Dhikala needs no introduction...It's simply one of India's finest patches of wilderness, nestled deep within the fabled Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. Wildlife lovers swear by this pristine forest patch and photographers are ready to spare an arm for a booking in this coveted zone of Corbett National Park.
After months of planning, we finally got a chance to visit this fabled land on April 2019 and what a trip it turned out to be. Here's a little photographic tribute to the paradise called Dhikala
Located at a distance of roughly 15 Km from the town of Ramnagar, the Dhangarhi Gate is the place where your journey to Dhikala Zone begins...A mandatory group photo at the entrance !
The journey from Dhangarhi Gate to Dhikala Forest Rest House (FRH) takes you through thick saal forests, meandering river beds and some stunning landscapes
The first stop at the beautifully located Gairal FRH for some tea and snacks ...Gairal FRH is quaintly located on the banks of the Ramganga River and surrounded by thick Saal forests
The high banks of Gairal offer a panoramic view of the Ramganga and its valley and also an opportunity observe one of Corbett's unique denizens...The Gharial (The Fishing Crocodile)
Finally, the Dhikala Forest Rest House....The viewing deck (not in the picture) provides a jaw dropping view of the grasslands and the Ramganga River
Photo Credit: Kaustav Mukherjee
The Old Forest Rest House bears the signature British architecture and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the grasslands below
Photo Credit: Kaustav Mukherjee
The signature Dhikala landscape with the dead trees within the expansive grasslands are a treat to watch, especially during sunrise
Photo Credit: Kaustav Mukherjee
Early morning rush to catch a glimpse of the apex predator
Dhikala is probably one the best places in India to observe the Asiatic Elephants, and they keep you enthralled !
A herd of pachyderms cross the Ramganga and indulge in a dust bath...Dhikala is simply captivating in every sense
Did I mention, the Pachyderm Parade can often bring traffic to a standstill !
And finally...The gorgeous female from the grasslands step out in the open followed by her two boisterous cubs
The queen obliges with a head turn and the photographers go berserk
Some serious sibling rivalry within the forests
The Kamarpatta Road is one of the most beautiful forest patches within Dhikala. The tunnel of the Saal trees and the thick under growth makes the journey exquisite
Sunset in Corbett is one of the most calming experience, as the sun slowly melts away in horizon in the backdrop of the Shivalikh Ranges
A mandatory group photo with our guide and expert driver who made our trip so special and memorable
Those who care for details, here is my two pence on how to plan your trip to Corbett...
Much as we like Dhikala, getting a booking in the forest rest house is a living nightmare!!! The website meant for booking is a poor joke and hence you are better off outsourcing the same to some of your local agents. There are many of them, but I stick to Prashant Kumar (+91 81261 71822)
You may arrive at Ramnagar from Delhi by train either at 8:30 PM in the evening or next day early morning and head straight to Dhangarhi gate. I personally prefer the late evening arrival and an overnight stay in Ramnagar, since it allows me a good night's sleep and keeps me all fresh for Dhikala.
Dhikala Zone has the 5 Forest Rest Houses (Sultan, Sarpduli, Gairal, Khinanauli and Dhikala), of which Dhikala and Gairal provide canteen services, whereas all other rest houses require you to carry your ration while food can be cooked by the care takers.
Khinanauli is only reserved for VIPs and hence normal tourists are not permitted. We used this FRH only as a pit stop.
Dhikala FRH is the most coveted one, since it is closest to the the most coveted areas of Dhikala like the grasslands, Mota Saal and Sambar Road however it also the most crowded owing to the maximum number of rooms. Sultan, Sarpduli and Gairal are further away from the grasslands, yet are much more quaint and probably offer a far better feel of the forest.
All in all, Dhikala is a must visit for any wildlife lover and one of the most picturesque forest patches in the country. Whether you get to see the Tiger or not, Dhikala will keep you anchanted for sure