1Night/2Days Dhikala Tour Packages

Dhikala is the most popular and core tourism zone of Jim Corbett National Park, offering one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in India. Located deep inside the forest, the Dhikala zone is accessible via the Dhangarhi gate and offers a true jungle experience. This 1Night/2Days package includes accommodation at the Dhikala Forest Rest House, guided open jeep safari, canter safari, and a chance to witness the majestic Royal Bengal tiger, wild elephants, and a wide variety of birds and herbivores in their natural habitat.

The Dhikala zone is the heart of Corbett, covering a vast grassland called ‘Chaurs’, riverbeds, sal forests, and dense woodlands. This zone is known for the highest density of wildlife and scenic beauty, making it a favorite among nature lovers, photographers, and serious wildlife enthusiasts.

Location

The entry to the Dhikala zone is through the Dhangarhi Gate, which is about 18 kilometers from Ramnagar. From the gate, Dhikala Forest Rest House is around 30 kilometers deep inside the reserve forest and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach. The route itself is adventurous and provides a chance to spot animals on the way to the rest house.

Attraction

The key attraction of the Dhikala zone is its untouched and highly preserved forest area. The zone is known for regular tiger sightings, large herds of elephants, wild boars, spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, and even leopards. The expansive grasslands make it an excellent location to observe animal movement and predator-prey interactions. The Ramganga reservoir and its surrounding forest offer rich avifauna, including vultures, eagles, and migratory birds. The Dhikala Watch Tower, crocodile point, and grassland routes are highlights of the safari experience in this region.

Flora and Fauna

The Dhikala zone has a varied ecosystem. It is primarily composed of dense sal forests, riverine vegetation, and vast grasslands known as Chaurs. These meadows are ideal habitats for elephants and deer, which attract predators like tigers and leopards. The river Ramganga and the reservoir support aquatic wildlife such as gharials, crocodiles, and otters. The birdlife is equally diverse with species such as fish eagles, serpent eagles, storks, parakeets, hornbills, and owls. Reptiles like monitor lizards and snakes are commonly spotted during safaris.

Night Stay

The Dhikala Forest Rest House is a government-run lodge located inside the core area of Corbett. It is one of the few places in India where visitors are allowed to stay inside a tiger reserve. The rest house offers basic yet comfortable accommodation and has several room categories, including Old FRH, New FRH, Annexe, and Hutment. Meals are served in a canteen managed by KMVN. The peaceful night stay at Dhikala allows tourists to experience the forest’s raw beauty and morning safaris from the heart of the jungle. Bookings must be done well in advance due to limited availability—45 days prior for Indians and 90 days prior for foreigners.

Dhikala (FRH) - Double Bed

Room Type: FRH (Double Bed)

Location: Dhikala Zone

Distance from Ramnagar: Approx. 30 km inside forest

No. of Rooms: Multiple categories (Old FRH, New FRH, Annexe, Hutment)

Restaurant and Canteen: Yes (Govt. operated)

Itinerary for 1Night/2Days Dhikala Tour

Day 1: Arrival and Entry into Dhikala

Arrive at Ramnagar in the morning. After verification of ID and permits, proceed to Dhangarhi Gate for entry into Dhikala Zone. Drive through the forest enjoying the scenic beauty and possible animal sightings on the way. Reach Dhikala Forest Rest House by noon. Check-in and have lunch at the canteen. After a short rest, head out for an afternoon jeep safari covering key zones such as Grasslands, Watch Tower, and river tracks. Return to FRH before sunset. Dinner and overnight stay at Dhikala FRH.

Day 2: Morning Safari and Departure

Wake up early for the morning jeep safari covering new forest routes with high chances of tiger and elephant sightings. Return to the rest house for breakfast. Check-out and begin your exit journey through the forest route toward Dhangarhi Gate. Reach Ramnagar by late morning or noon for your onward travel.