Is it easy to book a tiger safari on the same day of your visit? Not really! The Jim Corbett National Park allows for a Dhikala booking based on whether you’ve all the permits to enter. In this blog, we will further explain what this means, including guiding you on a hassle-free Dhikala canter safari booking.
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ToggleWhy Dhikala is a must-visit for Wildlife Lovers
The Dhikala zone in Corbett National Park is a natural beauty that remains unexplored by many tourists. This zone is one of the largest in the tiger reserve, where you can see Sal forests, valleys, vast green lands, and rivers. The Ramganga River that runs through the Corbett Forest is the reason for its lush green landscape and biodiversity.
A Dhikala booking not only gives you a tour around the forest with trees and birds. It has several attractions that will leave you spellbound as you witness the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant herd. Other wildlife animals include Spotted Deer, Leopards, Sambar Deer, Langurs, Crocodiles, Hog Deer, Wild Boar, etc.
Dhikala Safari Booking in Detail
You must know a few things before you do a Dhikala booking. For instance, checking availability online for the safari permit on the Jim Corbett website. You can book the Dhikala Canter Safari from 15th November to 15th June when the Dhikala zone is open to wildlife lovers.
Also, you can book the Canter Safari at least one and a half months (45 days) before your visit. If you are visiting India from outside the country, you need to book it at least 90 days prior.
Some people may book on the same day for a Corbett booking in Nainital, but it depends on the availability of the canter safari, which is subject to a first-come, first-served basis. The Canter safari can take up to 16 people in its vehicle, and it costs Rs 2,500 per Indian or Rs 5,000 per foreigner. People/children aged 12 years and above are allowed on the Canter Jeep, which is important to specify while booking the tour.
Once you book the permit, you must pay for hiring a naturalist or guide while also hiring the Canter. You must do this if you want to gain entry through the Dhangari Gate at this tiger reserve.
Tips for Stress-Free Dhikala Safari Booking
There are a few checkpoints you need to consider so that you can effortlessly book your Dhikala Canter Safari:
- A Canter safari at Corbett can also be taken by visitors who do not have an overnight stay permit.
- It would be better to go through the terms and conditions before booking your visit for a Canter Safari.
- Make sure you add your details accurately, from your full name to your gender, ID proof, ID number, and age.
- You must pay for the Canter driver and guide charges separately, apart from the Canter vehicle’s seat per person charges. These charges are shown to you on the permit you receive.
- You cannot get a refund once you do your Dhikala booking, so make sure you select the right dates, and block your calendar. However, let’s say you booked your ticket, but the permit, due to some technical issue, was not generated. You can go to the Refund Status, select ‘customer’, enter your mobile number to get an OTP, and submit. You should get your booking amount refunded to your account.
- You do not need a permit for a child below 12 years of age, unless they need a separate seat.
What to Expect During Your Dhikala Stay
Experiencing the Dhikala stay is nothing short of memorable as it offers several sightings, including the foliage and wild animals. So, don’t forget to use your binoculars and camera to capture the wildest and best aspects of nature.
So, when you are at Dhikala, you will get to explore:
- The wilderness and the Sambar Road, where you are likely to spot a tiger.
- Get to view the vast valleys in this zone.
- Get a Game Drive in the Sal Forest, witness the dense rivers flowing by, and view the foothills.
How to Reach Dhikala
The Dhikala Zone is well-connected by transport networks, be it by car, flight, or train.
- By Road: The Dhikala Zone is around 300 km from Delhi, which takes at least six hours by road. If you are driving from Delhi, the usual route is via Hapur, Garhmukteshwar, Moradabad, Thakurdwara, Ramnagar, and then onward to Dhikala.
- By Train: The Ramnagar Railway Station is closest to the Dhikala zone, so you can get off at this station if you are travelling by train.
- By Air: Book a flight to the Pantnagar airport, and then hire a cab, which can take you to the Corbett Park (50 Km).
An adventure awaits you at the Dhikala Canter Safari, so don’t hesitate to go this year. It’s the wild side of nature that you shouldn’t miss in any lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dhikala Booking
Both zones are amazing, but they offer different experiences:
Dhikala’s the real deal if you’re chasing that wild, deep-jungle adventure. Think misty mornings, elephants lumbering through the trees, and maybe if you’re lucky, a tiger popping out of nowhere. The landscapes? Absolutely killer. It just feels… untamed, you know?
Bijrani, on the other hand, is way closer to the gate—so you’re not stuck bouncing around in a jeep forever just to get there. Still plenty of action: tigers, leopards, all the big-ticket wildlife. If you’re the type who wants to see cool animals but also values your beauty sleep, this one’s probably your jam. Super convenient.
Book safari permits online on the official website.
(recommended at least 45 days before).
Entry is only allowed with a registered guide and a 4WD vehicle (jeep or canter).
An overnight stay at the Dhikala Forest Rest House requires a separate booking.
Entry is through Dhangari Gate (18 km from Ramnagar).
Yes! Jeep safaris are available in the Dhikala Zone, provided a valid permit and guide are obtained.
Morning safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Afternoon safari: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (timings depend on season).
There are five main entry gates to the Jim Corbett National Park Safari:
1. Amdanda Gate – For Bijrani Zone (near Ramnagar)
2. Dhangari Gate – For Dhikala Zone (18 km from Ramnagar)
3. Khirna Gate – For Jhirna Zone (open year-round)
4. Durgadevi Gate – For Durgadevi Zone (birdwatcher’s paradise)
5. Vatanvasa Gate – For Sitabani Buffer Zone (less crowded)
Bijrani Zone – Most popular for jeep safaris, easy access, and high chances of tiger spotting.
Dhikala Zone – Best for a full jungle experience with elephants and tigers, but harder to book.