Dhikala Forest Lodge
Destination: Delhi - Jim Corbett National Park
Staying at Dhikala is an experience every wildlife enthusiast looks forward to. Dhangari gate is entrance for Dhikala zone. Dhangari gate is located 18 kms away from Ramnagar while Dhikala Tourist Complex is located 31 Kms inside the Dhangari Gate. Dhikala is open for tourists from 15th November to 15th June. But remains inaccessible during Monsoon season. Dhikala tourist complex overlooks Ramganga Reservoir and is a perfect place to observe Crocodiles and Gharials basking in the banks of Ramganga.
Accommodation : Dhikala Forest Rest House
Different kinds of accommodations are available at Dhikala. Along with the Forest Rest House, Cabins, Hutment, Annexe Dhikala also has 24 bunk beds in Log Huts. The rooms are comfortable with basis amenities.
Food & Other Services : Dhikala Forest Rest House
A very good restaurant caters to the need of visitors staying in the Dhikala Tourist Complex. The restaurant serves buffet meals with good choice of quality foods. A small Canteen is also available for the visitors.
Visitors can enjoy wildlife movie show in the evening and also spend their leisure time reading books in the well stocked library.
Night Stay
Dhikala FRHDhikala renowned for its panoramic landscape is located at the edge of the Patli Dun valley, along the Ramganga with the Kanda ridge as a backdrop. The heritage building of the old FRH built in 1890's.Though it was one of the first accommodationfacility to be constructed inside the park, staff did not live here during the monsoons till 1963 since it was highly infested with malaria. The ground floor was used as the DFO office and the top floor for accommodation of the forest officers. It has the unique distinction of being the venue for the launch of the "Project Tiger". Subsequently after 1975, Dhikala was formally opened and accommodation increased due to sudden boost in tourism. Apart from the old FRH building several other kinds of accommodation have also been added. The complex is a complete entity in itself with restaurants, nature guides, jeep safaris, a well stocked library, movie shows in the evening and walking tracks. A post office is available to share experience from the park with letters. Watchtowers located nearby provide excellent view of the entire Ramganga riverbed and the magnificent chaurs.
HUTMENT
Room Type: HUTMENT-(Double Bed)
Location: Dhikala
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 40 km
No. of Rooms: 6
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
CABIN - Double Bed
Room Type: CABIN-(Double Bed)
Location: Dhikala
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 40 km
No. of Rooms: 3
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
NEW FRH - Double Bed
Room Type: NEW FRH-Double Bed
Location: Dhikala
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 40 km
No. of Rooms: 4
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
OLD FRH - Double Bed
Room Type: OLD FRH-Double Bed
Location: Dhikala
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 40 km
No. of Rooms: 5
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
ANNEXI Room - Double Bed
Room Type: ANNEXI Room- Double Bed
Location: Dhikala
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 40 km
No. of Rooms: 7
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
DHIKALA Dormitory (LOG HUT)
Room Type: LOG HUT-(Double Bed)
Location: Dhikala
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 40 km
No. of Rooms: 12
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
Gairal FRH
The old Gairal Forest complex was built in 1903. The New FRH there has four rooms and eight bed Dormitory, is situated next to the Ramganga River where it enters the National park. The FRH enjoys a tranquil environment of great beauty and is excellent for bird watching. The crocodile pool, nearby offers the opportunity to see the ghadial in the water or basking on the adjoining rocks.
GAIRAL (NEW FRH)
Room Type: NEW FRH-(Double Bed)
Location: Gairal
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 30 km
No. of Rooms: 4
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
GAIRAL Dormitory
Room Type: Dormitory
Location: Gairal
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 30 km
No. of Rooms: 8
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
Sarpduli FRH
One of the most beautiful Forest Rest House of Corbett overlooking the Ramganga is located at Sarpaduli,30 kms from Ramnagar. It was built in 1908. Elephant movement is fairly common in the area and visitors can even spot Otters in the river nearby. Ghoral can be sighted on the slopes across the Ramganga. Large pools of Mahseer and fish eating birds like kingfisher, fish eagle, etc may be seen in this area.
Sarpduli FRH
Room Type: FRH-(Double Bed)
Location: Sarpduli
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 30 km
No. of Rooms: 2
Kitchen: Yes
Sarpduli Dormitory
Room Type: Dormitory
Location: Sarpduli
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 30 km
No. of Rooms: 3
Sarpduli Dormitory: Yes
Sultan FRH
Sultan, the first FRH on the Dhangari-Dhikala road, has the advantage of privacy and solitude. The adjoining Sal forest patch is one of the densest in the CTR and support large number of Deers and Birds. The FRH was built in 1903 and is an ideal place for small group of visitors.
Sultan FRH
Room Type: FRH-(Double Bed)
Location: Sultan
Entry Gate: Dhangari Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 25 km
No. of Rooms: 2
Sarpduli Dormitory: Yes
Top Attractions in Dhikala Zone, Jim Corbett National Park
Canter Safari
Canter Safari in Corbett is the ideal choice for those staying outside the Dhikala Zone yet eager to explore its rich wildlife. The Canter is a 16-seater open-air vehicle that travels from Ramnagar to Dhikala and back. Prior online booking via the official website is mandatory to secure your seat for this unforgettable experience.
Chaurs (Grasslands)
Dhikala is renowned for its expansive grasslands, home to Elephants, Spotted Deer, Wild Pigs, Hog Deer, and more. Lucky visitors may even catch sight of a majestic Tiger crossing the meadows or chasing prey — a thrilling sight to behold!
Watch Tower at Dhikala
The Watch Tower at Dhikala is strategically placed to offer panoramic views of the grasslands and the Ramganga riverbed. A short 10-minute walk from the Dhikala Forest Rest House, this tower overlooks a nearby waterhole where Deer, Elephants, Wild Pigs, and occasionally Tigers gather — making it a prime spot for wildlife observation.
Crocodile Point at Gairal
Located en route from Gairal to western forest rest houses, Crocodile Point is a natural balcony-like formation that overlooks a pool permanently inhabited by crocodiles. It’s an excellent place to observe these ancient reptiles in their natural setting.
Sambar Trail
This jungle path stretches from the Dhikala Watch Tower to the Khinanauli Rest House and is one of the best areas in the park for spotting Tigers. Positioned between hills and the riverbed, it's a wildlife corridor for various animals including Elephants. Bird watchers will also delight in spotting species like the Serpent Eagle. Patience often rewards visitors with remarkable sightings.
Commonly seen deer species in this region include the Spotted Deer, Para (Axis porcinus), Sambar (Cervus unicolor), and Kakkar or Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak), named for its dog-like call. The trail is also known for frequent Sloth Bear sightings, particularly when Mahua flowers bloom. Interestingly, bears have been seen in an intoxicated state due to fermented Mahua in their digestive systems.
Bird Watching Paradise
With lush forests and ample water sources, Dhikala is a haven for bird watchers. From waterfowl to raptors and vibrant forest species, the area supports a wide range of birdlife, making it a paradise for ornithologists and photographers alike.
Open & Close Timings
- Open Season: Dhikala Safari Zone is open for visitors from 15th November to 15th June.
- Closed Season: From 16th June to 14th November, the zone remains closed due to the monsoon. Rising water levels in streams make access difficult and unsafe during this period.
Dhikala Forest Zone Lodge in Jim Corbett National Park Book This Tour Package:
Tour Packages In Jim Corbett National Park
"We offer a huge range of packages & safaris at Corbett National Park for individual & family. We believe in real life adventures like climbing mountains, fording wild rivers, exploring remote regions, facing storms, bungee jumping, touching the sky with hot air balloon, skydiving, paragliding, surviving alone in the wilderness. All this comes with our experience and proven expertise making it completely safe for even the novices. Book your next package or safari with us!"
Tour Packages In Jim Corbett National Park
"We offer a huge range of packages & safaris at Corbett National Park for individual & family. We believe in real life adventures like climbing mountains, fording wild rivers, exploring remote regions, facing storms, bungee jumping, touching the sky with hot air balloon, skydiving, paragliding, surviving alone in the wilderness. All this comes with our experience and proven expertise making it completely safe for even the novices. Book your next package or safari with us!"
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