In my last 10+ years of exploring the Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone, I have stayed at the main FRH multiple times. The Dhikala Forest Rest House experience for me has been nothing short of extraordinary because staying so close to wildlife gives you a unique perspective to look at nature and its gems, and why they must be taken care of at all costs.
Jim Corbett National Park leads the way in mainstream wildlife conservation in India, and staying at the Dhikala FRH enables you to feel that bond with nature, animals, and birds that not only soothes your soul but also helps you understand the value of life for those who can’t speak. You realize that wildlife conservation is not something to be taken lightly, and every one of us has to come together to save their amazing wild animals and the natural biodiversity of India.
In this blog, I am going to walk you through my personal Dhikala jungle stay experience over the years. Also, I will provide all the details in one single place related to Dhikala FRH bookings with Jungle Revives, what are the various types of stay options available, facilities in the main Dhikala Forest lodge, and what to expect during your stay.
I also have a YouTube channel where you can find my previous visits to Dhikala for wildlife exploration, and also how it was staying at the main forest rest house campus.
Table of Contents
What is Dhikala Forest Rest House?
Located in the heart of Jim Corbett’s Dhikala Zone, the Dhikala FRH is one of the most iconic wildlife accommodation destinations in India and in the world. The Dhikala Forest Rest House experience is unmatchable because it has a lot of history associated with it, as it was built during the British era. Earlier, it was used by hunters and wildlife explorers to stay, and even the legendary Edward James Corbett also stayed here during his early hunting years in the 1900s.
It has around 25 rooms, which are distributed into multiple categories: The old Forest Rest House, New Forest Rest House, Annexe, Cabins, Hutments, and Dormitories.
When in Jim Corbett, you get to experience an eco-stay inside national park here because it’s the only wildlife accommodation that has solar-powered infrastructure installed at the campus. It ensures round-the-clock availability of electricity without any disruption. A rare luxury in the remote wildlife destinations of India.
The Jungle Revives team can fully assist you end-to-end in booking the Dhikala FRH for your next wildlife trip without any hassle. We understand this FRH comprehensively and will ensure you have the best experience staying in the middle of nature and jungles.
Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone is an Ecological Marvel
Let me give you a brief overview of the Dhikala zone in Jim Corbett.
It’s called the crown jewel of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, which covers an approximate area of 500+ square kilometres. Also, it’s the most biodiverse zone in the national park, and is named after the Dhikala Chaur, the largest grassland ecosystem.
It’s covered with the beautiful Himalayan mountain range in the background, and is positioned perfectly at the edge of the Patli Dun Valley. Also, the Ram Ganga River flows through the Jim Corbett National Park via multiple channels, which creates a plethora of habitats for various types of biodiversity. The Ram Ganga Valley views are truly photogenic, and you will definitely get some amazing shots for sure.
The Dhikala Jungle atmosphere is mainly covered with Sal forest and grassland habitat, narrow valleys, riverine belts, and seasonal water channels. The vegetation is mainly sal trees, which reach a height of 35 meters. Their presence creates various other rich biodiversity, which further makes the habitat complex and interesting to explore for wildlife enthusiasts.
The forest silence and nature sounds you experience while on a jeep safari in the Dhikala zone will truly calm you in ways that you can never experience during hustling city life.
Also, the dawn and dusk wildlife moments are truly mesmerizing, as during the early hours of the day and late evenings, you will see a variety of wild animals across various locations in the Dhikala zone. Either they will be near the water bodies, river belts, water holes, or in the jungles resting under the trees, or near the hills. You should never miss a chance to capture some amazing wildlife shots, especially during these hours.
Staying inside Jim Corbett National Park Dhikala Zone at the Main FRH
My Jim Corbett forest lodge experience staying at the main Dhikala FRH has been magnificent over these years.
It’s the only Forest Rest House where every stay of mine has eventually led me to a tiger sighting during Jeep Safaris. You call it luck or pure timing, but staying here has enabled me to understand the wildlife ecosystem very well. Also, I have developed a great bond with the wildlife guides who visit here frequently.
Combine all these, my instincts of understanding the nature, following alarm call sounds, and observing the environment with precision, have made me fully capable of figuring out if there is a possibility of a tiger sighting nearby. I spotted the famous Paar Wali Tigress in the Dhikala Zone a while back while I stayed at the main FRH campus.
Dhikala FRH has options of overnight stay within the core zone, and that gives wildlife lovers a unique opportunity to experience nature closely, like never before. You truly end up immersing yourself in the jungle environment beyond typical safari timings, and that results in a unique Dhikala jungle stay experience. Private vehicles are not permitted.
Coming to the booking process, you have to plan your trip in advance. I would say book your visit here at least 45 days in advance. You can simply connect with the Jungle Revives team, and we will help you with all aspects, like room booking, documentation, permits, and more.
Due to the limited availability of rooms here, you will mostly experience rush days, but with Jungle Revives, you get the reliability of a confirmed booking if planning is done way in advance. Staying inside Jim Corbett National Park Dhikala Zone’s main FRH campus for guests is allowed only for 3 nights.
Dhikala FRH: A Rustic Forest Accommodation in India
You will experience a minimal, back-to-basics kind of stay experience during your visit to the Dhikala Forest House.
It can be a surprising scenario if you are a first-time visitor who would otherwise expect all the luxuries from this place, given its reputation and popularity. But the entire point is its simplicity. You get to enjoy an authentic forest experience, not a luxury stay.
What jungle rooms are like in Dhikala FRH?
You will get spacious rooms, cleanliness fully taken care of, and a structural feel of the British era construction. There will be functional furniture, attached washrooms, availability of hot and cold water, and round-the-clock electricity. However, there are no TVs, AC, room heaters, Wi-Fi, room service, or food options. You must also bring your own toiletries and flashlights.
The food convenience is only available at the central canteen and not in individual rooms. Also, the canteen only serves vegetarian food due to its proximity to jungles and wild animals. You cannot bring alcohol. The food menu is simple, clean, and visitors highly appreciate it. You can dine both indoors and outdoors in the canteen. The outdoor tables will allow you to enjoy the surroundings while dining, and also watch occasional wildlife activity.
Staying at the Dhikala Forest Rest House will ensure you the best and most simple forest lodging experience in India’s most premium wildlife destinations.
Connect with the Jungle Revives team today to get started with your booking at the Dhikala Forest House.
It’s rated as the best wildlife accommodation spot in India amongst seasoned visitors and offers a unique nature immersion stay in Uttarakhand. Located in the protected core zone with access to wildlife 24/7, an authentic stay experience, historical significance, and the ability to connect with fellow wildlife enthusiasts.
Night Experience In Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve
The Jim Corbett forest lodge experience at the Dhikala FRH during the night is something so rare. You will hardly come across anything such in modern life. When the sun sets and darkness takes over the entire area, silence and the presence of wilderness in the vicinity feel like a different yet unsettling experience.
During the night, the lighting is minimal inside the campus, guests must stay inside the electric-fenced perimeter, and stay alert regarding nocturnal creatures. You may hear alarm calls of deer, peacocks, langurs, and other wild creatures, often signalling predator (tiger) movement in the nearby regions.
Very rarely, you might end up hearing a tiger roar from a far distance, but the silence in the surrounding makes this a very frightful yet exciting experience. Oftentimes, elephants might cross the areas in proximity to the Dhikala FRH campus.
So, the overview of the Dhikala Zone in Jim Corbett, while staying in the main FRH campus, is that, at times, you will feel as if you are in a television documentary and things won’t feel real for a while. But after some time, this overwhelming feeling of unfamiliarity and vulnerability will start feeling like the most amazing thing you have ever come across.
During the night, you will genuinely have the most unique Dhikala Forest Rest House experience while staying in the heart of India’s oldest national park. I had many such experiences in my initial days. Later, after years of visiting Dhikala, it’s now something I look forward to with great excitement.
For the perfect Dhikala night stay booking, get in touch with Jungle Revives today.
Wildlife Near Dhikala Rest Houses Such as the Main FRH Campus
The Dhikala Forest Rest House is a truly unique inside-forest accommodation in Jim Corbett. During your stay here, you can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife biodiversity.
Deer & elephant sightings at Dhikala main FRH campus are very common. Other species may include Royal Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Langurs, Jackals, Wild Boars, Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, and Hog Deer.
On the other hand, birdlife around Dhikala campus, like the main FRH area, may include many. These include Serpent Eagle, Hawk-Eagle, Vulture, Great Egret, Little Cormorant, Herons, Ibisbill, Kingfisher, Great Hornbill, and Woodpecker.
From my personal experience, every time I come here, I feel the seriousness of the tiger territory environment very strongly. That’s because not only is it a prime tiger spotting zone, but also a hotspot for many tiger hunting incidents.
Every time I come here, I try my best for wildlife watching from the room stay area during nighttime and from inside the campus perimeter during daytime. I stay aware of not causing any distraction to wildlife nearby for a safer accommodation experience.
First-Time Jungle Stay Guide: What To Expect at Dhikala FRH?
Dhikala trip for nature lovers who are visiting the main Forest Rest house campus for the first time will be nothing short of a mesmerizing and surprising experience.
Many first-time visitors come here expecting some kind of luxury stay experience. But, what they truly get is an authentic and simple stay in the middle of India’s most famous wildlife parks. An experience that you cannot replicate anywhere else in India.
For first-timers, what Dhikala looks and feels like is a place that is so cut off and far away from the hustling city life. Here, time really pauses, and you kind of lose a sense of hurriedness. You feel calm and relaxed by not only connecting with nature, but also with your own self. You experience a basic yet comfortable stay where you can sit in your veranda and sip the morning chai. Also, listen to the forest awaken. In the night, hear sounds of the wild beyond the electric fencing of the campus perimeter.
Another thing to add is that the Dhikala grassland & river views of the Ram Ganga water body channels are very common sightings when you decide to stay in the main FRH campus. The entire surrounding area up to many kilometres is basically dense grasslands. The Ram Ganga River channels have created lots of micro habitats for a lot of biodiversity out here. So, you experience a perfect combination of peaceful accommodation paired with a beautiful scenic view.
Get in touch with Shishir and the Jungle Revives team for your upcoming Dhikala Forest Rest House booking.
Who Should Choose Dhikala Stay Option at the Main Forest Rest House?
Staying at the Dhikala FRH is not for everyone, and that’s what makes it very special. The ideal visitor profile includes someone who is either a:
- True wildlife enthusiast wanting to experience the jungles up close.
- Wildlife Photographers and videographers looking to capture some amazing wildlife moments.
- Nature lovers and ecotourists who are seeking an authentic nature immersion experience rather than luxury amenities.
- Families with older children.
- Solo travellers and small groups of wildlife enthusiasts.
So, do you fall under any of these, and are looking to visit the Dhikala FRH for the first time? Then, get in touch with the Jungle Revives team. We will help you plan the perfect trip without any hurdles.
Why Jungle Revives Team is the Best Dhikala Nature Stay Guide for You?
Shishir and the Jungle Revives team of travel consultants and wildlife trip planners are well renowned across India. They provide one of the best Dhikala Forest Rest House experience to both individuals and groups of wildlife travellers. Shishir has 10+ years of experience staying multiple times at the Dhikala FRH. He knows the ins and outs of this place.
Our team is well-equipped to assist you with planning the perfect stay at this oldest Forest House in India. We will help you book the perfect accommodation in line with your requirements and ensure a seamless stay experience. We will also help you plan the perfect Dhikala Jeep Safari for both morning and afternoon sessions. Also, we will try our best to assist you in tiger sightings.
Staying in Dhikala FRH is not just any other experience. It’s a rare moment of experiencing nature up close in a way that is not easy to replicate anywhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Dhikala Forest Rest House so famous for?
The Dhikala FRH is widely famous for being the oldest Forest Rest House in India. It dates to the British era. It is also the FRH that is present inside India’s oldest national park, Jim Corbett. Also, it is at its central location in the core Dhikala zone area. It provides a perfect opportunity to visitors for an authentic wildlife staying experience. That too in the middle of jungles surrounded by wild animals and birds, which is difficult to replicate anywhere else.
Is Dhikala FRH the best inside-forest accommodation in Jim Corbett?
Yes, it’s one of the best accommodation spots in Jim Corbett. You can stay inside the jungles and experience nature up close.
Which are the top Wildlife Near Dhikala Rest Houses like Main FRH Campus that I can spot?
Animals include deer, elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, langurs, jackals, wild boars, sambar deer, barking deer, and hog deer. Commonly spotted birds include serpent eagle, hawk-eagle, vulture, great egret, little cormorant, herons, ibisbill, kingfisher, great hornbill, and woodpecker. Spotting these will definitely amplify your Dhikala Forest Rest House experience.
How Beautiful are the Dhikala Grassland & River Views
They are genuinely very beautiful and unique to look at. The wide expanse of grasslands and the scenic Ram Ganga River create amazing scenery. This is highly photogenic, and one must not miss any chance to capture the true natural beauty out here. Also, it’s a biodiversity hotspot and has many micro-habitats housing diverse plants and animal species.
How to plan the perfect Dhikala Nature Stay Guide for First Time Visitors?
Get in touch with the Jungle Revives team. We will help you end-to-end in curating the perfect guide for your first-time visit to the Dhikala FRH campus. We will guide you with aspects like documentation, accommodation booking, safari planning, other documentation, and much more.
What to expect at Dhikala FRH?
You will be in for the most amazing stay experience. That too in the middle of the wild jungles of India’s most famous wildlife park. You will experience the most basic, simple yet comfortable accommodation experience while staying at the Dhikala Forest House. It’s an authentic experience where you get to connect with nature in a way like never before.
What is the name of the gate in Dhikala?
The Dhikala Zone entry gate is the Dhangadi gate. It is approximately 20 kilometres from the city of Ramnagar. You can reach the Dhikala FRH through this gate.
How many FRH are in Dhikala Zone?
There are a total of 5 Forest Houses in the Dhikala Zone:
- Dhikala Forest Rest House
- Sultan Forest House
- Gairal FRH
- Sarapduli Forest Lodge
- Khinnanauli FRH
Which river is in the Dhikala Zone?
The Ram Ganga river crosses through the Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone. It’s responsible for sustaining the biodiversity in the region and in areas near the Dhikala FRH.
What is the history of Dhikala Forest Rest House?
It dates to the 1890s during the British era in India, and is the oldest FRH in the country. It is also famous because the legendary Jim Corbett also stayed here during his early days of wildlife hunting.
