Corbett Canter Safari (Dhikala) Timings & Tariff | |
Price | INR 2500 / Seat (Indian) | INR 4500 / Seat (Foreigner) |
Winter Timings | 06:55 AM & Exit- 12:00 PM | 12:25 PM & Exit- 05:30 PM |
Summer Timings | 05:45 AM & Exit- 11:00 PM | 11:45 PM & Exit- 05:00 PM |
Dhikala Canter Safari only operates from 15th Nov to 15th June of every year. It is closed for the remaining time due to the rainy season. | |
Welcome to the Dhikala Canter Safari Booking at Corbett National Park. The Dhikala Zone, located in Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, is one of the most popular core zones among tourists. The captivating canter safari in Dhikala distinguishes it from other safari zones within Corbett. Visitors can conveniently book the Dhikala Canter Safari online. All booking procedures are overseen by forest officials in accordance with the guidelines set by India's forest department. Please note that tourists cannot request changes to the assigned safari zone, driver, or naturalist guide.
Dhikala Canter Safari
The Canter safari accommodates up to 16 people at a time and operates on a shared basis. The Canter, which is similar to a minibus, takes visitors to the Dhikala Zone, the central part of Corbett Tiger Reserve, also known as Jim Corbett National Park. This zone is renowned for its dense wildlife population and natural beauty. The Dhikala Canter Safari is an excellent option for those who do not have a permit for an overnight stay in the Dhikala Zone. The Canter safari provides an alternative means to explore the core area of Corbett National Park. These safaris are conducted twice daily, with the first safari starting at 6:00 AM and the second at around 12:00 PM. Each safari lasts approximately five hours, allowing visitors to experience the park's offerings without the need to stay at the Dhikala Forest Rest House within the safari zone.
Unlike other zones in Corbett National Park, the Dhikala Zone does not offer Jeep safaris for day visitors. To enter this zone, you must obtain a permit for an overnight stay at one of the Forest Rest Houses (FRH) within the park. After securing the permit, you must hire a Jeep with a driver and a naturalist to access the park and reach your booked accommodation. The canter safari in Dhikala Zone begins from the Dhangari Gate. Once inside, tourists have the freedom to explore Dhikala’s diverse flora and fauna by canter throughout the day, within the designated hours
Attractions in Dhikala Zone
The Dhikala Safari Zone is a prime example of untouched natural beauty, offering the most picturesque landscape in Corbett National Park. Known for its rich biodiversity, Dhikala is the most sought-after tourism zone in India. It is the largest of the five zones within the Corbett Tiger Reserve and boasts a stunning landscape that includes dense Sal forests, expansive grasslands, narrow valleys, and various channels of the Ramganga River. The Ramganga River, considered the lifeline of the Corbett forest, enhances the area’s rustic beauty and nourishes its flora and fauna.
The main attractions in the Dhikala Zone are the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic elephants. This zone is densely populated with these majestic animals, offering visitors frequent opportunities to witness the grace of the Royal Bengal tigers and the grandeur of elephant herds. The zone is named after the vast Dhikala grassland, the largest in the Corbett Reserve. In addition to tigers and elephants, the Dhikala Zone is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including leopards, spotted deer, sambar deer, hog deer, langurs, wild boars, crocodiles, and many more.
Forest Rest House :
An overnight stay at a forest rest house in the Dhikala Zone is a dream adventure for any wildlife enthusiast. Dhikala Forest Rest House is the most preferred by tourists due to its strategic location and superior amenities. It is the largest rest house, offering approximately 28 double-bed rooms and a 12-bed dormitory across various accommodation wings.
To visit the Dhikala Zone, you must obtain an entry permit for the safari, which you will need to present to the forest officials at the Dhangari entry gate. You can book your safari entry permit online up to 45 days in advance, or you can book a same-day safari at the forest office in Ramnagar, subject to availability and on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to the entry permit, you are required to hire a canter and a guide or naturalist, as these are mandatory for entry into the tiger reserve area. Each canter Jeep can accommodate a maximum of 16 adults ( 12 years and above), along with the driver and guide. It is highly recommended to book your permit in advance, as there is a high demand for safaris, and only 30 safari Jeeps are allowed into the Dhikala Zone per shift, with most being pre-booked.
Forest Watchtower :
The watchtower is a distinctive feature of the Dhikala Zone, providing an exceptional vantage point for wildlife observation. Strategically positioned to overlook the expansive Chaur and the entire length of the Ramganga River, the watchtower offers spectacular views of animals grazing in the grasslands or roaming along the riverbank. Located near the Dhikala Forest Rest House, the watchtower is conveniently accessible to guests staying at the rest house.
Gairal Crocodile Point :
Adjacent to the Gairal Rest House, Crocodile Point is a terrace-like platform constructed above a pool that serves as a permanent habitat for numerous crocodiles. From this vantage point, visitors can observe the crocodiles and their activities by looking down into the pool. The experience of viewing these formidable aquatic creatures up close is truly remarkable.
Grass Lands (Chaurs) :
The expansive grasslands within Corbett National Park are referred to as Chaurs. These areas serve as prime locations in the Dhikala Zone for observing a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, numerous species of deer, and wild pigs, among others. The Dhikala Zone is renowned for its extensive Chaurs, and frequent tiger sightings are commonly reported by visitors.
Prohibitions in Dhikala Zone
- Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited.
- All personal items and non-biodegradable waste, such as tin cans, plastic bottles, glass containers, and metal foils, should be collected in a carry bag and properly disposed of after the safari.
- These measures are implemented to ensure the safety of the animals and the preservation of their natural habitats in the Dhikala Zone.