Dhikala Forest Lodge Experience - Sleep Where Tigers Roam
Delhi - Ramnagar - Dhikala Core Zone | 02 Nights / 03 Days
The Real Jungle Experience
Imagine this: You're sitting on a wooden veranda deep in the forest, sipping your evening tea while elephants trumpet in the distance and the sun sets over endless green hills. This isn't a dream—it's what awaits you at Dhikala Forest Lodge, the crown jewel of Jim Corbett National Park.
Dhikala is where serious wildlife enthusiasts come for an authentic jungle experience. Located right in the heart of the park's core zone—the area with the highest tiger density—you'll spend two nights actually living inside the forest. No fancy resorts here, just basic but comfortable accommodations surrounded by raw wilderness. At night, you'll hear the jungle come alive with sounds you've never heard before. And yes, there's solar fencing around the lodge, so you can relax knowing you're safe while nature does its thing just outside.
Why Choose This Package?
- Stay inside the core zone—most tourists only get day visits
- Three safari rides through prime tiger territory
- Best chance to spot tigers, wild elephants, and crocodiles
- Wake up to jungle sounds—peacocks calling, deer barking
- Incredible night experience sitting under the stars
- All meals included—simple vegetarian food cooked on-site
- Complete disconnect from city life—limited electricity adds to the charm
- Perfect for photographers and wildlife lovers
Your Day-by-Day Adventure
Expand allYour adventure kicks off when you arrive in Ramnagar (you'll need to arrange your own transport from Delhi—it's about a 6-hour drive). Once you're there, our jeep will be waiting to whisk you away on an exciting 45-kilometer journey through the forest to Dhikala.
First Stop - Dhangarhi Gate: This is where things get official. You'll need to complete some paperwork—the forest department is pretty particular about who enters the core zone. Make sure you have your original ID handy (we're serious about this—photocopies won't work). The gate staff will check your permits and give you a safety briefing.
The Drive In: Now for the fun part! The drive to Dhikala itself is like a safari. Keep your eyes peeled and camera ready because you might spot deer grazing by the roadside, langur monkeys jumping through trees, or if you're lucky, a wild elephant crossing the path. The scenery is stunning—rolling hills, dense forests, and the Ramganga River flowing alongside.
Arrival at Dhikala: You'll check into the KMVN forest rest house—a basic but clean facility with everything you need. After settling in, grab lunch at the canteen. The food is simple vegetarian fare, but trust us, everything tastes better in the jungle!
Evening Safari: Later in the afternoon, you'll head out on your first jeep safari through the Dhikala grasslands and forest areas. This is when the forest starts waking up from its afternoon siesta. Watch for spotted deer, sambars, wild boars, and with luck, a tiger or leopard emerging for their evening hunt.
Night at the Lodge: Back at the lodge, dinner will be ready. After eating, step onto the veranda and just listen. The jungle at night is a symphony—insects chirping, nightjars calling, sometimes the distant roar of a tiger marking its territory. It's magical. The lodge has solar fencing, so you're completely safe, but the proximity to wild animals is thrilling. Sleep comes easy after a day like this!
Wake-Up Call: Someone will knock on your door before sunrise with hot tea. Yes, it's early, but you'll be excited to get up—we promise! The forest at dawn is something else. The mist rolls over the grasslands, birds start their morning chorus, and the first rays of sunlight filter through the trees. Pure magic.
All-Day Safari Adventure: Today is all about exploring. The forest department decides the timing, but generally, you'll spend most of the day out on safaris with breaks for meals back at the lodge. Some of the best wildlife moments happen during these extended drives.
What You Might See: Dhikala is famous for having one of the highest tiger populations in India. Many visitors spot multiple tigers during their stay—sometimes a mother with cubs, or a big male patrolling his territory. The grasslands are home to huge herds of chital deer (sometimes 200+ animals!), sambars, hog deer, and wild pigs. Massive Asian elephants roam in groups, and the Ramganga River is where you'll find gharials and mugger crocodiles sunbathing on the banks.
Bird Paradise: If you're into birds, bring binoculars! Dhikala has over 600 species. You'll see colorful kingfishers diving into the river, massive fish eagles perched on dead trees, and countless smaller birds flitting through the bushes.
Meal Breaks: You'll return to the forest canteen for breakfast and lunch between safari sessions. The food might be basic, but after all that fresh air and excitement, it hits different!
Second Night: Another evening on the veranda, sharing stories with fellow wildlife enthusiasts, watching the sun set over the grasslands. Some nights you might hear tigers calling to each other—a sound that gives you goosebumps in the best way possible. If you're really lucky, you might even spot elephants or deer passing by the lodge area under the moonlight.
Final Morning Safari: Wake up early one last time for your final safari. This is your last chance to spot any animals you might have missed. The morning light is perfect for photography, and there's something bittersweet about knowing this is your last ride through these incredible landscapes.
Breakfast and Checkout: Back at the lodge, enjoy your final meal while soaking in the forest atmosphere. Pack up your things (and all those amazing photos on your memory card!), complete the checkout formalities, and say goodbye to the staff who've taken care of you.
Return Journey: Your jeep will take you back through the forest to Dhangarhi Gate, then onward to Ramnagar where you'll be dropped off. From there, you can head back to Delhi or wherever your next destination calls.
Taking Memories Home: As you leave, you'll carry with you incredible memories—the sight of a tiger walking just 20 meters from your jeep, the sound of elephants trumpeting, the star-filled sky without any city lights, and the realization that you just spent two nights inside one of India's most famous jungles. These memories? They stay with you forever.
What's Included in Your Package
Same for Indian and international travelers
✓ Everything You Get
- Accommodation: Two nights at Dhikala forest lodge (shared rooms with basic but clean facilities)
- All Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners—simple vegetarian food cooked at the forest canteen
- Safari Rides: Three open jeep safaris through prime wildlife areas
- Transportation: Pickup from Ramnagar to Dhikala and drop back (via Dhangarhi Gate)
- All Permits: Park entry fees, accommodation charges, and forest booking fees—all sorted
- Expert Guide: Experienced naturalist guide for all safaris
- Driver & Staff: Driver allowances, housekeeping at the lodge
- Taxes: All government taxes and park fees included
✗ What's Not Included
- Elephant Safari: Optional and available at extra cost (totally worth it if you're interested!)
- Your Journey to Ramnagar: You'll need to arrange transport from Delhi to Ramnagar on your own
- Personal Expenses: Snacks, soft drinks, souvenirs, tips, etc.
- Travel Insurance: Always a good idea to have
- Anything Else: If it's not listed above in the inclusions, it's not covered
Important Booking Information
Minimum Booking Requirements
- You need at least 2 people per room to book this package
- Bookings are subject to availability at the forest lodge (these rooms fill up fast!)
- We recommend booking at least 60-90 days in advance, especially for peak season
About Forest Lodges in Corbett
Here's the deal with forest accommodations—they're not luxury hotels, and that's exactly what makes them special! Here's what you should know:
Electricity:
- Dhikala has basic electricity most of the time
- Other lodges run on generator power until around 10 PM
- Bring a portable charger for your camera and phone!
Different Zone Options:
If Dhikala isn't available, we can arrange stays at other forest lodges. Each has its own charm:
- Dhikala Zone: Dhikala (main), Gairal, Sarapduli, Sultan
- Bijrani Zone: Bijrani, Malani lodges
- Jhirna Zone: Jhirna rest house
- Durga Devi Zone: Lohachaur, Ratwadhap
Budget Option: Dormitory beds are available at Gairal, Dhikala, and Bijrani for travelers on a tighter budget. Great way to save money and meet fellow wildlife enthusiasts!
Note: All rooms vary in size and layout. Some are bigger, some cozier, but all give you the authentic forest experience!
Accommodation Policy
- We'll confirm your exact lodge once booking is complete
- If your preferred lodge is fully booked, we'll find you a similar one in the same or nearby zone
- We'll keep you informed of any changes before you arrive
Cancellation Policy
This is important—cancellation rules follow the forest department's regulations, which can be strict:
- Forest department policies vary by season and booking type
- Last-minute cancellations usually aren't eligible for refunds
- We strongly recommend travel insurance
- Contact us for specific cancellation terms before booking
The ID Requirement (SUPER IMPORTANT!)
Acceptable IDs:
- Passport (mandatory for foreign visitors)
- Driving License
- Voter ID Card
- Aadhaar Card (for Indians)
Peak Season & Holiday Pricing
Heads up—prices can increase during busy times:
- National holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day, etc.)
- Festival periods (Diwali, Holi, Christmas)
- Long weekends (when Friday or Monday is a holiday)
- New Year week (expect premium rates!)
We'll let you know about any extra charges before confirming your booking. Book early to secure better rates!
How to Book Your Trip
- Fill out our inquiry form or give us a call
- Tell us your preferred dates and number of people
- We'll check availability and send you a quote
- Review everything and make the payment to confirm
- Get your confirmation with all the details
- Pack your bags and get ready for an amazing adventure!
Questions People Usually Ask
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