Jim Corbett National Park is a well-known wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district. It is named after Jim Corbett, a famed British hunter-turned-conservationist. The park is renowned for its unique flora and fauna, which includes the majestic Bengal tiger, and it is a favorite destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Jim Corbett National Park has several forest rest houses within its premises to meet the accommodation needs of visitors. Here is a general description of Jim Corbett’s woodland rest houses.
Dhikala Forest Rest House
Dhikala Forest Rest House, nestled in the heart of Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, India, is a nature and wildlife lover’s paradise. This historic rest house, nestled among lush foliage and surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayas, offers a unique and immersive wilderness experience. Dhikala, with its rustic appeal and tranquil ambience, is an ideal refuge for people seeking adventure and solace in nature.
Location
The Dhikala Forest Rest House is in the Jim Corbett National Park in the Nainital region of Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the park’s core, on the banks of the Ramganga River.
Rooms
The Dhangari gate, 18 kilometres from Ramnagar, is the entry point for all the rest houses in Dhikala zone.
Hutment
A double bed is available in the hutment room types. The hutment category has a total of six rooms.
(Double Bed) Cabin
A double bed is available in the Cabin (Double bed) room type. The cabin (Double bed) category has a total of three rooms.
FRH (Double Bed)
A double bed is available in the New FRH double bedroom types. There are four rooms in the New FRH-double bed category.
Sultan Forest Rest House
The first lodge you will see as you travel from Dhangari Gate to Dhikala Lodge is Sultan Forest Lodge. It is one of the ideal places for individuals who want to unwind in a serene environment because it is surrounded by Sal woodland. Sultan Sot, a seasonal creek that runs through this area, inspired its name.
Location
It is around 5 kilometres within the Dhikala zone, almost on the main road that leads to the Dhikala forest rest house from the entry gate.
Rooms
Sultan Forest Lodge is one of the smallest rest houses in Corbett National Park’s Dhikala zone, with only two bedrooms.
Double Bedrooms
The rooms are provided with twin beds along with the option of an extra bed which is available for any third person.
Sarapduli Forest Rest House
Sarapduli Forest Rest House is a forest lodge in Jim Corbett National Park’s Dhikala Zone. This rest house, surrounded by rich foliage and giving panoramic views of the natural terrain, offers a calm and immersing experience in the outdoors.
Mixed woodland ranges and river banks surround the Sarapduli Forest Rest House. This is why it is the best forest lodge in the Dhikala zone for wildlife viewing.
Location
The Sarapduli Forest Rest House is on the road to the Dhikala Forest Rest House. Inside the jungle, it is over 18 kilometers from the Dhangari gate. This FRH is close to the Ramganga River.
Rooms
Double Bedroom
The rooms are basic and there are no TV’s, AC’s. Though rooms are big and well ventilated.
Dormitory
The adjacent roomy washrooms contain running water, a western toilet, and a wash basin. Even the dormitory has a separate washroom with an outside entrance.
Gairal Forest Rest House
Gairal Forest Rest House is a popular accommodation choice in Jim Corbett National Park’s Dhikala Zone. It is surrounded by natural wilderness and set among dense trees, provides a serene and immersive experience for nature aficionados.
Rustic appeal and serene ambience make it an ideal getaway in the middle of the national park. The forest department at Gairal Forest Rest Houses has installed solar power fencing 6 feet high around the site to protect wild animals.
Location
This Forest Rest House lies deep into the thick forest of Jim Corbett National Park in the state of Uttarakhand. Gairal Forest Rest House, unlike the other forest rest houses in Corbett Tiger Reserve, offers guests a true riverside forest retreat experience as it is situated on the banks of the Ramganga River.
Rooms
Basic Room
Basic and comfy does not imply opulence. Enough space for one double bed and one additional mattress/bed.
Jhirna Forest Rest House
The Jhirna Zone is located near the town of Dhela in Jim Corbett National Park’s southern zone. Dhela Gate, located on the fringes of Dhela village, 20 km from Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, is the only entrance gate to this zone. This zone’s and Dhela’s entry gates are identical. Jhirna Forest Rest House provides a stunning landscape where you may enjoy nature and serenity at their finest.
This zone is unique in that it is open all year (depending on weather conditions). The Jhirna region’s landscape is made up of deciduous and secondary forest grasslands. This zone contains broad grasslands and is somewhat short in comparison to other zones, allowing wildlife and tigers ample vision.
Location
Jhirna Forest Rest House is situated around 20 km from Ramnagar, the park’s main entrance. It is located in the Jhirna part of the national park, giving visitors simple access to the areas with a variety of species and the area’s scenic splendour.
Rooms
In the Jhirna zone, there is just one woodland lodge with four rooms that guests can use for the night. However, you can only reserve up to 2 rooms at once for up to 3 consecutive nights. Every room includes a double bed and an attached bathroom. Although the facilities are limited and the rooms are spacious.
This woodland guest home is suitable for serious wildlife enthusiasts who want to remain in the rainforest with the bare necessities. No electricity here due to the restricted usage of solar power.
Bijrani Forest Rest House
In the centre of the Bijrani range in India’s Jim Corbett National Park is the tranquil and seclusion-filled Bijrani Forest Rest House. It provides a special opportunity for nature lovers and those who enjoy wildlife to experience the beauty and wilderness of the area. Nestled among dense trees and surrounded by impenetrable forests.
The possibilities of seeing tigers in their native environment are very high because the core zone of Bijrani, also regarded as a tiger kingdom area.
Location
To reach the Bijrani Forest Rest House, one must travel 12 kilometres after entering the Bijrani range through the Amdanda gate. This wooded rest house can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes. The 12 kilometres of 4WD (four-wheel drive) between the Amdanda entry gate and the Bijrani forest rest house are filled with undulating woodland scenery and can at any time provide fantastic wildlife sightings.
Rooms
The Bijrani Forest Rest House offers three different types of rooms.
Single bed
The Naturally ventilated single room with a wooden bed, a connected bathroom and plenty of natural light.
Double bed
A double bedroom that has windows that are open to let in natural light, LED nightlights, a linked bathroom, and soap and towels are available.
Four bedded room
Wooden beds are in the rooms based on occupancy. For the better ventilation, the best source of natural light during the day. There is no intercom facility in the rooms.
Safari Guidelines You Must Follow
Booking and Permits: Make sure you have bookings in advance for your stay at the Dhikala Forest Rest House. It is advised to make reservations well in advance because the rest house is in high demand.
Food and Drink: The rest house features a canteen, but the selection might not be very extensive. It’s a good idea to bring some snacks and drinks with you.
Wildlife Safety: To protect your safety and the welfare of the animals, abide by the instructions given by the forest department and the workers at the rest house.
Medications and First Aid Supplies: Bring necessary medications or personal first aid supplies in case of unexpected events.
Waste Management: Also, during your visit, handle your waste responsibly. Avoid leaving trash behind in the park or at the rest house. To maintain cleanliness and preserve the ecological balance, use designated trash cans or carry your rubbish back with you.
Rules and Regulations: Follow the rules and regulations established by the park authority and the forest department. Respect the park’s standards and regulations to ensure visitor safety and the conservation of the park’s ecosystem.