Quick Facts
- Entry Gate: Dhangarhi Gate
- Distance from Ramnagar: Approx. 18–19 km to Dhangarhi Gate; another 30 km to Dhikala Forest Rest House
- Zone Type: Core zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve
- Open Season: 15 November to 15 June (closed during monsoon, mid-June to mid-November)
- Safari Options: Canter (bus) safari for day visitors; Jeep safari only for overnight guests
- Known For: Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic elephants, Dhikala Chaur grasslands, Ramganga riverbank views
Location and How to Reach
Dhikala Zone lies deep within the core area of Corbett National Park. Visitors first travel to Ramnagar, commonly referred to as the gateway to Jim Corbett, and then continue to Dhangarhi Gate — the designated entry point for the zone. From Dhangarhi Gate, it is roughly a 30 km drive through Sal forest, grassland, and riverbeds to reach the Dhikala Forest Rest House area. Ramnagar itself is well connected by road and rail, with Ramnagar Railway Station and Pantnagar Airport serving as the nearest transport hubs; Delhi is approximately 275 km away.
Flora and Fauna
Dhikala’s mixed habitat of forest, grassland, and river supports one of the richest concentrations of wildlife in Corbett.
Mammals: Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic elephant, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, hog deer, and otters.
Reptiles: Marsh crocodiles (mugger), gharial, and various snake species along the Ramganga riverbanks.
Birds: A wide range of resident and migratory species including kingfishers, hornbills, drongos, owls, vultures, and raptors, thanks to the mix of grassland, river, and forest habitats.
Flora: Predominantly Sal and mixed deciduous forest, along with the extensive Dhikala Chaur and Phulai Chaur grasslands.
Safari Options in Dhikala Zone
Dhikala works differently from other Corbett zones such as Bijrani, Jhirna, or Dhela:
Canter Safari (for day visitors)
- The only safari option available to visitors not staying overnight inside the zone
- Open-air shared bus with a maximum of 16 passengers
- Operates twice daily — an early morning departure and a midday departure — each lasting approximately five to six hours
- Starts from Ramnagar/Dhangarhi Gate and includes a stop at Dhikala Forest Rest House
- Accompanied by a forest department driver and naturalist guide throughout
Jeep Safari (for overnight guests only)
- Available exclusively to visitors with a confirmed booking at one of the Forest Rest Houses inside the zone
- Requires hiring a jeep with driver and naturalist after the overnight permit is secured
- Allows more flexible exploration of the zone during permitted hours
Day-trip jeep safaris are not offered in Dhikala Zone — this is unique among Corbett’s safari zones.
Best Time to Visit Dhikala Zone
Dhikala is open from 15 November to 15 June each year and remains closed during the monsoon months for safety and conservation reasons. The winter months (November to February) offer pleasant weather and good sightings, while the summer months (April to June), though hotter, often bring the best tiger and elephant sightings as animals gather near the river and waterholes.
Where to Stay: Forest Rest Houses
Overnight stays inside Dhikala Zone are managed entirely by the Forest Department and must be booked well in advance due to limited rooms. Options include:
- Dhikala Forest Rest House — the largest and most iconic lodge, built in 1890, overlooking the Ramganga reservoir and Patli Dun valley
- Gairal Forest Rest House
- Sarapduli Forest Rest House
- Sultan Forest Rest House
- Khinnanauli Forest Rest House
Accommodation types range from rooms and cabins to hutments, annexes, and dormitory-style log huts. Only vegetarian meals are served inside the reserve, and non-vegetarian food or alcohol is not permitted.
Top Attractions Inside Dhikala Zone
- Dhikala Chaur – the largest grassland in the reserve, a prime spot for elephant and deer sightings
- Ramganga River and Reservoir – scenic viewpoints and crocodile/gharial sightings
- Dhikala Watchtower – panoramic views over the grassland and valley
- Dhikala Forest Rest House Complex – historic architecture dating to the British era
Rules and Things to Know Before You Visit
- Safari permits must be booked in advance through the official Corbett booking portal or an authorised operator; booking typically opens 45 days ahead
- Private vehicles are not allowed inside the zone — only registered safari canters and jeeps
- Mobile phone use is restricted within the tourism zone as per Supreme Court directives
- Alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and pets are not permitted inside the reserve
- Canter and safari bookings, once confirmed, are non-refundable and non-transferable
- Visitors must carry valid government-issued photo ID at all times
Plan Your Dhikala Zone Safari
With its unmatched tiger density, sweeping grasslands, and riverside beauty, Dhikala remains the most sought-after zone in Jim Corbett National Park. Because permits are limited and demand is high, early booking is strongly recommended for both canter safaris and overnight stays.