Home/Dhikala Wilderness Experience
Scheduled departure · 27–30 Nov 2026

Dhikala Wilderness Experience

3 Nights | 6 + 2 Safaris | Start: Ramnagar (09:30 hrs) | End: Ramnagar (12:00 hrs)

The trip

There are safari lodges, and then there is Dhikala.

There are safari lodges, and then there is Dhikala.

For many wildlife enthusiasts, staying at the Dhikala Forest Rest House is not simply another safari holiday. It is an experience that finds a permanent place on every naturalist's bucket list. Located deep within the core of Jim Corbett National Park, far beyond the last public road and surrounded entirely by wilderness, Dhikala offers something that very few places in India still can. It allows you to live inside the forest.

From the moment you enter through Dhangarhi Gate, the outside world begins to fade away. The drive to Dhikala itself is a safari, winding through dense Sal forests before suddenly opening into the spectacular Dhikala Chaurs, vast grasslands stretching towards the Ramganga River with the Himalayan foothills rising in the distance. It is a landscape unlike anywhere else in India.

The forest around Dhikala feels ancient. Herds of Asian Elephants wander across the grasslands, Hog Deer and Chital graze in the open, while Fish Eagles patrol the Ramganga River searching for their next meal. Otters occasionally appear along the riverbanks, Gharials bask quietly in the morning sun and, somewhere within this vast wilderness, Tigers and Leopards move almost unnoticed through the forests.

Unlike many safari destinations where visitors return to towns after every drive, Dhikala allows you to remain inside the park throughout your stay. Early mornings begin with the sounds of the jungle, evenings end beneath star-filled skies, and even the hours between safaris become part of the experience. It is not unusual to watch elephants feeding across the grasslands from the lodge itself or hear alarm calls echoing through the forest long after the safari vehicles have returned.

Over four unforgettable days, this journey combines six dedicated Dhikala safaris with two spectacular transit safaris between Dhangarhi Gate and the Forest Rest House. Together, they offer one of the most immersive wildlife experiences available anywhere in India.

This is a fixed-date group departure: the dates, your lodge, two safaris a day and your instructor are all set. You simply reserve your seat — ideal for solo travellers and small groups who want a great trip without the planning. Between drives there's time to rest, review photos, and swap notes over chai with your naturalist.

Tour highlights

  • Stay inside the iconic Dhikala Forest Rest House, one of India's most sought-after wildlife accommodations.
  • Eight safaris included, comprising six Dhikala game drives and two transit safaris between Dhangarhi Gate and Dhikala.
  • Explore the magnificent Dhikala grasslands, Ramganga River and extensive Sal forests.
  • Excellent opportunities to observe Tigers, Asian Elephants, Leopards, Gharials, Otters, Wild Boar, Hog Deer and exceptional birdlife.
  • Experience the unique privilege of spending three nights deep inside the core of Jim Corbett National Park.
  • Small group departure accompanied by an experienced Beyond Wild wildlife expert.
Duration
3 Nights
Next departure
27–30 Nov 2026
Group size
12 guests max
Zones
2 safaris
Style
Scheduled group
Day by day

The route, stop by stop

Day 1 · Day 1, Report at Ramnagar, Transit Safari to Dhikala, Evening Safari

Day 1, Report at Ramnagar, Transit Safari to Dhikala, Evening Safari

Guests are requested to report at Ramnagar by 09:00 hrs, where they will meet the Beyond Wild team before commencing the journey towards Dhangarhi Gate.
After completing the necessary park formalities, your first safari begins. The drive from Dhangarhi to Dhikala is much more than a transfer. It is an extraordinary wildlife experience in its own right, passing through towering Sal forests, river crossings and open valleys before arriving at the famous Dhikala grasslands.
After checking into the historic Dhikala Forest Rest House and enjoying lunch, head out once again for your first dedicated evening safari.
As the afternoon light spreads across the Chaurs, herds of elephants often emerge from the forests while deer gather in the open grasslands. Every drive offers the excitement of discovering what waits beyond the next bend.
Return to the Forest Rest House for dinner and your first night deep inside Corbett.

Day 2 · Days 2 and 3, Morning and evening safaris

Days 2 and 3, Morning and evening safaris

Life inside Dhikala follows the rhythm of the forest.
The day begins before sunrise, when mist hangs over the Ramganga floodplains and the first calls of birds signal the arrival of dawn. With steaming tea in hand, set out into one of India's most spectacular wilderness landscapes as the forest slowly comes to life.
Each morning and evening safari explores the magic of the Dhikala Range. One drive may take you across expansive grasslands where elephants feed peacefully, while another winds through dense Sal forests where fresh tiger tracks often appear on the roads. The Ramganga reservoir, riverine forests and countless woodland tracks ensure that every safari feels completely different.
Between drives, return to the Forest Rest House for meals and time to simply enjoy being inside the park. Watch wildlife from the viewing area, listen to the sounds of the forest and experience a side of Corbett that very few visitors ever do.

Day 3 · Day 4, Morning Safari, Transit Safari to Dhangarhi, Departure

Day 4, Morning Safari, Transit Safari to Dhangarhi, Departure

Your final morning begins with one last safari through the Dhikala Range before returning to the Forest Rest House for breakfast.
After checking out, begin the return journey towards Dhangarhi Gate. This final transit safari provides another opportunity to explore the magnificent forests of Corbett before reaching Ramnagar at approximately 12:00 hrs (will change a bit as per season), where the tour concludes.

Dates & pricing +

Per person, Twin sharing, for the 27–30 Nov 2026 departure:

StayBasisPer person
Adult (twin sharing)₹ 44,500
Flights (if arranged)At actuals

Per person in INR. Government taxes extra. Final rates confirmed at booking.

27–30 Nov 2026 12 seats total 12 seats available
3–6 Dec 2026 12 seats total 12 seats available
8–11 Dec 2026 12 seats total 12 seats available
21–24 Dec 2026 12 seats total 12 seats available
Scheduled group departure

Fixed date, fixed price — just reserve your seat.

Everything's set: the dates, your lodge, two safaris a day and your instructor. Per-person pricing is above — book online or on WhatsApp and hold your seat with a deposit.

✓ Seat held on deposit✓ Instructor included✓ Only 12 seats

See all scheduled departures →

The fine print, plainly

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation for 3 nights at the historic Dhikala Forest Rest House on twin or triple sharing basis.
  • All meals from lunch on Day 1 until breakfast on Day 4, including morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner.
  • Eight safaris comprising six dedicated Dhikala game drives and two transit safaris between Dhangarhi Gate and Dhikala.
  • All park permits, guide charges, vehicle charges and entry fees.
  • Services of experienced safari drivers and authorised naturalist guides.
  • Services of an experienced Beyond Wild wildlife expert throughout the tour.
  • All Government formalities pertaining to Dhikala.

Not included

  • Airfare, rail fare or any travel to and from Ramnagar.
  • Government taxes, if applicable.
  • Personal expenses including laundry, beverages, bottled water, telephone charges and other items of a personal nature.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Transfers from Delhi, Dehradun, Bareilly or Pantnagar.
  • Accommodation in Ramnagar before or after the tour.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions.
Before you go

Travel info

Good to know before you travel+
Group departures are intentionally kept small to ensure a more personal safari experience.
Safari vehicles are shared, with a maximum of 4 guests per gypsy.
Staying at the Dhikala Forest Rest House is about experiencing the wilderness rather than luxury. The accommodation is simple, comfortable and managed by the Forest Department.
Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. Every safari offers a unique experience and rewards patience and careful observation.
Morning safaris begin before sunrise. Warm clothing is recommended.
Neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable footwear, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a zoom or telephoto lens are highly recommended.
A valid government-issued photo ID is mandatory for safari entry and must match the details submitted at the time of booking.
Private transfers from Delhi, Dehradun, Bareilly and Pantnagar can be arranged at actual additional cost.
Accommodation in Ramnagar before or after the tour can also be arranged at actual additional cost.
Getting accommodation in Dhikala is a matter of luck. While we do try our best to secure the rooms, it is important to note that flights are booked only after we confirm the room booking status (it shall be conveyed the same day the permits for Dhikala open).
Cancellation policy+
Safari permits are issued per guest and cannot be transferred once confirmed, so this differs from a conventional holiday package.
120 days or more before departure — 95% refund
60 to 119 days before departure — 50% refund
31 to 59 days before departure — 30% refund
14 to 30 days before departure — 20% refund
14 days or less before departure, or No Show — No refund
Ready when you are

Reserve your seat on the Dhikala Wilderness Experience.

Fixed dates, fixed price, expert-led — limited to 12 guests. Hold your seat with a deposit.

Book with confidence

Cancellation, in plain words

31+ days out: full refund minus permit & gateway fees · 15–30 days: 50% · 8–14 days: 25% · ≤7 days: no refund.
Seats on fixed departures are transferable free up to 7 days before. Park closures = full credit note. Permits, once issued, are non-refundable (forest dept rules).
Read the full cancellation policy →
Scheduled departure27–30 Nov 2026
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