From the City of Nainital to the Wild: The Dhela Ecotourism Zone Guide
Are you a nature lover in Nainital looking for a new destination? Have you heard of Jim Corbett National Park but are worried 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 newest star of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. For travelers coming from Nainital, Dhela offers the perfect balance: it is wild and pristine, yet easily accessible.
At Corbett Online Booking, we have seen a massive surge in requests for Dhela from our clients in Nainital, and for good reason. It is the ideal escape from the noise of city life.
Why Nainital Travelers Are Choosing Dhela
- The Year-Round Guarantee: Whether you are planning a summer vacation or a monsoon retreat from Nainital, Dhela is always open. You don't need to check calendars. Just pack your bags and come.
- The Birding Dream: If you are bringing your camera from Nainital, Dhela offers incredible opportunities. From the Great Hornbill to the Kingfisher, the avian life here is spectacular.
- 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 Nainital
A trip from Nainital requires planning. 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 Nainital 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 Nainital can be long but scenic.
- Note: We can book a private taxi to pick you up from your doorstep in Nainital or the nearest station.
Step 3: Accommodation
Since Dhela is close to Ramnagar, we can book you into a luxury resort with a pool, spa, and evening bonfires—perfect for relaxing after the trip from Nainital.
Suggested Itinerary for Nainital Guests
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxation
- Depart Nainital 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 Grassland 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 Nainital
- Breakfast and Check-out.
- If time permits, visit the Corbett Museum at Dhangarhi.
- Start your drive back to Nainital, feeling recharged.
The Dhela Forest Rest House (FRH)
For the adventurous souls from Nainital:
- 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 hard to get. Contact Corbett Online Booking weeks in advance.
Essential Tips for Nainital 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 Nainital in winter, bring jackets. Open Jeeps are freezing in the morning.
- Respect Silence: Dhela is an Ecotourism 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 hidden charges for our guests from Nainital.
FAQs from Nainital Tourists
Q: Is Dhela better than Jhirna?
A: They are neighbors and share similar terrain. However, Dhela is often quieter and has had superior tiger sightings in recent seasons.
Q: Can we enter Dhela with our own car from Nainital?
A: No. Private vehicles are banned. You must hire a registered Gypsy, which we arrange for you.
Q: Is it safe for senior citizens traveling from Nainital?
A: Yes. The tracks in Dhela are relatively flat compared to the hilly terrain of other zones, making it easy for elders.
Ready for the New Adventure?
Dhela is waiting. Discover the zone that everyone is talking about.
Corbett Online Booking ensures your trip from Nainital is smooth and memorable.
