What is a Corbett forest rest house?
Forest rest houses (FRHs) are simple government lodges inside Corbett Tiger Reserve. Many were built in the British era as camps for forest officers. Today visitors can book them for a night or more, which lets you stay inside the jungle after the day visitors leave.
They are not hotels. Rooms are basic, power is limited at most places and the rules are strict. But waking to a tiger’s call or a herd of elephants on the river is something no resort outside can offer. A Corbett forest rest house booking also gives you access to jeep safaris in zones like Dhikala that are closed to day jeeps.
List of forest rest houses in Jim Corbett
These are the main rest houses open to tourists. Room counts are approximate and some are allotted only to officials at times.
| 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. |
| BijraniBijrani Zone | Rooms + small dormitory | Solar / generator | Kitchen: bring provisions | Set in the Bijrani grasslands; easy to reach from Ramnagar. |
| MalaniBijrani Zone | A few rooms | Solar / generator | Kitchen: bring provisions | Remote rest house about 12 km north-west of Bijrani. |
| JhirnaJhirna Zone | A few rooms | Solar / generator | Kitchen: bring provisions | The only rest house in a year-round zone (the night-stay season still applies). |
| LohachaurDurga Devi Zone | A few rooms | Solar / generator | Kitchen: bring provisions | Hill-top rest house above the Mandal river. |
| RathuadhabDurga Devi Zone | A few rooms | Solar / generator | Kitchen: bring provisions | Riverside rest house on the Durga Devi side. |
| HalduparaoSonanadi Zone | A few rooms | Solar / generator | Kitchen: bring provisions | Sonanadi zone rest house, entered from Kotdwar. |
For zone details, see the Dhikala, Bijrani, Durga Devi and Sonanadi zone pages.
Forest rest house rules you must follow
CTR enforces these rules strictly. Breaking one can cost you your booking or lead to a fine.
- 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.
Night safaris are not allowed inside the reserve, and you may not walk outside the fenced area of a rest house. See the wider permit and booking rules.
How Corbett forest rest house booking works
- Book on the official CTR portal. Rooms are released online, usually about 45 days ahead for Indian visitors and 90 days for foreign nationals. Popular dates at Dhikala can sell out on the day they open.
- Pay in full. The room is confirmed only after full payment. Guest names and ID numbers are fixed at booking.
- Add safaris. Your room booking is separate from your safari. Plan jeep or canter safaris for your entry, stay and exit days.
- Collect the permit in Ramnagar. On arrival day, report to the CTR reception centre in Ramnagar with the same photo ID. You receive the entry permit there.
- Drive in before the gate closes. Gates shut around sunset and no vehicle may move inside after dark.
Which forest rest house should you choose?
- First night inside, best facilities: Dhikala. It has electricity, a canteen, a watchtower and the best grasslands.
- Riverside calm with a canteen: Gairal, on the Ramganga before Dhikala.
- Short stay close to the gate: Sultan, the first rest house after Dhangarhi.
- Heritage and quiet: Sarpduli or Khinanauli, deeper and less busy.
- Views and history: Kanda, the highest rest house, with Himalayan views.
- Easy access from Ramnagar: Bijrani, in the middle of good tiger country.
- Birding and rivers: Lohachaur or Rathuadhab on the Durga Devi side.
- Away from the crowds: Halduparao in Sonanadi, entered from Kotdwar.
What to pack for a forest rest house stay
Only Dhikala and Gairal have canteens. At the other rest houses there is a kitchen and a cook, but you must bring your own provisions: rice, dal, vegetables, spices, milk, tea and snacks. Remember that non-vegetarian food and alcohol are not allowed.
- Torch or headlamp and spare batteries. Most rest houses run on solar or a generator for a few hours only.
- Power bank for your phone and camera batteries.
- Warm clothes from November to February, when nights can fall to about 5°C.
- Drinking water, basic medicines and mosquito repellent.
- Dull or khaki clothing, binoculars and a field guide.
- Original photo ID used for booking, and a printout of your booking.
Night-stay season: 15 November to 15 June
Forest rest houses are usually open for tourists from 15 November to 15 June. They close for the monsoon, when rivers rise and forest roads wash out. Some Bijrani-side rest houses may open a little earlier, but Dhikala always follows the 15 November date.
November, December, February and March have pleasant weather and good birding. April to mid-June brings heat but the best tiger sightings. See our best time to visit Jim Corbett guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a forest rest house in Corbett?
Rooms are booked on the official Corbett Tiger Reserve portal with full payment. You then collect the permit at the CTR reception in Ramnagar on the day of arrival, using the same photo ID.
How many nights can I stay at a Corbett FRH?
Usually a minimum of 1 night and a maximum of 3 nights per booking.
Is there electricity at Corbett forest rest houses?
Dhikala has regular electricity. Most other rest houses rely on solar power or a generator for a few hours in the evening.
Is food available at the rest houses?
Dhikala and Gairal have canteens. At other rest houses you bring your own vegetarian provisions and the caretaker cooks.
When are Corbett forest rest houses open?
Usually from 15 November to 15 June. They close during the monsoon.
Can I drink alcohol or eat non-veg at a forest rest house?
No. Both are banned inside the tiger reserve.
Which is the best forest rest house in Corbett?
Dhikala is the most popular for its facilities and grasslands. Gairal, Sarpduli and Khinanauli are quieter choices in the same zone.