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Dhikala Zone

Dhikala Zone

Published on August 30, 2025

Dhikala Zone – The Heart of Jim Corbett National Park

If Jim Corbett National Park is a crown, then Dhikala Zone is its shining jewel. Known as the largest and most popular safari zone in the park, Dhikala is a place where the wild truly comes alive. It is not just a safari destination — it’s a complete wilderness experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and the rare chance to stay inside the forest itself.

What Makes Dhikala Zone Special?

Dhikala Zone lies deep inside Jim Corbett National Park and covers a vast area along the Ramganga River. The terrain is a beautiful mix of dense Sal forests, open grasslands (called Chaurs), riverbeds, and gentle hills. This variety of landscapes makes Dhikala home to an extraordinary range of animals and birds.

It is famous for tiger sightings, but that’s just the beginning. Wild elephants, herds of deer, gharials, crocodiles, leopards, wild boars, and over 400 species of birds call Dhikala their home. Because the zone is less disturbed by human activity, the wildlife here is more vibrant and visible.

Entry and Accessibility

The main entry gate for Dhikala Zone is Dhangarhi Gate, which is about 18 km from Ramnagar, the nearest town and base for Corbett safaris.

  • Distance from Ramnagar to Dhangarhi Gate: ~30–40 minutes by road.

  • Permit required: Only visitors with confirmed permits are allowed to enter.

  • Limited access: Unlike other zones where you can go for day safaris, Dhikala primarily requires night stay bookings inside forest lodges, making it a more exclusive experience.

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Wildlife in Dhikala Zone

  1. Royal Bengal Tiger: Dhikala is one of the best places in India to spot tigers in the wild. The open grasslands make sightings slightly easier than in dense forests.

  2. Asian Elephants: Large herds are often seen near the Ramganga River, especially in summer.

  3. Deer Species: Chital (spotted deer), sambar deer, and hog deer are commonly sighted.

  4. Leopards: More elusive but occasionally spotted in hilly patches.

  5. Crocodiles and Gharials: Found near riverbanks and water bodies.

  6. Birdlife: Crested serpent eagles, vultures, parakeets, hornbills, woodpeckers, and migratory birds in winter.

Safari Experience in Dhikala

1. Canter Safari (Day Safari)

  • If you do not have an overnight booking, you can still visit Dhikala through a canter safari — a 16-seater open bus that departs from Ramnagar.

  • Two shifts daily: Morning (around 6:00 AM) and Afternoon (around 11:00 AM).

  • Guided by trained naturalists for an informative and safe experience.

2. Jeep Safari (For Night Stay Guests)

  • Private jeeps are only allowed if you are staying inside Dhikala Forest Lodge.

  • Jeep safaris offer greater flexibility, covering deep forest trails and increasing chances of spotting rare wildlife.

3. Elephant Safari (Limited Availability)

  • In the past, elephant safaris were available for overnight guests inside Dhikala, offering a slow, immersive jungle experience. These are now restricted and subject to forest department rules.

Staying Inside Dhikala – Forest Lodge Experience

The Dhikala Forest Rest House is a dream for nature lovers. It is the only accommodation inside the zone, offering basic but comfortable rooms, dormitories, and huts. There are no luxury resorts here — just clean rooms, simple meals, and a magical atmosphere under the stars.

  • Electricity is limited, often powered by generators only during fixed hours.

  • Mobile network is poor or absent, letting you fully disconnect from the outside world.

  • Food is provided at the lodge’s canteen, serving fresh local meals.

  • Bookings must be done months in advance on the official Jim Corbett website because only a limited number of rooms are available.

Staying inside the forest means waking up to the sound of birds, hearing alarm calls at night when predators move nearby, and being in the jungle even when safaris end.

Scenic Highlights of Dhikala

  • Ramganga River: The lifeline of the zone where elephants and deer often gather to drink water.

  • Chaurs (Grasslands): Wide open spaces where herds of herbivores graze, attracting predators.

  • Sambar Road: A track famous for tiger sightings.

  • Watchtowers and Viewpoints: Offering panoramic views of the forest and river.

  • Crocodile Point: A spot near the river to observe crocodiles and gharials basking in the sun.

Best Time to Visit Dhikala Zone

  • November to June: Dhikala remains open only during this period.

  • Winter (Nov–Feb): Cool weather, misty mornings, and ideal for birdwatching.

  • Summer (Mar–Jun): Hot days but excellent visibility of animals near water sources.

  • Closed during Monsoon (Jul–Oct): Heavy rains make roads unsafe and the park remains shut.

Tips for Visiting Dhikala Zone

  • Book early: Permits and rooms sell out fast.

  • Carry ID proof: It is mandatory for entry.

  • Pack light: Bring only essentials since luggage space is limited.

  • Wear earthy colors: Avoid bright clothes that disturb wildlife.

  • Binoculars and camera: Essential to enjoy birds and distant animals.

  • Follow park rules strictly: No stepping out of vehicles, no feeding animals, no loud noises.

  • Be patient: Wildlife sightings depend on luck and timing. Enjoy the forest itself rather than chasing just tigers.

Why Dhikala is a Must-Visit Zone

  1. Highest wildlife density: More chances of spotting big cats and elephants.

  2. Overnight stay inside the forest: A rare experience few zones in India allow.

  3. Breathtaking landscapes: A mix of forest, river, and grasslands unlike anywhere else in Corbett.

  4. Peace and exclusivity: Limited entry means fewer tourists and less disturbance.

A visit to Dhikala is not just a safari — it feels like living inside a wild documentary. Every moment is unpredictable. You might wake up to a tiger’s roar in the distance, see elephants crossing the river at sunset, or watch a fish eagle swoop down for prey.

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How to Book Your Dhikala Visit

  • Online Booking: Through the official Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve website.

  • Choose: Stay type (room or dorm), dates, and safari type (jeep/canter).

  • Pay Permit Fee: Only confirmed guests are allowed inside the zone.

  • Carry Printout: Show your permit and ID at Dhangarhi Gate.

The Essence of Dhikala Zone

Dhikala isn’t about luxury or quick sightseeing. It’s about slowing down and living the rhythm of the forest. The zone lets you experience Corbett the way Jim Corbett himself might have — raw, real, and deeply connected to nature.

If you want to truly understand why Corbett is considered India’s finest tiger reserve, Dhikala is where your journey should begin. Here, the forest speaks in its own language — in rustling leaves, in the alarm calls of deer, and sometimes, in the soft but powerful growl of a tiger reminding you that this is his kingdom.