For
night halts three tourist complexes located at Dhikala, Gairal and Bijrani
offer a choice of accommodation type. Dhikala has the maximum bed capacity
including a dormitory. Basic lodging is available for tourists at other
Forest Rest Houses at Malani, Sultan, Gairal, Sarpduli, Khinanauli, Kanda
and Jhirna. Visitors can also stay at the Forest Rest Houses at Lohachaur,
Rathuadhab, Halduparao, Mundiapani, Morghatti, Sendhikhal and Dhela.
Forest Rest Houses
Bijrani Zone
Bijrani: The area in and around Bijrani once formed part of a shooting
block. During the British period it was much famed for the quality of game
hunting that it offered to shikaris. In comparison to Dhikala, the terrain
at Bijrani is drier and also has more diverse vegetation.
Malani: This FRH lies 12 km due northwest of Bijrani. Located on the edge
of the core zone of the Park, Malani has offers one of the most picturesque
surroundings and solitude. The drive up to Malani is quite rewarding in
mammal and bird sightings.
Dhikala Zone
Sultan: Sultan is the first FRH encountered during the drive from Dhangarhi
to Dhikala. It is named after the Sultan Sot, the seasonal stream running
through that area. It typifies dense forest area and is located in one of
the best stretches of pure sal that occur in the Park.
Gairal: This FRH is reached by a short detour off the Dhangarhi-Dhikala
main forest road. It lies on the banks of the Ramganga near the place where
it first enters the Park. At Gairal the Ramganga portrays a different
character than it does at places downstream (like Dhikala). Here, it is a
crystal-clear, fast-flowing mountain river flowing through scenic forests.
Being out of the way, Gairal presents ideal conditions for viewing wildlife
and birds in tranquillity.
Sarapduli: This FRH lies on the Dhangarhi-Dhikala road. It is located
downstream of Gairal on the flat southern bank of the Ramganga while the
opposite northern bank rises steeply to a ridge. Movement of large mammals
(tiger, elephant included) is quite high at Sarapduli. It is also a good
place to see crocodiles and also good for birdwatching.
Khinnanauli: Located in the middle of Khinnanauli chaur, this FRH is an
excellent tiger territory. It is one of the most recently built FRHs of
Corbett. Its strategic location provides an easy getaway to various parts of
the Park.
Dhikala: Dhikala is the most well known of the destinations in Corbett. It
is located at the edge of the broad Patli Dun valley through which the
Ramganga flows in numerous channels. Dhikala offers an awesome uninterrupted
panoramic view of the valley, with the Kanda ridge in the backdrop. This
sight appears all the more imposing from the watchtower near Dhikala. The
Tourist Complex overlooks Dhikala chaur (one of the largest remaining
grasslands of the Park) and Phulai chaur. A drive through the numerous
trails through chaurs is rewarded with sightings of wild elephants, chital,
hog deer and numerous grassland bird species and raptors. The Old FRH at
Dhikala is a historic structure, having been built over a hundred years ago.
Kanda: Kanda lies in the northern part of the Park flanking the Himalayas.
It is the highest FRH in the Park at about 1100 m. due to its elevation one
can get a bird's-eye view of the Park and the Ramganga valley below. While
most of Corbett has a Shiwalik type of vegetation and topography, the
forests at Kanda show characteristics that are Himalayan. The fauna also is
typically Himalayan, with mammals like goral, Himalayan black bear, serow
and leopards occurring here. Although the road to Kanda is bumpy and narrow
the surroundings are extremely serene. The place finds mention in Jim
Corbett's writings in The Kanda Man-Eater.
Jhirna Zone
Jhirna: This FRH lies just inside the southern boundary of the Park. The
FRH lies on the road from Ramnagar to Kalagarh that runs in an east-west
direction through the Park. The landscape is drier than in Dhikala and
vegetation is mostly scrub. Jhirna was a farming village until 1994 when it
was successfully relocated under Project Tiger. The abandoned farmland is
gradually reverting to a wild state and is being managed to develop
grassland habitat. The nearby terrain consists of numerous sots and narrow
gorges running through typically Shiwalik landscape. The hills to the north
of Jhirna are covered with dense patches of bamboo. Apart from being a good
habitat for tiger, leopard and deer, the place hosts other interesting
mammals like sloth bear and wild boar. A variety of birds can also be
enjoyed here.
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest buffer
Halduparao
The FRH, which was built about a hundred years ago, is located between the
Palain and Sonanadi rivers a short distance before they drain into the
Ramganga reservoir. It lies under the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and is
known for its quiet, peaceful, riverine surroundings. Halduparao is a good
place to watch wild elephants from close quarters during summer.
Lohachaur
This FRH is located in the northern part of Corbett Tiger Reserve in the RF
buffer area. It lies on the banks of the river Mandal upstream of its
confluence with the Ramganga. The access is from Durga Devi gate.
Rathuadhab
Located in the northern RF buffer, Rathuadhab lies on the forest road
connecting Durga Devi in the east and Vatanvasa towards the west. It is a
favoured spot for elephants.
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