About Dhikala

Dhikala is one of the most popular sought after tourist accommodation in Corbett Tiger Reserve. Herd of elephants and spotted deers pack the vast expanse of famous Dhikala Chaur. This is probably the best place in the Tiger Reserve to spot very rare Hog Deer.

The Dhikala area of Corbett National Park is probably the finest unspoilt and abundant in wildlife area existing in Northern India, very rich source of wildlife, fauna and flora and that has extreme natural beauty. The vast dense grasslands called "Chaurs" like the "Savanah" in Africa exist only here.

The Dhikala Forest Lodge built in the year 1936 is situated on the edge of the Ramganga Reservoir overlooking the forested hills of Kumaon & Garhwal. An overnight stay here provides the real wildlife experience with the opportunity of doing Elephant rides, Jeep Safaris and spending mid mornings on observation towers overlooking the Ramganga river and water holes. It is 50 km away from the Ramnagar Railway Station .

The location of the Dhikala Forest Lodge offsets its basic accommodation- though these facilities have been immensely improved in 2006, as it is situated deep in the heart of the forest and wildlife can be observed can from the verandah of your room. The rooms at Dhikala have been renovated and are no longer basic by Indian Jungle standards. Dhikala forest Lodge is located in the core area of Corbett national park and it is enclosed by an effective solar fence for your safety against wild animals.

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 FRH

Dhikala 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.

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.

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.

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.