Dhela Forest Lodge
DHELA- a new fifth eco-tourism zone will become fully functional from December 01, 2014. Deputy Director Corbett Tiger Reserve Saket Badola quoted that Tourist and wildlife lovers can also enjoy nature trail from 1st January next year. The new zone will be an addition to the four zones that is already operational in the park namely Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna and Durgadevi. Saket Badola gave the information about fifth tourism zone and told that the whole Zone will be sprawl over 1173 hectare of area with 46 Kilometers of jungle path. Tourists can do jeep safari in morning as well as in evening shift. Only 15 gypsies will be allowed to enter in to the zone in each of the shift. The charge for new safari initiative will be same as day visit charge. And above all tourists will be able to get down from their vehicles and can enjoy nature trail up to 05 kilometers. They have decided to establish two nature trails where only eight tourists will get the permit in each of the shift and can enjoy lovely bird watching. The zone will remain open all throughout the year.
Sprawling over 1173 hectares, Dhela Zone is the sixth eco-tourism zone of Corbett National Park that was brought on India tourism map in 2014. The zone is 20 kilometers from the Ramnagar, right beside the Jhirna safari zone of Corbett National Park. Here, you can find mixed forest such as Saal, Rohini, Haldu, Bahera, Kusum vegetation, which makes it ideal for birdwatching tour in Jim Corbett Park. Along with abundant flora and bird population, Dhela Zone has a good population of tigers, bears, elephants and leopards. For safari, there are overall two trails giving tourists an opportunity to stroll around three to four km in the wild. On an average, 180 tourists - 90 each in the morning and the evening shifts - will be allowed to visit the Dhela zone every day. If you're mesmerized by the beauty of the place then you can stay at the Dhela Forest Lodge. The main attraction of the zone is Laldhang, a grassland where one can spot wild pigs, Neelgai, and birds too.
Attractions:-
Jungle Safari
The visitors can go for an Elephant Safari or Jeep Safari.Both facilities are provided in the Sanctuary. Prior bookings are required for Jeep safari. Tourists can also go for a forest trail with armed guard. This can prove to be real thrilling experience of a life time. Sanctuary is located near Corbett National Park, and tourists can expect to see Asiatic Elephants, Tigers and many other species in their natural Habitat.
Chaurs (Grass Lands)
A vast Laldhang chaur is the main attraction of this zone. The grassland is often seen packed with elephants and Deer. Several wild pigs and Neelgai can also be seen here. The area is also a very sought after place for visitors interested in grassland birds.
FLora & Fauna
Sheesam, Dhak, Sisoo, and Khair are the most visible trees found in Corbett. A lot of other varieties are found around the park which contributes to the diversity of species. The only conifer found in the park is Chir Pine, and is seen on ridge tops like Chir Choti and declines in Gajar Sot. The higher reaches near Kanda shelters Banj Oak growing, which is a typical Himalayan species. Kanju (Holoptelia Integrifolia), Jamun (Syzygium Cumini) and Aamla (Emblica Officinalis) are seen growing in major areas. Other main types of trees in Corbett Park.
- Bel
- Kusum
- Mahua
- Bakli
Corbett National Park is home for many wonderful as well as endangered species of animals. The natural bounty and vast landscapes provide perfect habitat for wildlife here.
Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Chital, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Black Faced Monkey, Rheus Monkey, Wild Pig and Jackal etc.
Peacock, Jungle Foul, White Bush Chat, Oriental Pied, Emerald Dove, Red Wattle Lapwing, the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Rested Kingfisher, Indian Shirks, Indian Alpine Swift, Woodpecker, laughing Thrush, Vulture, Parakeet, kales Pheasant, Oriole, Common Grey Hornbill, Duck, Stork, Cormorant, Parrot, Indian Roller, Teal, Seagull etc.