Discover an immersive night-stay experience at Corbett National Park, available for booking across different zones like Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Sonanadi, Durgadevi, and Dhela. All accommodations within Corbett adhere to guidelines set by India’s forest department, ensuring a responsible and safe environment for all visitors. Allocation of accommodations, safari drivers, and naturalist guides are strictly managed by forest authorities. Please note that each zone is equally abundant in wildlife sightings, including tiger populations, to give every visitor a unique experience. Our booking system is automated to provide fair access to each zone for our guests at Jungle Safari Tour & Travel.

Booking Formalities

• Visitors must carry the original ID submitted during booking to access Corbett National Park.
• Acceptable ID proofs include Driving License, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport (for foreign visitors), etc.
• All accompanying travelers should also carry valid ID proof.
• Safari pick-up and drop are available from Ramnagar city, with optional pick-up from hotels or resorts at additional cost based on location.
• Booking fees are non-refundable once permits are confirmed.

Corbett Forest Rest Houses / Forest Lodges

For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, staying in a Forest Rest House (FRH) inside Corbett offers an unforgettable experience. From the sounds of wildlife echoing through the night to the thrill of spotting animals near the forest fences, staying at an FRH immerses visitors in the wonders of Corbett’s wilderness.

Accommodation Options at Forest Lodges

Dhikala Forest Lodge

Dhikala Forest Lodge offers a range of accommodations, featuring 25 rooms divided into five categories and two dormitories, each with 12 beds. Each area provides a unique experience within the park.

• Old Forest Rest House: 5 rooms
• New Forest Rest House: 4 rooms
• Annexe: 7 rooms
• Hutment: 6 rooms
• Cabin: 3 rooms

The Dhikala area of Corbett National Park stands as one of the most untouched and wildlife-rich zones in Northern India, offering a remarkable variety of fauna and flora along with mesmerizing natural landscapes. This unique area features expansive grasslands known as "Chaurs," reminiscent of the African Savannah, providing a pristine wildlife environment. The historic Dhikala Forest Lodge, built in 1936, is perched on the edge of the Ramganga Reservoir and provides a stunning view of the lush Kumaon and Garhwal hills. Staying overnight here allows guests to experience true wilderness, with activities like Elephant rides, Jeep Safaris, and mid-morning observations from towers overlooking the Ramganga River and water holes. Dhikala is located about 50 km from Ramnagar Railway Station.

While Dhikala Forest Lodge offers basic accommodations, these have been significantly upgraded since 2006, delivering a comfortable experience amidst the wilderness. Visitors can spot wildlife right from their verandah, as the lodge is set in the park's core area and safeguarded with solar fencing for added protection. The rooms have been renovated with improved facilities that meet Indian jungle standards, making Dhikala an ideal retreat for nature lovers.

Rooms at the lodge are clean, with tiled floors and attached English-style flushing toilets. Showers and mixers are available, although bucket baths are recommended in case of any malfunction. Both hot and cold water is provided, although we recommend mineral water for brushing teeth. The lodge offers electricity during specific hours, with a backup generator and inverters. Wildlife films are screened every other evening in a cozy theater setup, and a well-curated wildlife library is available for visitors.

Jungle Safari Tour & Travel is dedicated to delivering personalized services led by experts in Wildlife, Bird Watching, and Fishing, pioneering Wildlife Safari Tours to Corbett and Dudhwa National Parks. Our overnight tours to Dhikala and Gairal Lodges within Corbett Park are ideal for wildlife enthusiasts looking to explore this natural gem in-depth.
Our team ensures comfort by providing clean bed sheets, pillowcases, towels, hot water bottles, mosquito repellents, and more essentials during the stay. The on-site restaurant serves vegetarian Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine in buffet style, using stoneware crockery. Alcohol is not served; however, guests may bring personal supplies. Staying at Dhikala is a truly memorable experience, perfect for the adventurous and nature-loving traveler.

Gairal Forest Lodge

Gairal Forest Lodge offers 6 rooms and a dormitory with 8 beds, divided into two categories: Old Forest Rest House and New Forest Rest House.

• Old Forest Rest House: 2 rooms
• New Forest Rest House: 4 rooms

Known as the second most preferred lodge after Dhikala, Gairal is located along the banks of the Ramganga River. This lodge has limited electricity, available for a few hours each evening through a generator.

Sarapduli Forest Lodge

Sarapduli Forest Lodge provides 2 standard rooms and a dormitory with 3 beds.

Located en route to Dhikala Lodge from Dhangari Gate, Sarapduli Lodge is centrally positioned, facing the Ramganga River within the Dhikala zone. The lodge is a hotspot for tiger and elephant sightings and is highly recommended for bird watchers and crocodile enthusiasts.

Sultan Forest Lodge

Sultan Forest Lodge, with its 2 standard rooms, is the first lodge along the drive from Dhangari Gate to Dhikala. Named after the seasonal stream Sultan Sot, this lodge lacks solar fencing, offering a raw jungle experience. It’s an ideal spot for nature safaris, birdwatching, and potential tiger sightings through Jeep or Elephant safaris for those seeking a thrilling wildlife adventure.

Note:

• Day visits to all zones are regulated based on the park’s capacity, with a limited number of vehicles allowed in the mornings and afternoons.
• Day visit permits to the Sonanadi Ecotourism zone can be obtained from the Kotdwar Visitor Center.
• Permits for other zones are available online on Jungle Safari Tour & Travel.
• Visitors should familiarize themselves with gate timings and arrive early to avoid delays.
• Private vehicles are prohibited for tourism; visitors must use vehicles registered with CTR. The Dhikala Ecotourism Zone is accessible only via Canter buses through Ramganga Conducted Tours.
• Elephant rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Bijrani and Dhikala zones.
• Canteens are available at Dhikala, Bijrani, and Gairal lodges, with kitchen facilities at other locations.

Accommodation in Forest Lodge - Basic / Standard:

• Attached toilets: Yes, except in dormitories.
• Star category: None.
• AC in rooms: No.
• TV in rooms: No.
• Tea kettle in rooms: No.
• Mobile connectivity: Limited.
• Landline: No.
• Electricity: Dhikala has a fixed electricity line; other lodges rely on solar panels.
• Restaurant/Canteen: Dhikala and Gairal lodges have canteens; others offer kitchen facilities.
• Room category: Though categorized, room standards vary. Each offers a unique jungle experience.
• Location: All lodges in the Dhikala zone boast scenic views of the forest for a rich wildlife experience.
• Safety: All lodges except Sultan are enclosed by solar fencing to prevent animal intrusion.