Famous Tourism Zones in Corbett
There are five different zones in Jim Corbett National Park with a separate entry gate for each zone. The forest department has divided the forest into different zones for the better management of forests and tourism.
| Tourism Zone | Entry Gate |
| Dhikala | Dhangari Gate |
| Bijarani | Aamdanda Gate |
| Jhirna | Dhela Gate |
| Sonanadi | Vatanvasa |
| Durgadevi | Lohachaur |
Forest Rest Houses in Dhikala Zone
Dhikala FRH: Dhikala is quite famous and a well known destination in Corbett among tourists. Located at the edge of the broad Patli-Dun valley through which the Ramganga flows in numerous channels, this zone is considered to be a heaven for nature admirers. With Kanda ridge in the background, dhikala zone offers an amazing & uninterrupted panoramic view of the valley.
This sight appears all the more interesting from the various watchtowers located in the Dhikala Zone. (As of the current update the tourists are prohibited to climb the watch towers by orders from the Forest Department).
Dhikala complex overlooks Dhikala Chaur (one of the largest remaining grasslands of the Park) and Phulai Chaur. There are various trails through chaurs one can drive through and mostly are rewarded with sightings of wild Asiatic elephants, Bengal Tigers, Spotted Deers (Chitals), Sambars Deers, Hog deer (rare) and various exotic grassland bird species and raptors. The Old Rest House at Dhikala complex is a historic old structure which was built over a hundred years ago. Legendary Jim Corbett himself has stayed here on a couple of occasions. Recently India’s Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Narender Modi stayed here in the Old FRH Bunglow for a short duration during the shooting of a documentary featuring him with Bear Grylls for Discovery Channel.
Sarapduli FRH: This rest house is located on the main road to Dhikala. It lies downstream of Gairal FRH on the flat southern bank of the Ramganga river while the opposite northern bank rises steeply to a ridge. Movement of large mammals (tiger, elephant included) is frequent around Sarapduli. It is a good place to see crocodiles and various exotic species of birds. One can just sit within the campus and observe and photograph various birds.
Sultan FRH: Sultan is the first rest house located on the main road after your enter Dhangarhi Gate for Dhikala Zone. It is named after the Sultan Sot, which is a seasonal stream and runs through that area. Some people also link the name of this rest house with “Sultana Daaku” The rest house is located on the flat surface which is covered by dense vegetation from three sides. Recently this FRH too got the electric fencing just like various other rest houses.
Gairal FRH: A short detour is required from the main Dhangarhi – Dhikala road to reach Gairal Forest Rest House. One can get the first view of river Ramganga upon entering the park around Gairal FRH. Generally the river water around Gairal is crystal clear unless on rainy days when the mud comes along the water from the higher altitude. Since this rest house is a bit secluded in comparison to other rest houses located in Dhikala Zone one gets a real feel of tranquility and solitude. One the way to Gairal FRH one can have a pit stop at ‘Crocodile Point’ overlooking the river Ramganga flowing through the valley below and observe picturesque view & of course Crocodiles & Gharials basking on the banks of river Ramganga. If lucky, one can get a dramatic sighting of a tiger lurking around or an elephant taking a royal dip in the river below.
Khinnanauli FRH: This is a VVIP forest rest house located in the middle of Khinnanauli chaur. This rest house is considered to be an excellent tiger territory. It was built recently. Being located strategically one gets to have an easy access of the various parts of the reserve. This rest house is not easily available to commoners and is primarily reserved for important dignitaries. A number of prominent personalities have stayed in this rest house. Khinnanauli also acts as a bridge between the Dhikala main road and the other side of the park.
Kanda FRH: Kanda FRH lies at an elevation of about 1100 meters in the hilly terrain and is considered to be the highest located rest house in the park. One can get a bird’s eye view of the park and the Ramganga valley below because of its elevation. Kanda FRH mostly possess Himalyan vegetation around its forests while most of the other regions of the park has Shiwalik type of vegetation and topography. The fauna is also different from the other parts of the park, with frequent sightings of mammals like Ghoral, Himalayan Black Bear and Leopards. Despite being located at an elevation, surprisingly, we have seen Asiatic elephants around Kanda region on a number of occasions. Although the road to Kanda is a but bumpy & narrow but the surroundings are extremely serene, as they say “Bad roads lead to some amazing views”.