Situated across two districts, Nainital and Pauri, Jim Corbett National Park spans an area of 521 sq. km. Along with the adjoining Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, it forms the expansive Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, covering over 1288 sq. km. The park's unique geographical location between the Himalayas and the Terai region, combined with its network of streams, rivers, and ridges, offers a remarkable variety of landscapes. This diverse environment, ranging from wet to dry areas and from plains to mountains, supports a rich array of plant and animal species.

Flora: The park's vegetation is a captivating mix influenced by its varied topography. The park's habitats - mountains, sal forests, chaurs, khair-sissoo forests, and river ecosystems - each harbour a distinct collection of plant life. Dense sal (Shorea robusta) forests dominate large areas, particularly in the hilly regions, interspersed with various other tree species like haldu, peepal, rohini, and mango groves. The famous 'chaurs' (grasslands), like the Dhikala Chaur, are crucial open areas that serve as vital grazing grounds for herbivores. Riverine belts along the Ramganga add to the diversity with species like shisham and khair. Over 600 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, bamboo, grasses, climbers, and ferns have been catalogued in Corbett.

Fauna: Corbett is most celebrated for its healthy population of Bengal tigers. It's also home to a significant population of Asiatic elephants. Other prominent mammals include leopards, sloth bears, and Indian wild dogs (dhole). Herbivores are abundant and include various species of deer such as sambar deer, chital (spotted deer), hog deer, and barking deer. A true paradise for birdwatchers, Corbett boasts over 600 species of birds. The Ramganga River is home to gharials and mugger crocodiles, along with various snakes and lizards.

Uniquely, Jim Corbett National Park is the only national park in India that offers a complete jungle experience by allowing visitors to stay within the park. Guests can choose to stay in forest rest houses (FRH) deep inside the tiger reserve or opt for accommodations outside the park, near the banks of the Kosi River.

Corbett sits in the Himalayan foothills, so its climate is cooler and wetter than the central Indian reserves and varies noticeably between the river valleys and the ridges. Winter runs from November to February. Days are pleasant at 20 to 25°C, but nights drop to 4°C and the Ramganga valley holds thick fog into mid-morning. Winter drives start cold and stay cold for the first hour. Summer runs from March to June, with maximums around 35 to 40°C. It is humid rather than dry, and it is the best window for sightings as animals gather along the Ramganga. The monsoon is heavy, from July to September, with around 1,500 mm of rain. Dhikala and Bijrani close, the river swells and access roads wash out. Jhirna and Dhela stay open year round.