Dhikala Canter Safari in Jim Corbett – Booking, Timings & Tour Packages
Dhikala is the largest and most scenic zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve, with open grasslands (chaurs), the Ramganga reservoir and a good chance to see elephants, deer and tigers. A canter safari is a shared, open 16-seater vehicle that takes you in even if you do not have a forest rest house stay.
Corbett Package Tour plans your whole trip: safari booking support, stay, pickup/drop and guide help, so you only focus on the jungle.
Plan My Dhikala TripRead FAQsDhikala Canter Safari at a Glance
| Zone | Dhikala, central part of Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Shared canter, maximum 16 seats |
| Who can book | Any visitor with a valid ID. No forest rest house stay is needed for a canter. |
| Dhikala season | Opens mid-November and closes mid-June (exact dates are fixed by the park each year) |
| Safari slots | Morning and afternoon. Timings change with the season, so we confirm them at booking. |
| Permit | Issued only through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve portal (corbettgov.org). Fees are set by the park. |
| Best for | Families, groups, first-time visitors, couples and birdwatchers on a budget |
Good to know: Dhikala jeep safaris are allowed only for guests staying at the Dhikala forest rest houses. If you do not have that stay, the canter is the way to enter this zone.
What Makes the Dhikala Zone Special?
Dhikala sits beside the Ramganga reservoir. Wide grasslands, Sal forest and riverbanks create a landscape where wildlife is easy to see from a distance. Herds of chital (spotted deer), sambar and wild elephants graze in the open, while tigers, leopards and sloth bears use the forest edge. The zone is also famous for birds such as peafowl, Pallas's fish eagle, kingfishers and many migratory species in winter.
Why Book Your Canter Safari with Corbett Package Tour?
Complete trip planning
Delhi, Ramnagar or Nainital pickup, stay, safari assistance and drop, planned as one package.
Honest guidance
We tell you what the canter can and cannot offer, so you choose the right zone and slot.
Local team in Ramnagar
Help with ID details, entry-gate timing and booking-day questions.
Flexible options
Add a Bijrani, Jhirna or Dhela jeep safari to make a two- or three-safari itinerary.
Safari permit cost is charged by the Forest Department. Our package price covers the services listed in your quote. Please ask us for a clear breakup before you pay.
Best Time for a Dhikala Canter Safari
November to February
Cool mornings, clear skies and thin undergrowth. Best for comfort, birds and elephants. Carry warm layers, because open canters feel very cold at sunrise.
March to mid-June
Hot days, but animals gather around the Ramganga and waterholes, which often gives the best tiger and elephant sightings. Choose the morning slot and carry water, a cap and sunscreen.
Dhikala is closed in the monsoon. If you are unsure which month fits you, read our guide on morning vs evening safari for tiger sightings.
Canter Safari Timings and Duration
There are two slots a day, morning and afternoon. A canter trip inside Dhikala is long compared with other zones, usually several hours, because the vehicle goes deep into the grasslands and the entry gate is far from the main road. Exact timings are announced by the park each season and may shift by about 30 minutes, so we share the final slot with your booking confirmation.
- Reach the gate at least 30 to 45 minutes before the slot.
- The morning slot is cooler and better for animal movement.
- The afternoon slot is good for photography, but it is hotter in summer.
Canter Safari or Jeep Safari: Which Is Better?
| Point | Dhikala Canter | Jeep (other zones) |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | Up to 16, shared | Up to 6, private |
| Cost per person | Lower | Higher unless the jeep is full |
| Dhikala access | Yes, without a stay | Only with a Dhikala rest house stay |
| Privacy and stops | Shared with other guests | More control over stops |
| Best for | Families, budget travellers, groups | Photographers and small groups |
Want a private vehicle? See the Bijrani zone, Jhirna zone, Durga Devi zone or Dhela zone. First time in Corbett? Our guide to the best zone for first-time visitors helps you choose.
How to Book a Dhikala Canter Safari
- Share your travel dates, number of guests and pickup city with us.
- Keep one valid photo ID for every guest (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID). Foreign nationals need a passport.
- We check canter availability on the official Corbett portal and confirm the slot with you. Bookings open a limited number of days before the safari date, and popular dates fill early.
- Pay the permit and package amount as agreed.
- Carry the same ID shown at booking to the entry gate. The names on the permit must match.
Safari rules, fees, refund policy and booking windows can change. We always confirm the latest details on the official Corbett Tiger Reserve website before you pay.
Dhikala Safari Rules and Tips
Stay seated and keep your voice low. Standing or shouting scares animals and can lead to a penalty.
Do not litter, feed animals or get down from the canter inside the park.
Wear dull colours such as green, brown or grey. Avoid bright red and white.
Carry binoculars, water, a scarf or mask for dust, and a camera with a zoom lens. Plastic bottles and single-use plastic items are restricted in many parts of the park, so check before you carry.
Children can join, but the park sets age and safety rules. Ask us before booking for small kids.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Tigers are wild animals, and patience matters more than luck.
Wildlife You May See in Dhikala
Common sightings include chital, sambar, hog deer, wild boar, Asian elephant, langur and rhesus macaque. With luck you may see Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, jackal, gharial and mugger crocodile near the river. Birders can look for peafowl, Pallas's fish eagle, great hornbill, crested serpent eagle, kingfishers and winter migrants around the reservoir.
Sample 2 Night 3 Day Corbett Package with Dhikala Canter
Day 1
Pickup from Delhi or your city, drive to Ramnagar, check in, and rest or short visit to the Garjiya Devi Temple area.
Day 2
Early start for the Dhikala canter safari. Lunch at the resort, then an optional afternoon jeep safari in another zone.
Day 3
Breakfast, check out and drop at the pickup point.
We can adjust this plan for family groups, couples, school trips or corporate outings.
Explore More Corbett Zones and Guides
Dhikala Canter Safari FAQs
What is a canter safari in Jim Corbett?
A canter is a shared open vehicle with up to 16 seats. In Corbett it is the standard way to enter the Dhikala zone for visitors who are not staying in the Dhikala forest rest houses.
Can I do a Dhikala jeep safari without staying inside the park?
No. Jeep safari in Dhikala is allowed only for guests with a Dhikala forest rest house booking. If you do not have one, book a canter.
When is the Dhikala zone open?
Dhikala is generally open from mid-November to mid-June. It stays closed during the monsoon. Check the official notice for exact dates each year.
What are the Dhikala canter safari timings?
There is a morning and an afternoon slot. The park adjusts timings by season, so we confirm the final time when we book your canter.
How much does a Dhikala canter safari cost?
The permit fee is fixed by Corbett Tiger Reserve and is different for Indian and foreign nationals. Rates can change, so we confirm the current amount on the official portal and send you a clear package quote.
How can I book the Dhikala canter safari?
Permits are issued through the official Corbett Tiger Reserve portal. You can book yourself or let Corbett Package Tour handle the booking, stay and transport together.
Can I see a tiger on a Dhikala canter safari?
Yes, tigers live in Dhikala and sightings happen, but they are never guaranteed. Summer mornings near the water often give better chances. Elephants, deer and birds are very likely.
Is the canter safari safe for children and senior citizens?
It is generally comfortable for families, but the ride is long and the roads are bumpy. Age rules for children are set by the park, so tell us your group details before booking.
What should I carry for the safari?
Original photo ID used at booking, warm clothes in winter, hat and sunscreen in summer, water, binoculars and a camera. Wear neutral colours.
Is Dhikala better than Bijrani or Jhirna?
Dhikala has wider grasslands, river views and strong elephant and deer sightings. Bijrani and Jhirna are easier to reach and allow private jeeps. Many visitors do both for a complete Corbett trip.
Plan Your Dhikala Canter Safari Trip
Tell us your dates and group size. We will check availability and send a transparent package quote.
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