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Dhela Zone

Uttrakhand

Sprawling over 1,173 hectares (approximately 70 square kilometres), the Dhela Zone is 20 kilometres from Ramnagar, adjacent to the Jhirna safari zone of Corbett National Park. This zone was established on the tourism map in December 2014, making it the newest addition to Corbett’s eco-tourism zones. The landscape features mixed forests predominantly composed of Sal, Rohini, Haldu, Bahera, and Kusum vegetation, creating an ideal habitat for diverse wildlife. The zone is characterized by large meadows that serve as preferred hunting grounds for tigers, enhancing the chances of wildlife sightings. What distinguishes Dhela from other zones is its year-round accessibility, allowing visitors to experience the wilderness even during monsoon months, subject to weather conditions. This consistent availability makes it a reliable option for wildlife enthusiasts planning their visit to Jim Corbett National Park at any time of the year. Dhela Zone Ecological Significance Dhela Zone represents a crucial habitat within the larger Corbett ecosystem, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna. The diverse vegetation patterns create multiple ecological niches, supporting everything from large predators to small herbivores and numerous bird species. The zone’s varied topography, including forests, grasslands, and water bodies, contributes to its rich biodiversity and makes it an essential conservation area within the national park.

Highlights

Key features and unique experiences

Tiger Legacy: Famous for the record-breaking sighting of seven tigers simultaneously and known for remarkably large-sized tigers.
Wildlife Diversity: Home to leopards, Asiatic elephants, sloth bears, king cobras, and various deer species like Sambar and Chital.
Birdwatcher's Haven: Exceptional avian diversity featuring rare species like the Peregrine Falcon, Black Soldier Kite, and Hen Harrier.
Laldhang Chaur: Features a vast, expansive grassland perfect for spotting herds of elephants, wild pigs, and Neelgai in open visibility.
Prime Photography: The varied landscape and open meadows offer exceptional opportunities for wildlife and bird photography.
Active Hours: Highly active wildlife sightings during early morning and late afternoon hours in the Laldhang grasslands.
1
days

Duration

Complete journey time

Perfect length
100M
m

Altitude

Peak elevation

High altitude
Rooms
nights

Accommodation

Stay arrangement

Comfort stays
Esay

Difficulty

Challenge intensity

Skill required

Detailed Itinerary

Activities: Pick-up from Ramnagar or Dhikuli area; ID verification at Dhela Gate; 3-hour morning or evening jungle safari. Highlights: Exploring the dense Dhela zone and returning to accommodations after the safari.

Inclusions

Entry permits for the Dhela Zone

4×4 Jeep for safari exploration

Services of a mandatory registered guide/naturalist

All applicable taxes and fees

Exclusions

Personal expenses and gratuities

Meals (unless staying at a Forest Rest House with meal plan)

Transportation to/from Ramnagar (unless specified in a package)

Camera fees (if applicable)

Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Packing Essentials

1
Summer (March-June)
Lightweight, breathable cotton clothing; long sleeves and pants for sun protection; wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses; light jacket for early morning safaris.
2
Winter (November-February)
Layered clothing system; warm jackets and sweaters; gloves for early morning photography; closed-toe shoes or hiking boots.
3
Essential Equipment
Camera with zoom lens and extra batteries; Binoculars for wildlife viewing; Insect repellent and sunscreen (high SPF); Small backpack; Water bottles and snacks; First aid kit; Portable power bank.
4
Footwear
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots with good grip for uneven terrain. Avoid high heels or open sandals.

Safety Considerations

1
Wildlife Protocol
Never exit the vehicle during the safari. Maintain strict silence to avoid disturbing the animals and keep a safe distance from herds of elephants.
2
Health & Medical
No medical facilities are available inside the zone. Carry essential personal medications. In case of emergencies, the nearest hospitals are in Ramnagar (18-20 km away).
3
Monsoon Safety
Dhela is open during monsoons, but trails can be slippery and river crossings may be flooded. Always follow the driver's judgment regarding road accessibility.
4
Environmental Respect
Corbett is a 'No Plastic Zone'. Do not litter or carry loud music players. Feeding wild animals is strictly prohibited and a punishable offense.
5
Safe Attire
Wear earthy tones (khaki, olive green, brown) to blend with the surroundings. Avoid bright colors like red or neon, which can distract or aggravate wildlife.

Best Time to Visit

Ideal seasons and weather conditions

1
Peak Season (November – February)
Weather: Pleasant with temperatures 8°C-21°C; Advantages: All zones open, best wildlife viewing, comfortable weather; Wildlife Activity: High, as animals are more active in cooler weather.
2
Summer Season (March – June)
Weather: Hot with temperatures 17°C-36°C; Advantages: Best time to spot animals near water bodies; Wildlife Activity: Animals congregate around rivers and water sources.
3
Monsoon (July – October)
Zone Status: Closed due to road conditions and landslide risk; Reason: Hilly terrain becomes inaccessible during heavy rains.

Physical Requirements

1
Difficulty Level
Moderate; involves high-altitude travel and significant walking/trekking.
2
Prior Experience
No technical trekking experience required, but comfort with long walks is essential.
3
Fitness Level
Good stamina and physical fitness required for steep climbs in Kedarnath and Yamunotri.
4
Age Range
Open to all ages; however, a medical check-up is recommended for seniors.

How to Reach

1
By Air
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), located approximately 90 km from the Dhela Zone. From the airport, private taxis are available for a 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Ramnagar/Dhela.
2
By Train
Ramnagar Railway Station (RMR) is the closest railhead, situated about 18 km from the Dhela Zone. It is well-connected to Delhi, Lucknow, and Moradabad with daily trains like the Ranikhet Express and Corbett Link Express.
3
By Road
Dhela is easily accessible via a well-maintained road network. It is roughly 260 km from Delhi (5-6 hours drive) via Hapur, Moradabad, and Kashipur. Regular buses also ply from Delhi's ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Ramnagar.
4
Local Access
From Ramnagar town, the Dhela Gate is about a 30-45 minute drive. Local taxis and shared jeeps are frequently available from the main Ramnagar market or the railway station.

FAQ

Everything you need to know before booking

The zone is accessible from nearby cities like Delhi or Nainital. You can rent a car or take a bus to Ramnagar and then hire a taxi to reach Dhela Zone, approximately 15-20 km from Ramnagar.

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, located approximately 90 km away. The nearest railway station is Ramnagar Railway Station, about 18 km from the zone.

Yes, it is mandatory to be accompanied by a Registered Guide/Naturalist during visits to Corbett Tiger Reserve, including the Dhela Zone.

A maximum of 6 adults and 2 children (aged 5-10 years) are allowed in one vehicle, excluding the mandatory guide and driver.

Dhela Zone has a high density of tigers and ranks second in tiger spotting success rates after Dhikala Zone. While sightings cannot be guaranteed in the wild, the zone offers good opportunities for tiger encounters.

Visitors must not litter the park, avoid stepping into prohibited areas, maintain a safe distance from wildlife, and always follow the instructions provided by their guide.

No, there are no medical facilities inside the Dhela Zone. In case of emergency, visitors must seek medical assistance at hospitals in nearby Nainital or Ramnagar.

Yes, there are restaurants and canteens available at the Dhela Forest Rest House that serve meals and snacks to guests.

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Major Attractions

Discover the must-visit places along your journey

17 attractions across 5 categories

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Royal Bengal Tiger

Mammals#1

Asiatic Elephants

Mammals#2

Leopards

Mammals#3

Sloth Bears

Mammals#4

Laldhang Grassland (Chaur)

Nature#5

King Cobra

Reptiles#6