Dhikala Forest Lodge: An Enchanted Wilderness Retreat in Jim Corbett National Park
Nestled in the heart of India's oldest national park, Jim Corbett National Park, the Dhikala Forest Lodge stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature and hospitality. This iconic lodge offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the untamed beauty of one of India's most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. In this article, we embark on a journey through the enchanting world of Dhikala Forest Lodge, exploring its history, allure, accommodations, and the mesmerizing experiences it offers to nature enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados.
A Historic Gem in the Wilderness:
Dhikala Forest Lodge is not just a place to stay; it's a slice of history intertwined with the natural heritage of Jim Corbett National Park. Established in the 19th century, this lodge has welcomed renowned personalities, from conservationists and photographers to wildlife enthusiasts and explorers. Its historical significance lies in its connection to the legendary hunter and conservationist, Jim Corbett, who played a pivotal role in the creation of the park.
Accommodations Amidst Nature's Splendor:
The lodge offers a range of accommodations that seamlessly blend with the surroundings. From comfortable rooms with essential amenities to forest rest houses, staying at Dhikala is an immersive experience. The highlight of the lodge is undoubtedly the Machan-style rooms, perched above the ground and overlooking the vast grasslands of the Dhikala Chaur. From here, you can witness the captivating drama of the wild unfold right before your eyes, as animals come to graze and drink at the Ramganga River.
Wildlife Encounters Like No Other:
One of the most enticing aspects of staying at Dhikala Forest Lodge is its proximity to wildlife. Situated in the core area of the national park, the lodge offers guests a front-row seat to the incredible biodiversity of Jim Corbett. It's not uncommon to spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and a plethora of bird species right from the lodge premises. In the evening, the lodge's watchtower provides an exceptional vantage point for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Unforgettable Safaris and Experiences:
Dhikala Forest Lodge serves as an ideal base for safaris into the wilderness. The lodge offers Jeep Safaris and Canter Safaris that take you deep into the park's various zones, each with its unique charm and wildlife encounters. The expert naturalist guides accompany you on these adventures, enhancing your understanding of the park's ecosystems and animal behavior.
Conservation and Responsible Tourism:
Dhikala Forest Lodge takes pride in its commitment to responsible tourism and wildlife conservation. The lodge adheres to strict ecological practices to minimize its environmental impact. Visitors are educated about the importance of preserving the park's delicate ecosystems, ensuring that their experiences contribute to the safeguarding of this natural treasure.
Dhikala Forest Lodge in Jim Corbett National Park is more than just accommodation; it's an immersive journey into the wilderness. It's an opportunity to live amidst the untamed beauty of nature, witness the drama of the wild, and create lasting memories that celebrate the natural world. For those who seek to connect with the wild heart of India, this iconic lodge is an experience that transcends the ordinary, inviting you to become a part of the enchanting story of Jim Corbett National Park.
1. HUTMENT
| Room Type: | Double Bed | Location: | Dhikala |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Gate: | Dhangari Gate | Canteen: | Yes |
| No. of Rooms: | 6 | Distance from Ramnagar: | 40 km |
2. CABIN
| Room Type: | Double Bed | Location: | Dhikala |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Gate: | Dhangari Gate | Canteen: | Yes |
| No. of Rooms: | 3 | Distance from Ramnagar: | 40 km |
3. NEW FRH
| Room Type: | Double Bed | Location: | Dhikala |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Gate: | Dhangari Gate | Canteen: | Yes |
| No. of Rooms: | 4 | Distance from Ramnagar: | 40 km |
4. OLD FRH
| Room Type: | Double Bed | Location: | Dhikala |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Gate: | Dhangari Gate | Canteen: | Yes |
| No. of Rooms: | 5 | Distance from Ramnagar: | 40 km |
5. ANNEXI Room
| Room Type: | Double Bed | Location: | Dhikala |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Gate: | Dhangari Gate | Canteen: | Yes |
| No. of Rooms: | 7 | Distance from Ramnagar: | 40 km |
6. DHIKALA Dormitory (LOG HUT)
| Room Type: | Double Bed | Location: | Dhikala |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Gate: | Dhangari Gate | Canteen: | Yes |
| No. of Rooms: | 12 | Distance from Ramnagar: | 40 km |
Attractions
Canter Safari
Canter Safari in Corbett is the best option for those who reside outside the Dhikala Zone and wish to sight the wildlife of the area. Canter is a 16 seater open air bus that drives from Ramnagar to Dhikala and then back to Ramnagar. For canter safari also one needs to make prior booking using the official website.
Chaurs (Grass Lands)
Dhikala is famous for the vast grassland that is packed with Elephants, Spotted Deers, Wild pigs, Hog Deersetc. Often visitors can spot a wild Tiger crossing the grassland or chasing a deer.
Watch Tower
Watch tower situated at Dhikala is perfectly located and enables you to get an excellent view of wildlife which are come for grazing into the nearby chaurs, It also gives you an excellent view of entire ramganga riverbed as well as a large section of Dhikala chaur. This watch tower is located at a 10 mins walk from Dhikala forest rest louse. There is a man made waterhole around fifty yards to the south of the watchtower which makes it the perfect place to spot Deers, elephants, wild pigs and occasionally a Tiger.
Crocodile Point at Gairal
Crocodile pool is located on the short cut from Gairal to the other rest houses west of it. It is also a balcony-like natural structure, which looks down upon a pool almost permanently inhabited by crocodiles.
Sambar Trail
This jungle track extends from the base of the Dhikala watchtower till the Khinanauli rest house. This area probably has the maximum sighting of tigers in the area.This is due to its ideal location between the hills on one side and the riverbed on the other. Most of the animals cross over in this area while moving down for water. Elephants are also frequent visitors to this track and it is important to be able to reverse your vehicle as easily as you drive it forward, if you plan to drive down this way just before sunset in the summer months. A couple of Serpant Eagles also had their nest high up in a tree beside this track. If patience is one of your virtues, it can almost be guaranteed that this track will not send you back disappointed.
One can spot several types of Deers when in the zone this includes Spotted Deer and others like Para (Axis pornicus), The Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Kakkar (Muntiacus muntjak) which is also called the barking deer due to the hoarse sound it makes resembling the bark of a Dog.
It is one of the best places on earth to spot a tiger and wild elephants. This area is also bird watchers dream destination. The surrounding forests and the large water body supports a wide diversity of birds in the area.
The chances of spotting a sloth bear are very high in this section of forest. They are attracted by both termites and the sweet nectar of Mahua flowers. The bears have been recorded in intoxicated state when the Mahua ferments in their digestive system.
Dhikala Range Entry Timing
One can enter Dhikala range via Dhangarhi Gate and the entry timing to Dhikala range from this gate is 10:00 AM till 4:00 PM.Corbett Tiger Reserve remains closed during the monsoons. All ecotourism zones of Corbett Tiger Reserve are closed to visitors for night halts from 15th June to 14th November. The Bijrani Zone remains closed for day visits from 30th June to 14th October. The Dhikala, Lohachaur and Sonanadi Tourism Zones are closed for day visits also from 16th June to 14th November. From 1st to 15th June, these ecotourism zones remains on standby mode and advance reservations are not done as during this time these zones can be shut down by Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve at short notice on considerations of visitor safety due to bad weather conditions.
