It was the Year 2022 when my trip to the Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone turned out to be very interesting and memorable. It was the first time that my tiger safari in Dhikala zone led to the spotting of the Ped Wali Tigress whose stories I have been hearing for so long. My wife and my kids were delighted with the Dhikala Jeep Safari experience and their happiness manifolded when they witnessed the Ped Wali Tigress right in front of their eyes and just a few feet apart.
We sighted the Ped Wali Tigress near the sambar road. It’s situated near the region of Jim Corbett National Park Dhikala Zone where the Ram Ganga River Crosses. Spotting a tiger be it male or female is not that common during Jeep Safari in Dhikala Zone of Jim Corbett National Park. It needs the perfect combination of luck and timing, and that day we had both on our side.
The Dhikala zone of the Corbett Tiger Reserve is famous for tiger spotting and is the heart of the National Park. Be it summer or winter season, the footfall that is seen here is immense because Jim Corbett is a premier tiger safari destination of India, amongst many other wildlife parks. The Dhikala zone offers great prospects to spot a tiger during Jeep or canter safaris. When you take an experienced guide or naturalist with you, you can rest assured that your safari experience will be amplified significantly due to proper guidance by experts who know the park inside out.
Table of Contents
What time is the Dhikala Morning Safari?
We started the Dhikala Safari early in the morning around 5-5:30 AM, navigated the entire Dhikala Zone in search of the Ped Wali tigress, and finally found her after a couple of hours of persistence and patience.
Quick Facts:
- Dhikala Safari Timings in the Morning
- Starts 5:30 AM in Summer.
- Starts 6:30 AM in Winter.
- Grasslands in Dhikala: Prime Tiger Spotting Location.
- Total Forest Rest Houses in Dhikala: 5
- Dhikala: Tiger Spotting Hub in Jim Corbett
- Canter Safari: only in Dhikala.
- Jeep vs Canter Safari in Dhikala
- Jeep is more comfortable
- Canter is more Cost effective.
- Dhikala Safari Duration: 3 to 4 Hours
- Dhikala is Closed in Monsoon.
- Best time to Visit Dhikala: 15 November to 15 June
What to Expect During Tiger Safari in Dhikala?
It was the first time when I decided to visit the Dhikala Zone of the Jim Corbett National Park. As I hadn’t visited this part of the Corbett Dhikala Tiger Reserve earlier, so it was a new adventure for me. I was fascinated by the scenery and landscape in this part of Jim Corbett. There were lush green trees all around and the gentle breeze/wind blowing made it so much more peaceful. It was purely a zone of bliss where the silence was soothing to both the heart and mind. As our jeep was navigating the off-road terrain of Dhikala Jim Corbett region at a moderate speed, we were vigilant and alert all the time. As much as we were enjoying our journey, we were also very careful about any wild animals crossing so that we didn’t come in direct contact with them.
I had heard of the ped wali tigress many times and the stories of how majestic and royal it looks. But this time, I wanted to experience the tiger spotting right in front of my eyes. Spotting a tiger in the Dhikala Zone of Jim Corbett needs a lot of luck and patience, and we all were determined to see her today for the first time.
Where to Find Bengal Tigers in Dhikala Jim Corbett?
Grasslands and the Ram Ganga Riverbanks are prime areas where tigers are spotted in Dhikala. As we reached a little further, we entered an area from where the grasslands area started. It was a beautiful landscape to look at where on one side we could see the lush green grasslands. Right behind it, we could also spot the beautiful mountains that span the regions of Uttarakhand. Our search for the Ped Wali Tigress in Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone was getting exciting as we continued with our journey. Everybody was highly excited and anticipation was running at an all-time high.
We booked our accommodation at the Gairal Forest Rest House which is approximately 14 KM away from the main Dhikala Campus and Dhikala Entry Gate. As we embarked on an afternoon Dhikala Jeep Safari, it was a new experience for me and my family. The road in front of us was straight and full of grass on both sides. We continued navigating towards the sambar road which is quite a popular place out here in the Dhikala Zone Area.
We were running short on time since we had to turn back on time toward our Gairal Rest house. Time was limited and suspense to see the Ped Wali Tigress was getting intense. “Will we be able to see her? Or will we return disappointed?” was a question that rushed through everyone’s mind. It was getting more challenging.
How to Stay Updated with Recent Tiger Sightings in Corbett?
We also enquired about the recent spotting of the Ped Wali Tigress at our Gairal Forest Lodge. But to our luck, all the safari guides, the Gairal Forest Rest House staff, and the locals told us that no one had spotted her in the last few days. As we continued with our Dhikala Safari into the dense jungles, we were being extra careful. This was because we were notified by our guide that elephants cross this region usually and many people have come in close contact with them in the past. So, he was warning us to be extra careful and to follow all the designated rules in case we encountered an elephant.
Time passed by and I was just left with 30 minutes before every one of us had to make a turn back to our Gairal forest lodge. I was getting anxious and losing all hope of spotting the Ped Wali Tigress in Dhikala. Suddenly it struck me that we should all go to the riverside (Ram Ganga River) and wait there. Maybe we will get lucky.
Are Tigers found Near Ram Ganga River in Dhikala Zone?
Yes, many tiger spottings happen near the famous Ram Ganga river in Jim Corbett Dhikala zone as that serves as a primary spot for tigers to bathe, drink water and stay cool during summer season.
As we approached the Ram Ganga River, the beautiful views amazed me. Both the Grasslands and the Ram Ganga River were in one frame. It was such a beautiful sight and the rays of the sun approaching dusk made the entire view even more beautiful. We were about to reach the spot where the Ped Wali Tigress is usually seen.
Spotting Ped Wali Tigress in Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone
At last, finally, the moment came when we reached the perfect spot near the Ram Ganga River. It was finally the moment of truth when the Ped Wali Tigress was right in front of us. We were by the roadside, and she was walking down near the bank of the Ram Ganga River. We watched her from the top while she continued walking. I was speechless at that moment and still can’t believe what I just saw! On my first-ever visit to Dhikala and spotted the Ped Wali Tigress. It all seemed like a movie was rolling and just like a good climax, we reached the end of our Dhikala Jeep Safari.
To our surprise, just after a few minutes, she climbed to the top. She was standing right in front of us. It must have been a few tens of feet. It was shocking to see her so up close. Everyone was so overwhelmed with emotions that anyone could barely speak anything. We were enjoying the moment to the fullest by being fully present in it. All of us recorded the views with cameras and phones. Everyone tried their best to get a perfect capture of her.
Finally, the Ped Wali Tigress went away into the dense jungle and vanished from our sight. She left us behind loads of emotions and great memories that we will cherish forever. The overall experience of spotting the tigress was remarkable. Visiting the Jim Corbett Dhikala Zone seemed like a fulfilling journey now. We all were very happy and just in time turned back towards the Gairal Rest House. This wrapped up our Tiger Safari in Dhikala with unforgettable memories.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time to spot a tiger in Dhikala Zone?
It takes a perfect combination of luck and timing to spot the Ped Wali Tigress but early morning or late afternoon is the best time to spot tigers like Ped Wali Tigress in Dhikala Zone. You will find her either near the Ram Ganga River or on the Sambar road during these times.
Is tiger spotting guaranteed during Dhikala Safari?
No, it’s not guaranteed and depends on a lot of factors like luck, timing, and patience. But, with the perfect combination of these, and an experienced guide, you can surely spot one on your next Dhikala Safari with Jungle Revives.
How do I book a Dhikala Jeep Safari?
You can connect with the Jungle Revives Team and we will help you plan your Dhikala Jeep Safari to spot the Ped Wali Tigress. Spotting her will be one of the most unique wildlife adventures you will have, and we will help you plan your next trip.
Can I stay overnight in the Dhikala Zone?
Yes, You can book an overnight stay in the Dhikala Forest Rest House by booking an accommodation of your choice. You can also book the Gairal Forest House and choose your preferred accommodation for the overnight stay. The packages are available across various price points in both these Forest Rest Houses. Next day you can start with your Dhikala Jeep Safari.
What is the Role of Ram Ganga River in Jim Corbett?
The bank of the Ram Ganga River is one of the perfect spots where you can spot tigers like Ped Wali Tigress in Dhikala Zone of Corbett National Park. That’s because it’s the vital source of water for many wild animals and they usually come to the river to drink water. That’s when you have the best chance of spotting her.
How many Tigers are there in Jim Corbett National Park?
There are more than 250+ tigers currently present in Corbett with Dhikala being the Hub of tiger spotting during jungle safaris.
What type of Safaris are offered in Dhikala Zone?
Tiger Safari in Dhikala Zone of Jim Corbett National Park can be done either on a 4×4 Jeep or a 16 to 20 seater Canter vehicle. Jeep Safari is more private and comfortable option best for those who are staying inside FRH campuses. While the canter safari is best for those who are on a budget or a day safari trip to Dhikala zone.
What is the duration of Tiger Safari in Dhikala Zone?
The tiger safari in Jim Corbett Dhikala zone lasts for about 3 to 4 hours both in a jeep or canter vehicle. You must reach on time at the entry gate to get your permits checked and for having ample time to enjoy a relaxed trip rather than being in a hurry.
Which is the best tiger spotting location in Jim Corbett?
Dhikala Zone, followed by Bijrani, Jhirna and Dhela are all good locations to go on a tiger safari in Jim Corbett. They offer great prospects to spot tigers and explore natural scenic beauty in Corbett.
Which Car is best for Jungle Safari in Jim Corbett?
Always opt for a rugged 4×4 jeep vehicle for your tiger safari trip in Jim corbett. Ensure that your jeep vehicle is well maintained and you are accompanied by an experienced driver who knows how to tackle any type of situation.
