Dhikala Canter safari in Corbett is the best way to explore the Dhikala forest when you are staying outside the Corbett tiger reserve, touring by gypsy is not permitted in Dhikala zone during day time. However you can travel into this area by a canter which takes in 18 passengers and starts off from Ramnagar in the morning and afternoon respectively. Which canter went to Dhikala in the morning time it return to the base in afternoon, similarly afternoon canter comes back to the base in evening. These tours are called as Ramganga conducted tour and permitted by the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
It is the only way of visiting Dhikala - the heart of the National Park and come back within the same day. It is also a bit economical than a jeep safari if you are travelling alone. Canter Safari is the best option to visit Dhikala zone. Canter starts from Ramnagar city at morning and afternoon time. It takes you 5-6 hours safari inside Dhikala zone. This is the only option for day visitors to explore the unbeatable wildlife of Dhikala. Only 2 canters can go inside the zone in a single time and 16 tourists are allowed into one canter. Corbett tiger reserve expert guide will also with you inside the canter. During the safari, half hour break being at Dhikala Forest lodge for some refreshment. Canter permits are book in advance.
It is an additional standard for a trip to Dhikala, the deepest region of Corbett National Park. Here the park administration conducts the Canter Safari in two shifts. The first is from 0600 hrs in the sunrise time and another in the afternoon from 1200 hrs. Both are around 05 hrs extensive to take pleasure in this canter safari. For those visitors who were unable to get their reservation at any FRH inside the Dhikala zone, this is the only way to explore Dhikala Forest even if they are staying outside the park in any Resort.
The Dhikala area of Corbett National Park is probably the finest to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. The huge expanse of the grasslands, called "Chaurs" are the attraction of this area of the Park. The meandering Ramganga river adds to the beauty of the landscape and provides the essential water souscre to all wildlife. The reservoir forms a part of the largest man made lake to feed the Hydro electricity project at Kalagarh. The opportunity of going on an Elephant ride for wildlife viewing is available from Dhikala besides a network of observation towers situated at the edge of the forest which are approachable by 4 Wheel Drive Jeeps. The location of the Dhikala Forest Lodge offsets its basic accommodation- though these facilities have been immensely improved - 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 but still basic by common standards.
Corbett Safari Entry Formalities:
All visitors to Corbett National Park have to obtain permits from the concerned authority. These can be obtained from the park administration centre located at Ramnagar. The 03 days duration permit is issued on the spot without any delay provided photocopies of the identity cards along of the applicants are made available. Foreign nationals have to produce their passport and photocopy for the same to get the permit. Corbett Forest Lodges Permits would be issued for a maximum of three days only. Permit is not transferable and once the permit is issued it is not refundable. The park authorities shall not be responsible in any way for damages caused.
Permit for Different Safari Zones:
Corbett Tiger Reserve provides you four entry points namely Jhirna, Bijrani, Dhikala and Durgadevi. There are two types of permits that you have to obtain separately i.e. for the entry of Safari vehicles and forest lodges accommodation. You can obtain permit for these two online. It is always advisable to book your safari in advance i.e. you can book 30 days prior to your actual arrival. It is so because only 75 vehicles are allowed inside the Corbett National Park at a time. Safari is permissible only in the specific zone you have booked for. Once you have booked the safari there is no provision for cancellation and rescheduling.
The number of vehicles permitted to enter for day Safari in a particular zone is distributed as: Bijrani and Jhirna 30 Safari for each zone are allowed at a time while from Durgadevi only 15 Safari are allowed respectively within the Jim Corbett National Park.
Note: Apart from the above mentioned number of the safari, two canter safaris (16 seats per canter) are allowed especially in Dhikala tourism zone. The park authority of Wildlife Warden or in-charge may cancel your permit for any good and sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing.
Terms & Conditions
- Day visit to all zones are strictly regulated as per the scientifically calculated carrying capacity and only a limited number of vehicles are permitted entry during each morning and afternoon.
- Permits for day visits to the Sonanadi Ecotourism zone can be obtained from the visitor reception center located at Kotdwar.
- Permits for day visits to other zones are available online on our website.
- Visitors are advised to acquaint themselves with gate timings and arrive well before the designated time to avoid any inconvenience.
- Private vehicles are 'not' allowed entry for tourism purposes into the park and visitors use specially designed vehicles, registered with CTR for this purpose. Day visits to the Dhikala Ecotourism Zone are permitted only through the specially designed Canter buses via Ramganga Conducted Tours.
- Visitors can also enjoy elephant rides at Bijrani and Dhikala ecotourism Zone, which is available on 'First come, first get' basis.
- Canteen facilities are available at Dhikala, Bijrani and Gairal. At other locations, kitchen facilities have been provided.