From the City of Model Town to the Wild: The Dhela Ecotourism Zone Guide
Are you a nature lover in Model Town looking for a new destination? Have you heard of Jim Corbett National Park but are concerned about overcrowding in the famous zones?
It is time to turn your attention to the Dhela Ecotourism Zone.
Established recently in 2014, Dhela is the youngest star of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. For travelers coming from Model Town, Dhela offers the perfect balance: it is wild and beautiful, yet easily reachable.
At Corbett Online Booking, we have seen a massive increase in requests for Dhela from our clients in Model Town, and for good reason. It is the ideal escape from the pollution of city life.
Why Model Town Tourists Are Choosing Dhela
- The Year-Round Guarantee: Whether you are planning a summer vacation or a monsoon retreat from Model Town, Dhela is always open. You don't need to check dates. Just pack your bags and come.
- The Birding Dream: If you are bringing your camera from Model Town, Dhela offers amazing opportunities. From the Great Hornbill to the Eagles, the avian life here is stunning.
- The Big Cat Sightings: Don't let anyone tell you Dhela is just for birds. In the last recent times, the tiger sightings here have rivaled the main zones.
Planning Your Dhela Trip from Model Town
A trip from Model Town requires preparation. You don't want to drive/fly all this way and find the gates full.
Step 1: Permit Booking with Corbett Online Booking
The government releases a limited number of Jeeps per shift (Morning/Evening).
- The Rule: Bookings open 45 days in advance.
- The Reality: They sell out fast.
- Our Solution: Send us your ID proofs from Model Town well in advance. We use our team to secure your entry permit.
Step 2: The Journey
- By Train: The nearest station is Ramnagar. It is well connected to major hubs.
- By Flight: Fly to Pantnagar or Delhi, then drive.
- By Road: The drive from Model Town can be long but scenic.
- Note: We can book a private taxi to pick you up from your doorstep in Model Town or the nearest station.
Step 3: Accommodation
Since Dhela is close to Ramnagar, we can book you into a premium resort with a pool, spa, and evening bonfires—perfect for relaxing after the trip from Model Town.
Suggested Itinerary for Model Town Guests
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation
- Depart Model Town early to reach Ramnagar by lunch.
- Check-in at your resort.
- Afternoon: Relax by the pool or take a walk to the Kosi River.
- Dinner: Enjoy a buffet dinner with bonfire.
Day 2: The Dhela Safari Experience
- 06:00 AM: Our Registered Gypsy picks you up from the resort.
- 06:30 AM: Enter the Dhela Gate.
- The Safari: Drive through the mixed forest. Watch out for leopards on tree branches. Visit the Laldhang boundary to see elephants.
- 09:30 AM: Exit the gate.
- Breakfast: Back at the resort.
- Evening: You can opt for a second safari in Jhirna (next door) or visit the local Hanuman Dham temple.
Day 3: Return to Model Town
- Breakfast and Check-out.
- If time permits, visit the Corbett Museum at Dhangarhi.
- Start your drive back to Model Town, feeling recharged.
The Dhela Forest Rest House (FRH)
For the brave souls from Model Town:
- The Location: Deep inside the zone.
- The Vibe: No TV, no WiFi, just the sound of the forest.
- Why Stay: To experience the thrill of the wild. To see animals right outside your fencing.
- Booking: Extremely difficult to get. Contact Corbett Online Booking weeks in advance.
Essential Tips for Model Town Travelers
- Binoculars: Unlike Dhikala where animals are in the open, Dhela's beauty is in the details. Bring a good pair of binoculars.
- Clothing: If traveling from Model Town in winter, bring jackets. Open Jeeps are freezing in the morning.
- Respect Silence: Dhela is an Eco zone. Silence improves your chances of sightings by 50%.
Why Trust Corbett Online Booking?
- We are Specialists: We focus on Corbett. We don't sell packages for Manali. We know Dhela inside out.
- End-to-End Service: From your pickup in Ramnagar to your gypsy and resort, we handle it all.
- Transparent Pricing: No surprises for our guests from Model Town.
FAQs from Model Town Guests
Q: Is Dhela better than Jhirna?
A: They are neighbors and share similar terrain. However, Dhela is often less crowded and has had better tiger sightings in recent seasons.
Q: Can we enter Dhela with our own car from Model Town?
A: No. Private vehicles are strictly prohibited. You must hire a registered Gypsy, which we arrange for you.
Q: Is it safe for senior citizens traveling from Model Town?
A: Yes. The tracks in Dhela are relatively flat compared to the hilly terrain of other zones, making it comfortable for elders.
Ready for the New Adventure?
Dhela is calling. Discover the zone that everyone is talking about.
Corbett Online Booking ensures your trip from Model Town is smooth and memorable.
