Corbett National Park’s Dhela zone stands out as a unique ecotourism destination. Established in November 2014, it’s the only area within the tiger reserve’s buffer zone that welcomes tourists throughout the year. This accessibility, coupled with Dhela’s rich biodiversity, makes it a popular choice for nature enthusiasts.

Located approximately 13 kilometers from Ramnagar City, Dhela boasts a diverse landscape. The zone encompasses a mix of dense forests, sprawling grasslands, and permanent water bodies. This variety of habitats attracts a plethora of flora and fauna, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing.

Dhela’s accessibility and rich ecosystems have positioned it as a flourishing ecotourism zone within Corbett National Park.

Jim Corbett National Park, the oldest national park in India, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Divided into six distinct zones, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife encounters, the park caters to diverse preferences. This article delves into the relatively new Dhela Zone, providing a comprehensive guide for your exploration, including the best season to visit, key facts about the zone, regulations, and the thrill of encountering its diverse inhabitants.

Best Season to Visit Dhela Zone

The ideal time to explore the Dhela Zone depends on your priorities:

• Winter (November to February): Considered the peak season, winter offers pleasant weather with cool mornings and comfortable afternoons. Sparse foliage enhances wildlife spotting opportunities, including tigers, leopards, and herbivores like deer.
• Summer (March to June): The summer months bring warmer temperatures and lush greenery. This season is perfect for birdwatchers, as the park comes alive with vibrant avian activity. Waterholes become a central point for animal activity, allowing for sightings of elephants, sloth bears, and reptiles.
• Monsoon (July to September): Dhela Zone remains closed during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and potential landslides.

Quick Facts about Dhela Zone

• Location: Situated in the northeastern part of Jim Corbett National Park, bordering the tranquil Kosi River.
• History: Dhela Zone was opened to the public in 1999, making it one of the newer zones within the park.
• Landscape: Characterized by a mosaic of Sal forests, grasslands, and riverine belts, Dhela offers a varied habitat for diverse wildlife.
• Flora: Sal trees dominate the landscape, interspersed with other tree species like Rohini, Arjun, and Ber. Springtime transforms the zone with a vibrant carpet of wildflowers.
• Fauna: Dhela Zone boasts a healthy population of tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of herbivores like spotted deer, sambar, and barking deer. The zone is also a haven for birdlife, including peacocks, egrets, and kingfishers.

Maximum Adult and Child Capacity & Timings

Dhela Zone adheres to strict guidelines to ensure a sustainable wildlife experience:

• Maximum Visitors Per Safari: Similar to other zones, Dhela allows a maximum of 6 visitors per jeep safari, ensuring minimal disturbance to the ecosystem and a personalized wildlife viewing experience.
• Child Policy: Children above 5 years of age are permitted on safaris in the Dhela Zone.

Visiting Timings:

• Morning Safari: 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• Afternoon Safari: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM