DHIKALA ZONE — Attraction in Uttarakhand

🐅 Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve: A Wilderness Icon ( Dhikala Zone )

Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is India’s oldest national park and a sanctuary for wildlife lovers. Established in 1936 and named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, the park spans over 1,300 sq km of lush forests, riverine belts, and grasslands. It’s home to over 260 tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and more than 580 bird species.

🌿 Dhikala Zone: The Heart of Corbett

Why It Stands Out Largest and Most Scenic Zone: Located on the edge of the Patil Dun valley, Dhikala offers panoramic views of vast grasslands (called Chaurs), dense Sal forests, and the winding Ramganga River. High Tiger Sightings: Dhikala is renowned for its thriving tiger population. The dense forest cover and abundant prey make it a prime habitat for these majestic cats. Rich Biodiversity: Apart from tigers, you can spot elephants, wild boars, sambars, barking deer, and a dazzling array of birds. Unspoiled Wilderness: Due to its remote location and limited tourist access, Dhikala retains a raw, untouched charm that enhances the safari experience.

Safari Experience Day & Night Safaris: Dhikala is one of the few zones offering both day and night safaris, giving visitors a chance to witness wildlife in different moods and moments. Canter Safari: Unlike other zones that allow jeep safaris, Dhikala offers canter safaris—open-air buses that take you deep into the forest for a 5-hour adventure.

Accommodation Dhikala Forest Rest House: Staying here is a privilege. This 100-year-old colonial-era rest house is located inside the core zone, offering a rare opportunity to sleep in the heart of tiger territory. Rustic Charm: The accommodation is basic but atmospheric, with the thrill of hearing jungle sounds at night and waking up to misty river views.

🧭 Tips for Visitors Book Early: Dhikala safaris and stays are in high demand. Book well in advance through official forest department portals. Best Time to Visit: November to June is ideal. The park remains closed during monsoon (July to October). Carry Essentials: Binoculars, warm clothes (especially in winter), and a good camera are must-haves.

🌟 Final Verdict

If you're seeking an authentic, immersive wildlife experience, Dhikala Zone is unmatched. It’s not just a safari—it’s a journey into India’s wild soul. From tiger trails to elephant herds and bird symphonies, Dhikala delivers nature in its most majestic form.

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By far the most beautiful area of the park but my four safaris left me quite disappointed. True we saw tigers on all our safaris but as tiny dots quite far through the camera. We did have one very good sighting - in Phato, the newest zone of the park, away from the core area. In Dhikala however, we did not see other animals around either except elephants. Hopefully this statement is not completely true as our safari experience was limited a bit by our guide who believed in racing for the tiger and joining a "pile" of jeeps and we all just waited for a tiger to crawl out of the bush where he/she was last seen.

And, while you wait for a better view of the tiger, you better hope that a high level official of the Indian Government does not decide to do a tour of the park! If that happens then you will just be swept aside and the view point cleared for the non royal majesties of our country. We were very unlucky to have been honoured by the director of all national parks and the chief justice of West Bengal (we were told) with family/-ies on two of our four safaris.

Dhikala guest house, however, is very comfortable - we had hutment no 1. Plenty of space to organize your stuff and still have lots of free space. Decent bathroom too but without supplies - only hand washing soap and clean (but run down) towels. The beds were a little soft but requirements vary. On the whole very nice to stay in.

The restaurant serves a very decent meal. Plenty of choice, not too spicy hot and excellent hot rotis. Eggs too!!!!!! We were very happy with the food. We had a little mix up with the canteen - we had ordered two bottles of mineral water to be frozen for us. While waiting for the bottles we were told that they were no longer available - the chief justice had walked away with them. Clear that he did not himself go in to the ice box and got the bottles but on receiving them from one wishing to gratify himself with the chief justice, he should have known that freezing bottles of water is not a practice in India and since he had not ordered them to be frozen, they belonged to some one else. That was not...

Corbett Tiger Reserve is one of the best place for Wildlife lovers. It is situated in Nainital district, Uttrakhand. It is well connected with Ramnagar, Haldwani. It's a very big Tiger Reserve established in 1936. Dhikala, Bijrani, Garjia, Jhirna, Dhela, Durgadevi, Sonanadi, Sitabani, Mohan etc. entry gates are there. We took One Canter safari from Dhikla gate.

Canter Safari Cost approximately Rs.1500/- including Permit, Naturalist cum guide charges from Dhangadi gate. Half day morning Safari timing for 75 Km approx track -12.30 PM to 18.30 PM. Dhangadi gate is 20 km away from Ramnagar. Safari starts from Dhangadi gate to Dhikala Zone.

Beautiful landscape, grassland, Ramganga River basin, Sultan Gairal Sarpaduli Dhikala Forest guest Houses are there inside the jungle. For Jypsi safari you have to stay at night inside the Park. Wonderful place to stay inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve, Dhikala zone. You can enjoy the nature. You have to pre-book this rest houses otherwise very difficult to get the booking. I have spent few time here during our day safari. Washroom, Canteen is there. You will get a very good view of Ramganga River Basin from here.

I am fortunate enough to witness the grand sighting of Tusker named Laal kan with herd of 20 elephants at grassland, Sambar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Himalayan Langur, Green bee eater, Kingfisher, Mayna, Egret, Woodpecker, Kalij Pheasant and many more. It's an amazing...