Dhikala Zone in Jim Corbett – The Ultimate Jungle Experience
Explore the Soul of Jim Corbett National Park
The Dhikala Zone in Jim Corbett is not just a safari zone — it’s the wild heart of Corbett, offering the most immersive wildlife experience in India. Spanning over 800 square kilometers, Dhikala lies in the core of the national park and is renowned for its dense sal forests, vast grasslands (chaurs), river beds, and teeming wildlife.
Accessible only through the Dhangarhi Gate, the zone offers day-time canter safaris and exclusive overnight stays inside the forest rest houses. This makes Dhikala the only zone where you can truly sleep inside the jungle, surrounded by raw, untamed wilderness.
Wildlife in Dhikala Zone
The biodiversity of Dhikala is unmatched. It is one of the best places in India to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. But the tiger is just the beginning.
Key species you may encounter:
Asian Elephants (often in herds)
Leopards (though elusive)
Wild Boars
Chital, Sambar, Hog Deer
Gharials and Crocodiles in Ramganga River
Over 600 species of birds, including hornbills, eagles, kingfishers & migratory birds
The Sambar deer alarm calls, the chirping of birds at dawn, and the occasional tiger roar at night make Dhikala a true paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers
Dhikala Zone FRH – Stay Inside the Core Jungle
The Dhikala Forest Rest House (FRH) is the oldest and most iconic rest house in Jim Corbett. Established during the British era, it is the only place where tourists can stay overnight inside the core area of the national park.
What Makes Dhikala FRH Special:
Prime location by the Ramganga Reservoir
Watchtower and grasslands within walking distance
Multiple wings and blocks (New FRH, Old FRH, Cabin Rooms, Annexe)
All bookings are made via the official forest department website
Meals are served in a canteen run by KMVN (simple veg/non-veg food)
Important: No walk-in bookings. Advance online booking (up to 45 days in advance) is required with ID proof. Only registered vehicles with permits are allowed.
Forest Rest House in Dhikala Zone
Dhikala FRH
Dhikala is famed for its stunning vistas and rich historical legacy. At its heart lies the iconic Old Forest Rest House, a colonial-era structure built by the British in the 1890s. Once plagued by malaria until 1963, this heritage lodge later rose to prominence as a pivotal base for the launch of Project Tiger, India's landmark wildlife conservation initiative.
Gairal FRH
Established in 1903, Gairal Forest Rest House sits peacefully along the banks of the Ramganga River inside Corbett National Park. Surrounded by lush Sal forests, it offers a tranquil escape deep in the wilderness. The accommodation features two heritage rooms in the Old Rest House, four rooms in the New Block, and an eight-bed dormitory for group stays. A simple vegetarian canteen is available on-site, serving wholesome meals to guests.
Sarpduli FRH
Built in 1908, Sarapduli Forest Rest House is one of the most centrally located accommodations in Corbett’s Dhikala Zone, just 18 km from Dhangari Gate. This peaceful retreat offers two rooms and a three-bed dormitory with basic facilities, solar fencing for safety, and a functional kitchen. Guests can bring their own provisions, and meals are prepared by staff appointed by the Corbett Tiger Reserve, ensuring a simple yet authentic forest stay experience.
Sultan FRH
Sultan Forest Rest House, established in 1903, is the first stop inside Corbett’s Dhikala Zone after entering through Dhangarhi Gate. Tucked away in dense Sal forests, it offers a quiet and secluded stay ideal for true nature lovers. The rest house includes two simple rooms with attached bathrooms and a basic kitchen facility, where guests can have meals prepared using their own provisions by the onsite staff.
Safari Options in Dhikala
Day Safari At Dhikala Zone By Canter
Starts from Ramnagar and Dhangarhi Gate
Government-run 16-seater vehicle
5-6 hour safari deep into the core zone
Best for tourists who can’t stay overnight but want to experience Dhikala
| Price (Indian) | INR 25000 / Person ( ONE Canter has 16 Seats ) |
| Price (Foreigner) | INR 5000 / Person ( ONE Canter has 16 Seats ) |
| Zones | Dhikala |
| Timings | Morning 6:00 AM – 11.30 AM | Evening 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
Night Stay At Dhikala Zone By Jeep
Exclusive for FRH guests only
Your personal gypsy with driver and guide
Morning and evening safaris from the rest house itself
Best chance for tiger sightings and peaceful exploration
| Price (Indian) | INR 25000 / Per Couple |
| Price (Foreigner) | INR 35000 / Per Couple |
| Duration | 01 Night – 02Days |
| Inclusions | Permission Of CTR, Jeep ,Driver, Permit And Entries & Taxes
|
Book Now – Limited Entries Per Day!
Ready to enter the wild? Dhikala bookings fill up FAST due to limited availability.
Contact us today to reserve your canter safari or FRH stay in the Dhikala Zone in Jim Corbett.
📞 Contact us +91 9690259181 , +91 7300843174
📧 Email: Bigcatcorbett@gmail.com
📍 Location: BigCat Corbett near Diners Villa Dhikuli Ramnagar Nainital 244715.