Drive to Corbett Tiger Reserve (Dhikala Zone) in April 2022

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Looking for a weekend getaway or even planning for 3-4 days trip this destination will fulfil your travel cravings. Travelling makes one refreshed while travelling to see the wildlife (for real) will let you unwind your inner self and feel grateful too for your life.
Well, there are many wildlife sanctuaries in India that are well recognized by the government. One of which is Jim Corbett National Park. It has many zones but Dhikala zone is the centre of attraction for tourists due to the high chances of sighting tigers as compared to other zones.
Well, in Dhikala you can actually witness the amazing Fauna like Royal Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Chital, Sambar deers, Gharials and many more very closely. Corbett Flora comprises of Grassland, Sal forest, Bali flower, Kusum flower, Bela flower etc.

Stay Option

1. Outside the forest area – If you want to choose options for staying outside the forest area and enjoying leisure then recommended properties are Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand , River Side by Aahma In this stay option, you can book only a canter safari for Dhikala and have no option for Jeep safari. Here canter takes you throughout Dhikala on main roads and you have no option of going off roads like in case of jeep safari.

2. Inside the forest area – Dhikala provides you option for staying inside core forest area. In Dhikala zone too there are many FRH (Forest Rest House) but the first choice is Dhikala FRH followed by Gairal FRH and other FRH in the zone. Dhikala FRH is the first choice being in the core dense area of forest surrounded by grassland which has chances of maximum tiger sighting. One can book max. 3 nights in a go and stay inside the FRH accompanied by the jeep for safari. The rooms are not luxurious but maintained much enough for a proper & comfortable stay.

The best way to experience the flora & fauna is to book your stay in advance, the below link will help you book your stay in the FRH. Approx one-month prior booking is important as it gets occupied quickly for it’s location.

Stay: Here’s the authentic government link of the website to book your stay: https://www.corbettonline.uk.gov.in/

Travel mode from Delhi:

By car: I & my friend (Sumit Rathi) drive early morning from Delhi to Dhikuli (Ramnagar, Uttarakhand) at approx. 04:00 hrs & reached there at approx. 10:30 hrs. One can also travel by train, however, a direct drive from Delhi to Dhikala is much more convenient and time saving.

Reaching CBT (Corbett Tiger reserve), Dhikala:

We reached Dhikuli & contacted our gypsy owner Mr. Sonu (Contact no. – 9837999123) who was humble to offer his home for my car parking. And we initiated our journey to Dhangari Gate (entry gate of Dhikala Zone). Post reaching the Dhangari gate our permit was checked by forest officials and we were allowed entry for our journey.

It took us 1 hour to drive through the thick forest of approx.15 km. from Dhangari entry gate to Gairal FRH. We pre-booked dormitory at Gairal FRH as Dhikala FRH was sold out for the dates.

Dhangari gate
Image 2 (Dhangari gate)
After reaching Gairal FRH, we had our lunch & started off for the evening safari towards Dhikala FRH with a certified guide which is further 15 km inside the forest area. Our first encounter was a group of elephants and other wildlife animals and we enjoyed nature to the fullest.
Image 3 (Sal forest welcoming to Dhikala)
Image 3 (Sal forest welcoming to Dhikala)
Image 4
Image 4
Anyone planning a trip to Dhikala would like to witness a tiger and during our safari, as we reached Paar we spotted daughter of Paarwali (which is a female tigress) in hunting action mode. Luckily, while returning back to FRH, a tigress also crossed our way and sat beside the bushes. I tried to capture a pic of the tigress (Named Titli) but suddenly she charged at our gypsy and run back to the bushes. We were fully shocked to see the aggressiveness of the tigress even without disturbing her. This was the first time we encountered a fake charge by the tiger.
Image 5 (Daughter of paarwali)
Image 5 (Daughter of paarwali)
Image 6
Image 6
We came back to FRH with thrilling recalls and had a delicious dinner buffet and dozed off with a smile and memories in our heart.

The next day we were ready again for the early morning safari at 5 AM. We took one round of Dhikala and were able to see a group of elephants in grassland and some species of birds.

Image 7
Image 7
We proceeded to Paar, one of the areas also known as Switzerland of Dhikala) as it’s peaceful, serene where we encountered elephant charge as well. After an eventful day in CTR and having a fun time we reached Dhikala FRH for lunch and took a rest.
Image 8 (Charging Elephant)
Image 8 (Charging Elephant)
Meals:  
The lunch buffet was for INR. 400 (pure vegetarian and delicious). Same charge is for Dinner too. Safari continues: Till evening the safari staff was there at Dhikala FRH and fortunately in evening safari as well traced 2 tigers and after the safari proceeded back to Gairal FRH. The midway was blocked by an female elephant and the elephant tried to charge our gypsy, but thanks to Sonu who took us safely to FRH.
Image 9 ( I, Sumit & Sonu)
Image 9 ( I, Sumit & Sonu)
Next morning again we started for safari and reached Sambhar Road and were lucky enough to spot the tigress “Peed Wali” (Female Tigress). She was right in front of us charging a barking deer.
Image 10 (Tigress charging barking deer)
Image 10 (Tigress charging barking deer)
Image 11 (Head on shots of Peed Wali)
Image 11 (Head on shots of Peed Wali)

Thanks to our guide who had the knowledge and hence took the gypsy in front of the tigress and while she kept walking towards us for almost 25 minutes. We were the only gypsy on the road and the tigress kept walking even making eye contact with us.

It remains one of the most thrilling experiences which still brings me to chill remembering the close walk with the tigress!

Next, we took a tour towards a place called Chua-Pani, which had a rough terrain and quite a bumpy road where we finally reached Dhikala FRH for lunch.

Though we could witness tigress, tigers, elephants and deer, still the mind wanted more: ‘ye dil maange more’. So, after filling our tummy we tried for ‘Paar’ and got lucky again to find the tigress, also called as ‘Paar wali daughter’ just crossing by us and took a dip in the water body nearby.

Image 12
Image 12

The trip was coming to an end but the heart & camera were full of beautiful, thrilling and scenic memories and unforgettable experiences.

As the dawn was approaching we took an exit from the CTR at around 5:30 PM and took our car from the parking at Sonu’s home and drove back to Delhi.

Tips to Keep in Mind

  • If you plan to witness the wildlife and also see the beauty of nature, it is highly recommended to book in advance your stay.
  • Adhere to the rules & regulations as advised by your guide.
  • You can carry your water bottle and ready-to-eat snacks but do carry a garbage bag to throw it in the dustbin. Or you can pay at Dhangari Gate check post & get a sack from there for garbage.
  • Open season (For Dhikala Zone) : 15th Nov to 14th June

Check out some pictures from the trip through my lens.

Image 14
Image 12

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