrying a poncho, a raincoat, waterproof cover for your bag can be a good decision. 

• The Jim Corbett National Park is a jungle, and the ground around FRHs is uneven and sometimes slippery. So, to be secure, carrying closed or trekking shoes would be best. 

Hygiene & Personal Care 

The Jim Corbett Forest Rest House offers only basic facilities. You must carry most personal items yourself.

• Carry your morning items like toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc. 

• There would be no towels or other toiletries, so carry them yourself. 

• Also, make sure to bring moisturiser, suncream, a comb, lip balm and other things as you won’t be able to buy them inside the park. 

• Also, do make sure to carry enough sanitary pads/tampons, etc, for emergencies. 

Food Items Depending on the FRH 

Carrying food items is very important because different FRHs have different food arrangements.

• If you’re staying at Dhikala Forest Rest House, then you can get meals like breakfast, lunch and dinner from the canteen. But, carrying snacks like biscuits, dry fruits, chips and tea/coffee sachets would be good. 

• If you’re staying at a Forest Rest House without a canteen, like Jhirna, Dhela, etc. Then, you have to bring your own raw materials to make food. You can carry rice, atta, dal, veggies, tea/coffee, sugar, oil, salt and other spices. 

• The caretaker of your Forest Rest House can help you in preparing meals, but only if you carry the ingredients. 

• You can also bring Maggie, poha, and upma packets for quick meals. And, snacks like biscuits, dry fruits, chips, etc. 

• Do make sure to carry your water bottle. You can refill it at the forest rest house and avoid buying plastic bottles every time. 

Electronics & Charging 

The Forest Rest House have solar panels for electricity. You can get electricity, but only for a few hours. 

• Carrying a power bank is a must, especially for photographers.

• Carry the batteries of your electronic items with you. 

• Keep a torch with you as the nights in the forest are extremely dark. 

• The flashlight of a phone or torch can help you to walk in the area, or in times of emergencies. 

• Always go with charging cables as they will be helpful. 

Safety Items for a Comfortable Stay

The safety items can protect you from insects, minor injuries, and other small issues.

• Carry good mosquito cream or spray, especially for Jhirna and Dhela FRHs, where mosquitoes are more. 

• Keep band-aids, pain relief cream, antiseptic, cotton, and small scissors as basic first aid. 

• Carry a waterproof pouch for documents, as sudden rain is possible in Jim Corbett National Park. 

• Always carry a light blanket, especially if you feel the cold easily. 

If Bringing Your Own Vehicle 

If you’re driving to Jim Corbett National Park, then make sure to come with documents. 

• Bring your driving license or RC when you come here. 

• Carrying an insurance and pollution certificate is also a good decision. 

• Also, make sure to fill your fuel tank completely before entering. There are no fuel pumps inside the park.