The prolonged wait for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers finally came to an end on November 15 as the world-renowned Dhikala zone of Jim Corbett National Park reopened its gates for tourists after a six-month monsoon closure. Long queues of safari vehicles formed at the park’s main Dhangarhi entry gate early in the morning. At exactly 6:30 AM, the first batch of safari vehicles was flagged off into the dense forests, marking the official commencement of the new eco-tourism season.
Warm Welcome and High Energy on Opening Day
A festive atmosphere prevailed at Dhangarhi Gate during the opening ceremony. Regional MLA Diwan Singh Bisht alongside senior Corbett Tiger Reserve officials greeted arriving visitors with flower garlands and traditional hospitality. Immediately after the ceremonial welcome, canter vehicles carrying eager tourists proceeded into the jungle zone.
Every year on June 15, the Dhikala zone is closed to visitors as a safety precaution during the monsoon season. Heavy rains cause swelling in rivers and seasonal rivulets, alongside making unpaved forest tracks hazardous for vehicular movement. After the mandatory six-month hiatus, the park management restores the tracks and reopens the zone on November 15.
Visitors Share First-Day Safari Experiences
Tourists arriving from various parts of the country, including Kanpur and Ahmedabad, expressed their excitement at securing first-day safari access. Ruchika Agarwal, a visitor from Kanpur, shared that she traveled to Corbett specifically to experience the Dhikala zone. She noted that while sighting a Royal Bengal Tiger is a thrill, her primary motivation was immersing herself in the serene beauty and untouched natural ambiance of the reserve.
Similarly, Jayashree, a traveler from Ahmedabad, expressed delight at being able to go on a safari on the very day the zone opened. She mentioned having planned her visit around the reopening schedule and was thrilled to experience Dhikala’s wilderness up close.
Akshat Jain, who had visited Corbett four months prior, returned specifically for the reopening. Having fallen in love with the area’s tranquil atmosphere during his previous trip, securing a safari slot on opening day made his return visit particularly special.
Night-Stay Accommodations Fully Booked Until 2027
Beyond day safaris, Dhikala is famous for offering night stays inside historical forest rest houses located within the core forest area. Reflecting its immense popularity, online reservations for night stays are already fully booked up to January 20, 2027. The Dhikala complex features 41 rooms and a 20-bed dormitory facility. Park authorities announced that the next one-month booking slot for overnight stays will open on January 22.
Rich Wildlife Attractions and Economic Relief for Ramnagar
Dhikala is celebrated for its dense population of Royal Bengal Tigers, wild elephant herds, sambar, chital, and over 500 species of resident and migratory birds.
The resumption of safari operations has brought renewed vigor not only to tourists but also to the local hospitality sector in Ramnagar. Hotel owners, gypsy operators, nature guides, and local merchants who experienced a lull during the six-month closure welcomed the return of commercial activity, which serves as a major driver of the regional economy.
