Dhikala Zone Safari – Jim Corbett National Park
Package Highlights:
Dhikala Zone is the heart of Jim Corbett National Park and one of the most famous safari zones in India. Known for its incredible wildlife density and breathtaking landscapes, Dhikala offers the most authentic jungle experience for visitors exploring Corbett.
Located on the edge of the vast Patli Dun grasslands and overlooking the beautiful Ramganga River reservoir, Dhikala provides the perfect habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The safari routes here pass through dense sal forests, open grasslands, riverbanks, and rocky terrains, making every safari ride thrilling and unpredictable.
Because of its rich biodiversity and untouched natural beauty, Dhikala Zone is considered a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature explorers visiting Corbett.
Dhikala Zone Safari – Jim Corbett National Park
Package Highlights:
Dhikala Zone is the heart of Jim Corbett National Park and one of the most famous safari zones in India. Known for its incredible wildlife density and breathtaking landscapes, Dhikala offers the most authentic jungle experience for visitors exploring Corbett.
Located on the edge of the vast Patli Dun grasslands and overlooking the beautiful Ramganga River reservoir, Dhikala provides the perfect habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The safari routes here pass through dense sal forests, open grasslands, riverbanks, and rocky terrains, making every safari ride thrilling and unpredictable.
Because of its rich biodiversity and untouched natural beauty, Dhikala Zone is considered a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature explorers visiting Corbett.
Wildlife Experience in Dhikala Zone
Dhikala is the most wildlife-rich zone of Corbett, offering some of the best wildlife sightings in the entire park. Visitors may witness:
Royal Bengal Tigers – One of the best tiger territories in Corbett
Large Elephant Herds moving across the grasslands
Leopards, Crocodiles & Otters near the Ramganga reservoir
Deer species like Sambar, Chital & Barking Deer
Wild Boars & Langurs commonly seen in forest trails
600+ bird species including Raptors, Hornbills, Storks & migratory birds
The wide Dhikala grasslands make wildlife spotting easier, especially when predators move across open areas while hunting prey.
Dhikala Jeep Safari
Jeep safaris in Dhikala are allowed only for tourists staying inside the forest rest houses. This rule helps maintain the ecological balance and allows wildlife to move naturally without disturbance.
During the safari, visitors explore deep forest tracks and riverbank areas where wildlife activity is usually high. Each safari is conducted with experienced drivers and trained forest guides who understand the best animal movement routes.
Canter Safari (For Day Visitors)
Visitors who are not staying inside Dhikala can still explore the zone through a Canter Safari operated from Ramnagar.
This open bus safari provides:
A guided wildlife experience inside the core forest area
Longer safari routes covering deep jungle sections
Higher chances of tiger sightings in grassland areas
Since the Dhikala canter safari is extremely popular, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Location & Accessibility
Entry Gate: Dhangarhi Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: Approx. 18–20 km
After verifying permits at the entry gate, visitors travel further inside the forest to reach the Dhikala tourism zone.
Dhikala Zone – Night Stay Inside the Core Area
Dhikala is the oldest and most iconic tourism zone in Corbett offering the rare opportunity to stay inside the core forest area.
The Dhikala Forest Rest House (FRH) overlooks the Ramganga River and vast grasslands, making it one of the best wildlife observation spots in the park. From the rest house area, visitors often see elephants, deer, crocodiles, and occasionally tigers moving near the riverbanks.
Accommodation Details
Type: Government Forest Rest Houses (FRH)
Available Rest Houses
Dhikala FRH
Gairal FRH
Sarpduli FRH
Sultan FRH
Facilities
Basic but comfortable rooms
Solar-powered electricity
Dining hall and forest canteen
Security staff and forest guards
Booking: Available only through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website.
Note: Night stay is allowed only with a valid safari permit and private vehicles are not permitted inside the core forest.
Best Time to Visit
Safari permits have very limited availability
Advance booking is strongly recommended
Valid ID proof is required for permit booking
Only authorized jeeps and registered guides are allowed
Night safari and walking inside the forest are strictly prohibited
Follow wildlife rules: maintain silence, avoid plastic waste, and never feed animals
Safari Timings
Winter Season
Morning: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PMSummer Season
Morning: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Evening: 2:30 PM – 7:00 PM(Timings may vary depending on forest department regulations.)
Important Visitor Information
Entry permit is required and should be arranged in advance
Follow forest guidelines — no loud noise and no littering
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife
Photography is allowed but flash photography is not permitted
Always follow the instructions of the safari guide
Safari Timings (Approx.)
Winter: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Summer: 6:00 AM – 9:30 AM | 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM