Dhikala Corbett: The Majestic Theater of the Wild Where My First Tiger Sighting Unfolded

On a chilly early morning at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, our gypsy ventured towards the misty grasslands of Dhikala, nestled within the Jim Corbett National Park. As silence enveloped the surroundings, broken only by the awakening chirps of the birds, anticipation filled the air. Our driver halted the gypsy at a promising spot, hoping for a wildlife sighting.

Time seemed to drag on in the biting cold as we waited in eager silence, yearning to glimpse the extraordinary. The chill penetrated our bodies, urging us to find warmth. Then, as I rubbed my palms together and turned around to stretch my back, I witnessed a sight that would forever be etched in my memory.

Before my eyes, two magnificent brothers engaged in a playful yet awe-inspiring fistfight, showcasing their strength and agility. Overwhelmed with excitement, I urged my fellow passengers in the gypsy to witness this majestic spectacle. It was my first tiger sighting in the wild, a double bonanza of nature’s wonders, on a wintery morning in November 2021, the most unforgettable moment of my life.

The Call of the Wild: Jim Corbett National Park

My journey to sight tigers in the wild started with the most iconic national Park in India – the Jim Corbett National Park. Hence, this forest holds a very special place in my heart. It is one of the only forests in India where people are allowed to stay inside the forest for three nights amidst total wilderness, cut off from the human world.

Named after the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, the National Park is the abode of the majestic Bengal tigers, elusive leopards, elephants, and a plethora of bird species, to a diverse range of flora and fauna. To reach Jim Corbett National Park, one must travel to Ramnagar town in Uttarakhand, which is well connected by road or train from cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Nainital. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is 85 km from Ramnagar.

The Park is divided into several zones – Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Durgadevi, and Dhela. While the chances of spotting the tiger are in every zone, the best zone to go for is Dhikala.

 

Within its embrace, the Dhikala zone offers an exemplary chance to immerse in the wilderness for three nights. Dhikala Corbett, located in the heart of Jim Corbett National Park, captivates with its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and immersive wildlife experiences. From the untamed beauty of the jungle to the picturesque Ramganga River, this sanctuary offers a profound connection with nature and a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife preservation.

For those seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure, Dhikala Corbett is an ideal destination. However, booking a stay in Dhikala’s Forest Rest House is challenging, so be sure to get your bookings done at least 3-4 months before your visit. Also, Dhikala being inside the forest, is not open throughout the year and is only available from November 15 to June 15. We had booked our trip to Dhikala, Corbett with a very wonderful company Tigerwalah, just as passionate about the striped monk and sustainable travel as we are.

Be prepared to immerse yourself in a world without distractions between you and nature, as there is absolutely no mobile network, and any near human civilization is at least 35-40 km away.

Three Days of Detox from Urban World amidst Wilderness

As a first-time visitor seeking a tiger in the wild, I had no high hopes, especially when I had heard stories of how Corbett forest is one of the most difficult place to spot tigers. However, I was enchanted by the beauty of the thick Sal tree canopy underneath, which we drove from Dhangiri gate to our destination at the Forest Lodge.

At the Dhikala Forest Lodge, an authentic rustic abode, we were transported to a world where nature reigned supreme. With tall grasslands on one side and the wide Ramganga river flowing on the other side, the Forest Rest House was like a front-row seat to view wildlife in their natural habitat. I was just thrilled knowing that I was spending three nights amidst ferocious wildlife and having a lifetime of experience.

During the day, we roamed the jungle in search of tigers, spotting rare birds and animals along the way. Unlike my expectation of seeing no tiger, we did see four of them, a mother and her three sub-adult cubs, who had made their territory in the high grasslands just by the Forest Rest House. We also saw a few elephants; however, during winters, their number is less, and if you want to see herds of elephants, then summer is the time to visit Corbett, as the giants migrate here in search of pasture from Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand.

Nights were filled with excitement as we sensed the presence of tigers on the periphery of the forest guest house. Deer calls surrounded the atmosphere with an eery signalling of the beast’s presence. One could spot Jackals and deer pass by as we sat on the verandah. The sky sparkled with stars, and the moonlit Ramganga River flowed with ethereal beauty. Cut off from the outside world, we relied solely on nature for entertainment, and it did not disappoint.

Witnessing Nature’s Theatrical Brilliance in the Forest

Spotting all the fauna and experiencing the diverse flora of Corbett National Park while venturing deep into the jungle, I felt as though I was enraptured in a majestic spectacle as if stepping into the grandest theater production ever conceived. The stage was set, and nature’s actors performed their roles with grace and precision. It was a symphony of life, where every creature had a part to play.

The young tigers, filled with youthful exuberance, sharpened their hunting skills. Their powerful muscles rippled as they stalked their prey with stealth and finesse. The deer herds, keenly aware of the predators lurking nearby, moved with an air of urgency, their survival instincts guiding their every move. Even the smallest tiger cubs, driven by their instincts, attempted their first strikes at hunting under the watchful eye of their amused mother.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the jungle, a hush fell upon the land. It was the intermission between acts, a moment of respite in the ceaseless drama. The successful completion of the hunt was heralded by the silence during the night, a testament to the natural order being upheld. The family of tigers, nourished by their efforts, would feast tonight.

In this mesmerizing theater, the Royal Bengal Tiger held the center stage, its magnificence commanding attention. Yet, it was not a solitary performance. Other creatures played their side roles, each contributing to the intricate web of life. We, as humans, were but humble observers, mere misfits in this ancient and delicate harmony. It was a humbling realization that our presence could either support or disrupt this balance.

Nature’s Curtain Call: Our Role in the Symphony of Nature

Pondering about our role in the nature’s theatrics, a question arose: Are we truly needed, or do we simply disrupt this delicate equilibrium? Nature, in its awe-inspiring complexity, demonstrated a remarkable ability to maintain equilibrium, synchronizing every element flawlessly. The forest, like the greatest theater act ever witnessed, seemed to be directed by an unseen magician.

In the depths of the jungle, surrounded by the raw beauty of nature, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of awe and reverence. The delicate interplay between predator and prey, the symphony of sounds, and the intricate dance of life painted a portrait of a world that had existed long before humanity and would endure long after.

As we reluctantly retreated from the theater of nature after four days as an awestruck audience, a newfound appreciation and respect for the natural world accompanied us. We became acutely aware of our place within the grand tapestry of life, our responsibility to nurture and protect the delicate balance that sustains us all. Nature’s enchanting performance left an indelible mark on our souls, reminding us of the interconnectedness and interdependence that binds us to this wondrous planet.

Special Thanks to my brother Madhurya Trivedi for being a wonderful wildlife co-explorer and person behind some of the brilliant moments captured at Jim Corbett National Park.