About the Dhikala forest lodge
The Dhikala forest lodge sits on a high bank above the Ramganga river, in the heart of the Dhikala zone, about 51 km from Ramnagar. In front of it stretches the Dhikala chaur, a huge grassland where herds of deer graze and tigers and elephants often appear. Behind it rise forested hills.
It is not a single building but a fenced complex run by the forest department, with a canteen managed by KMVN. An electric fence keeps wild animals out, so you can walk freely inside the campus after dark. A Dhikala forest lodge booking is the most sought-after stay in Corbett, and for good reason.
Dhikala rooms and accommodation wings
The complex has roughly six accommodation wings, about 28 rooms in total, plus a dormitory. The mix changes over time, but it usually includes:
- Old forest rest house: the heritage building, more than 100 years old, with a few high-ceilinged rooms.
- Annexe: rooms next to the old FRH, simple and comfortable.
- Hutments: standalone huts, popular with small groups.
- Cabins: compact rooms, some with views over the grassland.
- New FRH: a newer block with slightly more modern fittings.
- Dormitory: shared bunk beds (about 12), the cheapest way to stay.
| Rest house | Rooms | Power | Food | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DhikalaDhikala Zone | ~28 rooms across 6 wings + dormitory | 24×7 electricity | Canteen (KMVN) | The flagship lodge on the Ramganga, with a watchtower and an evening wildlife film. |
| GairalDhikala Zone | Rooms + 8-bed dormitory | Solar / generator | Canteen (KMVN) | Riverside rest house on the Ramganga, before Dhikala. |
| SultanDhikala Zone | A few rooms | Solar / generator | Kitchen: bring provisions | First rest house after Dhangarhi gate; good for short stays. |
| SarpduliDhikala Zone | A few rooms | Solar / generator | Kitchen: bring provisions | Quiet heritage rest house between Gairal and Dhikala. |
| KhinanauliDhikala Zone | A few rooms | Solar / generator | Kitchen: bring provisions | Deep inside, beyond Dhikala; highly sought after. |
| KandaDhikala Zone | A few rooms | Solar / generator | Kitchen: bring provisions | Highest rest house (~1,100 m) with Himalayan views; linked to the Kanda man-eater story. |
Facilities include a canteen with simple vegetarian meals, a watchtower overlooking the chaur, a small library or reception, and an evening wildlife film. Electricity is available but mobile network is weak.
A typical 1-night and 2-night Dhikala itinerary
1 night
- Day 1, morning: Collect your permit at the CTR reception in Ramnagar. Drive to Dhangarhi gate and on to Dhikala, safari-style, with your registered jeep and guide. Check in by lunch.
- Day 1, afternoon: Afternoon safari across the chaur and along the Ramganga. Evening at the watchtower, dinner and the wildlife film.
- Day 2: Dawn safari, breakfast, get your clearance certificate and drive out, watching for wildlife on the way.
2 nights
Add a full middle day with a morning and an afternoon safari, and a quiet midday at High Bank or the watchtower. Two nights roughly doubles your chances of a good tiger sighting and is far more relaxed. Our Dhikala Tiger Trail package builds this in with a lodge night outside.
Jeep or canter for Dhikala guests?
As a lodge guest, you can enter Dhikala in a registered jeep (Gypsy) with a guide, and take jeep safaris during your stay. That is the main advantage of staying over: day visitors can only come by the shared canter.
A jeep gives you privacy, flexibility and the chance to wait at a sighting. It costs more (roughly ₹6,500 – ₹7,500 per jeep per shift for Indians). Some guests also book canter seats for one shift to save money. You cannot take your own car beyond the gate unless it is permitted on your booking, so plan a registered jeep for the whole stay.
Dhikala lodge rules
- Night-stay season is 15 November – 15 June. All rest houses close for the monsoon.
- Minimum 1 night and maximum 3 nights per booking.
- Up to 2 adults and 2 children (under 12) per room; an extra bed is charged separately.
- Collect the permit at the CTR reception in Ramnagar before driving in, with the same photo ID used to book.
- Reach the gate before it closes (around sunset). No driving inside after dark.
- Check in on the booked date. A no-show on day one can cancel the whole booking.
- No alcohol and no non-vegetarian food inside the reserve.
- Get a clearance certificate from the rest house before you leave.
Also note: no loud music, no feeding animals, no stepping outside the fence, and dinner is served at fixed times. Carry your original ID at all times.
Pack warm layers from November to February, a torch for walking between wings at night, and binoculars for the watchtower. Mobile signal is patchy, so share your plans with family before you enter.
How to make a Dhikala forest lodge booking
- Rooms open on the official CTR portal, usually about 45 days ahead for Indians and 90 days for foreigners.
- Choose your wing or dormitory, enter each guest’s ID and pay in full.
- Book your jeep and guide separately, for the entry, stay and exit days.
- On arrival day, collect the permit at the Ramnagar reception and reach Dhangarhi gate before it closes.
The season runs from about 15 November to 15 June. Weekends, Christmas–New Year and April–May sell out fastest. See all forest rest houses for the full rules.
If Dhikala is full: the best alternatives
- Gairal: on the Ramganga before Dhikala, with its own canteen. The closest thing to Dhikala.
- Sultan: near Dhangarhi gate, good for a short first night.
- Sarpduli: quiet heritage rest house between Gairal and Dhikala. Bring provisions.
- Bijrani: in a top tiger zone, easy to reach from Ramnagar.
- Riverside resorts outside: stay on the Kosi near Dhikuli and do day safaris plus the Dhikala canter. Browse resorts near Corbett.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the Dhikala forest lodge?
Book on the official Corbett Tiger Reserve portal when the window opens, pay in full, then collect your permit at the CTR reception in Ramnagar on arrival day.
How many rooms are there at Dhikala?
Roughly 28 rooms across about six wings, plus a dormitory with shared beds.
Is there electricity and food at Dhikala?
Yes. Dhikala has electricity and a canteen serving simple vegetarian meals.
Can Dhikala guests do a jeep safari?
Yes. Overnight guests can enter and take safaris in a registered jeep with a guide, which day visitors cannot.
When is Dhikala open for stays?
Usually from 15 November to 15 June. It closes for the monsoon.
How many nights can I stay at Dhikala?
Between 1 and 3 nights per booking. Two nights is a good balance.
What if Dhikala is fully booked?
Try Gairal, Sultan or Sarpduli in the same zone, Bijrani rest house, or a riverside resort outside with a Dhikala canter safari.