Dhikala Forest Zone Overview
Dhikala is one of the most iconic and sought-after tourist zones in the Corbett Tiger Reserve, renowned for its rich wildlife and natural beauty. It offers a unique wildlife experience, with herds of elephants and spotted deer frequently seen in the vast expanse of the famous Dhikala Chaur. The area is also home to the rare Hog Deer, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
Key Highlights of Dhikala Forest Zone:
Location: The Dhangari Gate is the entry point to the Dhikala Zone, located 18 km from Ramnagar, while the Dhikala Tourist Complex is 31 km inside the gate.
Accessibility: The zone is open from 15th November to 15th June, but remains closed during the monsoon season (July to mid-November).
Wildlife: The area is famous for spotting elephants, spotted deer, wild pigs, hog deer, and even the elusive tiger. Crocodiles and gharial can often be seen basking on the banks of the Ramganga Reservoir.
Accommodation Options at Dhikala:
Forest Rest House (FRH): Dhikala offers various accommodations like forest rest houses, cabins, and hutments. These are basic but comfortable with essential amenities. There are also bunk beds available in the log huts.
Gairal FRH:
Location: Situated next to the Ramganga River.
Rooms: Four rooms with double beds and an 8-bed dormitory.
Distance from Ramnagar: 30 km
Amenities: Restaurant and canteen, with bird-watching opportunities and crocodile pools nearby.
Sarpduli FRH:
Location: Located 30 km from Ramnagar.
Rooms: Two rooms with double beds, plus a dormitory with three beds.
Built in: 1908.
Amenities: Kitchen available, good for spotting otters, elephants, and Ghoral.
Sultan FRH:
Location: 25 km from Ramnagar, near dense Sal forest.
Rooms: Two double-bed rooms.
Amenities: Restaurant and canteen available, with great privacy and solitude for small groups.
Activities and Attractions in Dhikala:
Canter Safari:
The Canter Safari is ideal for those staying outside the Dhikala Zone but still wish to experience it. A 16-seater open-air bus transports visitors from Ramnagar to Dhikala and back.
Prior Booking is required for safari reservations.
Wildlife Watching:
Dhikala is known for its vast grasslands (chaurs) filled with elephants, spotted deer, and wild pigs. Spotting a tiger in the wild is also possible.
Watch Tower:
Located near the Dhikala Tourist Complex, the watchtower offers an excellent view of the grasslands, wildlife, and the Ramganga River. It’s also a great spot to see animals like deer, elephants, and wild pigs.
Crocodile Point at Gairal:
A crocodile pool near the Gairal FRH is home to both crocodiles and gharial, making it a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Sambar Trail:
This trail runs from the base of the Dhikala Watchtower to the Khinanauli Rest House. It’s known for frequent sightings of tigers and elephants, along with serpent eagles.
How to Reach Dhikala:
By Road:
From Ramnagar, take a 30 km journey to the Dhangari Gate which serves as the main entry point.
By Safari:
To reach Dhikala, visitors must travel in forest department vehicles after entering the Dhangari Gate.
Entry Timing:
Visitors can enter the Dhikala Zone between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Safaris usually run in the early morning and late afternoon.
Best Time to Visit Dhikala:
Open Season: 15th November to 15th June.
Closed during Monsoon: The zone remains closed during the monsoon season due to high water levels and risks from heavy rainfall.
Booking the Dhikala Experience:
To book accommodation, safaris, and other services at Dhikala, it's advisable to make early reservations due to the zone's popularity. This can be done through the official website or via travel agencies specializing in Corbett National Park tours.