Dhikala Forest Lodge is a unique and strategically located accommodation option situated in the core of the dense forest of the famous Corbett National Park.
Staying at Dhikala Guest Houses at Corbett Tiger Reserve is an unforgettable, mystical experience. Surrounded by untouched wilderness, this humble yet marvelous forest house is managed by the Jim Corbett National Park Forest department.
Dhikala is situated at the border of the Dun valley and from where the Ramganga flows in numerous channels. This is highly popular among wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of raw nature. It offers a breathtaking view of this enchanting valley along with Kanda ridge.
Dhikala guest house is situated in a picturesque location near various streams of the Ramganga River, around 32 km from the Dhangadi gate. Travel to and from the guest house is only possible by vehicle arranged through the forest department.
This distance is an adventure in itself, as you will cross through the rich flora and fauna of this area. This includes vast grasslands, dense Sal jungle, various small river channels, and different types of animals roaming on the grassland.
Indian and SAARC citizens who wish to stay at the Dhikala Forest Guest House need to book their accommodation at the Dhikala Forest Lodge 46 days in advance, while foreigners have to book theirs 91 days in advance.
Foreign nationals who wish to stay at the Corbett Forest Lodges must submit their passport or identity card along with a photocopy of the passport to apply for a permit. The Corbett Forest Lodges permits would be issued for no more than three days duration permit.
The Dhikala Forest complex is a unique accommodation that consists of both old and new building structures. The old rest house at Dhikala has been built by the British hundreds of years ago and possesses historical architecture.
If you’re looking to spend some time away from the noisy and busy city, then the guest house at Dhikala is the perfect place for you. The tranquil and secluded environment with the peaceful sound of birds will surely refresh and rejuvenate your mind.
Accommodation Details Of Dhikala Forest House :
- Old Forest Rest House – Consists of 5 Rooms.
- Old Range Quarters -Consists of 4 Rooms.
- New Forest Rest House – Consists of 4 Rooms.
- Annex Room – Consists of 7 Rooms.
- Cabin Rooms – Consists of 6 Rooms.
- Hutment Rooms – Consists of 6 Rooms.
Forest Lodge at Dhikala has 32 rooms, as well as two dormitories. Each dormitory has 12 bunk beds and a shared bathroom.
All 32 rooms in the guest house complex have their own attached bathrooms with hot and cold water facilities. The campus has a large, clean, and beautiful area in between the guest house complex buildings.
The Dhikala FRH provides guests with amenities like electricity, hot and cold water, and comfortable beds in a clean and safe environment. Additionally, basic medical services are available on-site.
Dhikala Forest Lodge is a popular choice amongst wildlife enthusiasts due to its safety features, including a solar electric wire fence that wards off animals.
Eateries And Foods In Dhikala Forest Rest House :
There are two food points available within the premises of the forest lodge where you can eat buffet meals. They offer good-tasting dishes.
There are two types of eateries in the state: canteen run by the KMVN and privately run restaurants. KMVN canteens provide good food at highly affordable prices, while privately run restaurants have ala-carte menus.
The canteen provides a variety of vegetarian meals that are moderately priced and reasonably tasty. In addition to the canteen, there is a general store on campus where you can purchase daily necessities. Note that only vegetarian food is sold here and alcohol and non-vegetarian food items are not allowed.
When and How To Visit Dhikala
Dhikala zone is a great place to visit for tourists from 15th Nov to 15th June every year. However, during the rest of the year, this area is prone to heavy monsoon rains, making it unsafe for touring.
Many rivers within the region are currently flowing fast enough to be dangerous for people to cross. The Dhikala Zone is a protected area of the forest where entry is permitted only if you have special permission from the concerned authorities or park authorities.
Dhikala is a highly popular tourist destination for both Indian and foreign visitors, so it’s best to reserve your room early to avoid disappointment.
The entry gate to this zone is the Dhela Gate, which is located around 20 km from Ramnagar – the nearest town to Corbett Park. When you arrive at the gate, you’ll need to show the entry permit in order to get into the park. If you’re wanting to stay at the Jhirna FRH, you’ll need to book a room there in advance, as well as hire a jeep safari and guide – both of which are mandatory in order to enter the park.
Upon arrival at Corbett park, one must obtain a permit in order to enter through the Dhangari gate. As soon as you pass through the gate in your vehicle, you will instantly get a sense of the wondrous place you are about to spend some time exploring.
The large, lush, green, grassy, picturesque landscape and enchanting raw forest will mesmerize you with its wild beauty. The various streams of the Ramganga River are the lifeline of this zone, not only adding beauty to the forest but also supporting the wildlife in this area.
You will pass through many forest lodges on your way to the Dhikana FRH, which is situated in the innermost part of the forest. These include Gairal, Sarapduli, and Sultan, among others.