Dhikala Zone is the main area in Jim Corbett National Park where you can stay overnight in the jungle. At VisitCorbettPark.com, we have complete tour packages for Dhikala. Our packages include permits for Jeep and Canter Safaris as well as arrangements for staying at the forest rest houses in Dhikala.
It is a very popular place to stay for tourists in the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The wide Dhikala Chaur is often visited by groups of elephants and spotted deer, creating a stunning view. It’s known as one of the best spots in the Tiger Reserve to see the rare Hog Deer.
The Dhikala zone in Corbett National Park is famous for its diverse wildlife, particularly the Royal Bengal Tiger and Asiatic elephants. Visitors often enjoy seeing these majestic animals since the zone has a significant number of them.
Named after the extensive Dhikal grassland, which is the largest in the Corbett Reserve landscape, the area is home to many different kinds of animals, such as hog deer, sambhar deer, leopards, spotted deer, langurs, wild boars, crocodiles, and various other species of animals and reptiles.
Safari in Dhikala Zone
Canter Safari in Jim Corbett national park is a great opportunity for people living outside the Dhikala Zone to see the wildlife in the zone. The Canter is a 16-seater open-air bus that travels from Ramnagar to Dhikala and returns to Ramnagar. Advance reservations are necessary for Canter Safari, and they can be made through the official website of corbett.
In Dhikala zone of Corbett National Park, there are no Jeep safari options available for visitors on a day trip, unlike other zones. Only those tourists who have reserved accommodations in the forest houses within the zone can enjoy Jeep safaris in Dhikala.
After obtaining a permit for a night stay in any Forest Rest House (FRH) within the zone, visitors need to hire a Jeep, along with a driver and a naturist, to enter the park and reach their booked forest house. Once inside the park, visitors have the freedom to explore the jungle, its flora, and fauna throughout the day using the Jeep, within the specified time frame.
Prices and Timings of Canter Safari in this zone
Experience the thrilling Dhikala Canter Safari in Corbett’s wilderness with the following details.
Pricing:
- ₹ 2500 per Seat (Indian)
- ₹ 4500 per Seat (Foreigner)
Winter Safari Timings:
- Morning Safari: Starts at 06:55 AM, ends at 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Safari: Begins at 12:25 PM, concludes at 05:30 PM
Summer Safari Timings:
- Morning Safari: Opens at 05:45 AM, closes at 11:00 AM
- Afternoon Safari: Starts at 11:45 AM, finishes at 05:00 PM
Important Note: Canter Safari within Dhikala Zone operates exclusively from 15th Nov to 15th June each year, with a temporary closure during the monsoon season.
And if we talk about Jeep Safari it is exclusively available for those residing within the zone, and the associated cost ranges from ₹6000 to ₹7000 per jeep.
Entry gate of Dhikala Zone
To get into the Dhikala zone, you’ll use the Dhangari gate, located 18 kilometers from Ramnagar. Once you pass through this gate, you’ll find the Dhikala Tourist Complex, which is about 31 kilometers inside.
Dhikala is open for tourists from November 15th to June 15th, but it’s closed during the monsoon season. At the Dhikala tourist complex, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Ramganga Reservoir and witness crocodiles and gharials sunning themselves along the banks of the Ramganga River.
Fauna & Flora in Dhikala Zone
Dhikala is a well-known area in Jim Corbett National Park where you can discover a variety of plants and animals. Some notable species are as below.
Fauna
- Spotted Deer
- Jackle
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Common Kingfisher
- Asian Pardise Flycatcher
- Asian Elephant
- Sambhar Deer
Flora
- Bali Flower
- Kusum Flower
- Sal Forest
- Mahua Flower
- Bela Flower
- Grasslands
Staying option inside Dhikala Zone
Dhikala offers a variety of accommodations, including Forest Rest House, Cabins, Hutment, Annexe, and Log Huts with 24 bunk beds. The rooms are well-appointed, providing basic amenities for a comfortable stay.
In addition to the historic FRH building, Dhikala offers a diverse range of accommodations. The complex is self-contained, offering amenities such as restaurants, experienced nature guides, jeep safaris, a well-appointed library, evening movie screenings, and scenic walking tracks.
To secure accommodations at the Forest Rest House (FRH), you may visit the official website of Corbett or contact us directly for assistance.
Attractions inside the zone
There are numerous attractions within the zone, with some of the key highlights listed below.
Forest Watchtower:
The watchtower in the Dhikala zone is a special place where you can observe wildlife. It’s strategically located, giving you wide views of the Chaur (grassland) and the entire Ramganga River. From the tower, you can see animals grazing in the fields or walking along the riverbank. The watchtower is close to the Dhikala rest house, making it easy for guests staying there to visit.
Gairal Crocodile Point :
Near the Gairal Rest House, there’s a place called Crocodile Point. It’s like a terrace built over a pool where a lot of crocodiles live. You can stand on the terrace and watch the crocodiles and what they’re doing in the pool. It’s pretty amazing to see these powerful water creatures up close.
Grass Lands (Chaurs) :
The large grassy areas, known as Chaurs, are crucial in Dhikala for observing a variety of wildlife, such as tigers, elephants, different types of deer, wild pigs, and more. Dhikala is well-known for its vast Chaurs, and visitors often mention frequent tiger sightings in this region.
Attractions nearby entry gate of Dhikala
Explore the captivating attractions surrounding the entry gate of Dhikala.
Dhangarhi Museum (Adjacent to entry gate of Dhikala): Immerse yourself in the forest’s historical heritage showcased at the Dhangarhi Museum, conveniently located adjacent to the Dhikala entry gate.
Garjiya Devi Temple (6KM): Experience spiritual serenity at the Garjiya Devi Temple, situated just 6 kilometers away from the entry gate of Dhikala.
Kosi River (5KM): Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Kosi River, located a mere 5 kilometers from the Dhikala entry gate.
Shri Hanuman Dham (26KM): Visit the tranquil Shri Hanuman Dham, positioned 26 kilometers away from the entry gate of Dhikala.
Jim Corbett Museum (47KM): Explore the rich history and legacy of Jim Corbett at the Jim Corbett Museum, situated 47 kilometers from the Dhikala entry gate.
Corbett Waterfalls (45 KM): Delight in the natural beauty of Corbett Waterfalls, located 45 kilometers away from the entry gate of Dhikala.
How to reach Dhikala Zone
Latitude – 29.4613° N, Longitude – 79.1478° E
The entry gate to Dhikala, known as Dhangarhi, is located along National Highway 121, just 19 kilometers from the city of Ramnagar in Corbett. To reach Dhikala, it is recommended to first travel to Ramnagar. From there, you can choose a Canter Safari to enter the Dhikala Zone.
Transportation Options:
- Nearest Bus Stand: Ramnagar (19KM)
- Nearest Railway Station: Ramnagar (21KM)
- Nearest Airport: Pant Nagar Airport (81KM)
These well-connected transportation options facilitate convenient access to Dhikala, ensuring a seamless travel experience for visitors.
My 2-Day Stay in Dhikala Zone, Jim Corbett (March 2025)
In March 2025, I had the chance to experience one of India’s most stunning and remote wilderness zones Dhikala, nestled deep within the heart of Jim Corbett National Park. And let me tell you, no words can do justice to the beauty, serenity, and raw energy of this magical forest.
We stayed for two days inside the Dhikala Forest Rest House, and I cannot recommend this experience enough. If you truly want to absorb the essence of the jungle, an overnight stay is a must. Once you enter, it feels like you’ve left the world behind. There’s no mobile network, no distractions just nature in its purest form. It’s a complete detox for the soul, something we rarely get to experience in our busy, hyper-connected lives.
The landscape is absolutely breathtaking dense sal forests, wide grasslands, and the picturesque Ramganga River meandering through the forest. The jungle was alive, especially after the recent monsoon, with lush greenery and vibrant wildlife.
While we weren’t lucky enough to spot a tiger, we did have the unforgettable sight of a sleeping tiger cub, which in itself felt like a rare blessing. We saw herds of elephants, deer, wild boars, sambar, jackals, monkeys, kingfishers, wood owls, barking deer, peacocks, and even crocodiles basking near the riverbank. Honestly, I lost count of all the species we spotted it was like a real-life jungle book.
One of the most mesmerizing moments was during our early morning safari, when we reached a viewing zone around 21 km inside. The waterbody was mist-covered, with the early sun filtering through the trees, creating an ethereal atmosphere. That scene combined with the quiet rustling of leaves, distant bird calls, and cool morning air was simply unforgettable.
Important Tips for Dhikala Visitors:
Safari & Stay: Only those who stay overnight in Dhikala are allowed deeper safari access. Book your stay via the official Corbett online portal in advance.
Food & Payment: The canteen inside offers decent meals (Breakfast: ₹400 | Lunch/Dinner: ₹500) but accepts cash only. UPI or card payments won’t work due to the lack of network.
Essentials: Carry enough cash, warm clothing (early mornings can be chilly), and basic medicines. You can get tea, coffee, Maggi, sandwiches, etc., at the canteen.
Rooms & Facilities: The rest house offers basic but clean rooms, restrooms, and scenic surroundings. The view from the property alone makes it worth staying.
In conclusion, Dhikala Zone is not just about tiger sightings it’s about immersing yourself in the forest, embracing the unknown, and letting nature lead the way. Whether or not you see a big cat, you’ll leave with something just as valuable: peace, perspective, and a heart full of memories.
