What to Wear in Jim Corbett

Winter safaris: November to February

Morning safaris start before sunrise in an open vehicle, and in December and January the air on the move feels close to freezing. Wear a thermal layer, a fleece, a proper jacket, a woollen cap and gloves. A scarf or neck gaiter keeps the dust out as well as the cold. By the afternoon safari you will want most of it off, so bring a bag. At the Dhikala forest lodge the evenings are cold and the rooms are simple, so pack a warm layer to sleep in.

Hot months: March to June

From April the terai is very hot, often above 40 °C in the middle of the day. Wear loose, full-sleeve cotton or linen in muted shades, a hat with a brim, and sunglasses. Long sleeves protect against sun and dust better than a vest does. Carry a cotton scarf for the dust thrown up by vehicles ahead of you.

Colours in the forest

Olive, khaki, brown and dull green are the easy choices. Avoid white, bright red and loud prints on safari. They are not banned, but guides prefer them left at the hotel, and they stand out in your photos for the wrong reason. Skip strong perfume too.

Shoes

Closed shoes with grip are best. You will climb in and out of high jeep seats and walk on dusty, uneven ground at the gates and watchtowers. Sandals are fine at the resort and at Garjia, where you take them off before the steps up to the shrine.

At the temple and in town

At Garjia Devi and Sitabani, cover your shoulders and knees. A light scarf is handy for the shrine. Ramnagar is a small market town, and ordinary modest clothing is all you need.

Monsoon

If you come for the zones that stay open, bring a rain jacket, quick-dry clothes and shoes you do not mind getting muddy. Leeches are possible on forest paths near the falls.