Corbetts Dhikala Tourism Zone Reopens After Six Months, Attracts Throngs of Visitors

Nainital, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : The Dhikala tourism zone of the world-renowned Jim Corbett National Park has reopened its gates to visitors after a six-month hiatus. The excitement of jungle safaris returned early Sunday morning, just after the monsoon season. The first safari was flagged off at 6:30 AM from the Dhikala Gate, marking a fresh start for nature enthusiasts.

Starting today, tourists can enjoy both day safaris and overnight stays in forest rest houses. The enthusiasm among visitors from across the country and abroad was palpable, with all online bookings for night stays fully booked until January 20, 2027.

Long queues of vehicles formed at the Dhikala Gate as the local MLA, Diwan Singh Bisht, and park officials warmly welcomed tourists with flowers and garlands. The forest department also flagged off the first safari vehicles, igniting excitement among tourists who had eagerly awaited the reopening for six months.

Jayashree from Ahmedabad expressed her excitement, stating, “We came to explore Jim Corbett, and it just opened today. We were lucky to have the chance to go on a safari on the first day.” Another visitor, Jignesh, noted that he had long wanted to visit the park and was impressed with the online booking system and facilities available.

Akshat Jain shared that he had visited four months earlier and was thrilled to return for the reopening. “The crowd is massive today,” he remarked, reflecting the park’s popularity.

The Dhikala zone typically closes each year on June 15 due to the onset of the monsoon, which can lead to flooding in rivers and streams, posing safety risks. It reopens annually on November 15 after the rains subside.

Known both nationally and internationally for wildlife tourism, Dhikala features vast grasslands, the picturesque Ramganga River, dense forests, and diverse wildlife, attracting nature lovers. Visitors have the opportunity to see Bengal tigers, herds of elephants, deer, leopards, wild boar, crocodiles, and gharials in their natural habitat.

Birdwatchers are also drawn to the area, which is home to over 500 species of birds, making Dhikala a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts, often referred to as the “Heart of the Jungle.”

One of the unique features of the Dhikala zone is that tourists can spend the night in forest rest houses located in the core area. The reopening allows for both day safaris and night stays, offering a thrilling experience of listening to wildlife sounds and observing their activities at dawn.

According to forest department officials, Dhikala has a total of 41 rooms available for tourists, including 28 in the main Dhikala camp, two in Sultan, six in Gairal, three in Khinanouli, and two in the Sarapduli range. Additionally, there is a dormitory with 20 beds.

The demand for night stays has surged this tourism season, with all rooms booked until January 20, 2027. The next online booking slot will open on January 22, 2027, for the following month. Tourists can book their stays through the official website of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, while those unable to secure a reservation must wait for the next opportunity.

For day safaris, eight canter vehicles operate daily—four in the morning and four in the evening—each accommodating 16 tourists. The permit fee for day safaris is approximately ₹2,000 per person. Night stay permits cost around ₹5,000 per room, with additional charges for jeep rentals, nature guides, and meals.

Despite the costs, there is a remarkable enthusiasm among tourists for overnight stays in Dhikala, highlighting its enduring appeal.