Dhela Zone

1 Day

Guide
Certified Nature Guide
Transportation
Jeep
Tour Availability
Wildlife

Overview

Dhela Zone

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.

Trip Highlights

Dhela Zone has earned a reputation for remarkable tiger sightings. The zone notably holds the record for witnessing seven tigers simultaneously, an extraordinary occurrence in the park's seventy-five-year history. The tigers in this zone are known to be larger in size, offering visitors a magnificent spectacle when spotted.
Beyond tigers, the zone boasts a healthy population of other wildlife including leopards, Asiatic elephants, sloth bears, and king cobras. Deer species such as sambar, barking deer, and chital are commonly spotted, along with wild boars, black-faced monkeys, and jackals.
The Dhela Zone is particularly renowned for its rich avian diversity, making it a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Bird species such as the peregrine falcon, black soldier kite, and hen harrier can be observed in their natural habitat. The varied landscape provides different habitats supporting numerous resident and migratory bird species, offering exceptional opportunities for bird photography and observation.
One of the main attractions of Dhela Zone is the vast Laldhang grassland or "chaur". This expansive meadow is often frequented by herds of elephants, various deer species, wild pigs, and Neelgai (blue bull). The open landscape of Laldhang provides excellent visibility for wildlife spotting, particularly during early morning and late afternoon hours when animals are most active.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 :

Day 01

Pick-up from Ramanagar or any resort in the Dhikuli area
Transportation to Dhela Forest Rest House with ID verification at the entry gate
Morning Or Evening Jungle safari (approximately 3 hours)
Return to accommodations after safari

Costs

The Cost Includes

Entry permits for the Dhela Zone
4×4 Jeep for safari exploration
Services of a mandatory registered guide/naturalist
All applicable taxes and fees

The Cost Excludes

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

Map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I reach Dhela Zone?

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.

What is the nearest airport and railway station?

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.

Is it mandatory to have a guide during safari?

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

How many people can travel in one safari vehicle?

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

What is the likelihood of tiger sightings in Dhela Zone?

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.

What safety guidelines should visitors follow?

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.

Are there medical facilities available in Dhela Zone?

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.

Are food services available at Dhela Zone?

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