Dhikala canter safari is the only shared safari experience in Jim Corbett National Park. It runs exclusively in the Dhikala zone, opens on 15 November and closes on 15 June every year.
If you want to experience Dhikala, one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of the entire reserve, without booking a private jeep, the canter is your option. Rs. 2,700 per seat. 16 seats per canter. 5.5 hours inside the zone.
Ready to book? Check canter availability and reserve your seat here.
What is the dhikala canter safari?
The dhikala canter safari is a shared wildlife safari that operates exclusively in the Dhikala zone of Jim Corbett National Park. It’s managed by forest officials under the guidelines of India’s Forest Department.
The canter is an open-sided vehicle with a roof, seating up to 16 passengers. Unlike a private jeep safari where your group has the vehicle to itself, a canter is a shared experience. You’ll be on the vehicle with other visitors.
It’s the most budget-friendly way to access Dhikala. For solo travellers or pairs who want to experience this zone without paying for a full jeep, the canter makes clear financial sense.
Dhikala zone: why it’s worth the trip
Dhikala is one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich areas of Jim Corbett National Park. It sits deep inside the core area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, which means wildlife here is less disturbed and more active than in zones closer to the park boundary.
The zone is known for tigers, elephants, deer and the vast open grasslands of the Patli Dun valley. The Ramganga reservoir runs alongside the grassland corridor, creating a water source that draws animals consistently throughout the day.
Dhikala is also the only zone in Jim Corbett where canter safaris run. Every other zone is jeep only. So if you want the canter experience, Dhikala is where it happens.
Canter safari price and capacity
Price: Rs. 2,700 per seat
This includes service charges. 1 canter has 16 seats.
| Detail | Canter safari |
| Price | Rs. 2,700 per seat |
| Capacity | 16 seats per canter |
| Zone | Dhikala only |
| Vehicle type | Open-sided with roof |
| Inclusions | All permit charges, driver fee, vehicle charges, zone entry fee |
| Guide fee | Rs. 900, paid directly at the zone (not included) |
| Pick-up and drop | Not included, can be arranged separately |
Guide fee of Rs. 900 is mandatory. A government-registered guide must accompany every safari. No guide means no entry. Carry cash to pay at the zone.
Dhikala canter safari timings
The canter runs 2 shifts daily inside Dhikala zone.
| Slot | Timing | Duration |
| Morning safari | 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM | 5.5 hours |
| Evening safari | 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM | 5.5 hours |
Each slot is 5.5 hours. That’s nearly double the duration of a standard jeep safari slot (3 hours). The longer window matters in Dhikala because the zone is large. The grassland and reservoir corridor covers significant ground and the canter needs time to cover it properly.
Safari timings are subject to change based on seasonal variations and Forest Department regulations. Always confirm exact timings before your visit.
Morning vs evening: which slot to pick
Morning. Consistently. Wildlife is most active between 6 and 9 AM before the heat builds. Tigers move across open ground in the early hours. The morning canter slot captures that window and extends 2.5 hours beyond it.
Evening slots are productive too, particularly for elephant sightings and the golden light before sunset. But if you can only pick one, morning is the better call.
What’s included and what’s not
Included in Rs. 2,700 per seat:
- All permit charges
- Driver fee
- Canter vehicle charges
- Zone entry fee
- Service charges
Not included:
- Guide fee: Rs. 900, paid directly by the guest at the zone
- Hotel or resort pick-up and drop (can be arranged separately)
- Transport to the canter boarding point
Important: Tourists must reach the canter boarding point on their own. Transportation to the boarding point is not provided as part of the safari. Plan your accommodation and commute accordingly before booking.
Dhikala zone opening months
Dhikala canter safari is available only during the zone’s open season.
| Zone | Opening period |
| Dhikala (canter safari) | 15 November to 15 June |
Outside this window, Dhikala is closed to day visitors and canter safari is not available. If you’re planning a visit between July and mid-November, Dhikala is not an option. Consider Jhirna, Dhela or Phato zones which are open year-round.
Peak demand for Dhikala canter seats runs November to February. Book well in advance during this period.
How to reach the canter boarding point
Official Canter Boarding Locations & How to Reach
Under Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) rules, Canters pick up visitors from two designated official boarding points. Your exact boarding location is determined and printed directly on your confirmed safari permit ticket:
1. Corbett Reception Centre (Ramnagar City):
• Best for visitors staying within Ramnagar town, near the railway station, or along the lower Kosi river belt.
• Departure is earlier from this point (typically 30 to 45 minutes before the gate entry time).
2. Dhangarhi Entry Gate (Dhikala Zone Entrance):
• Located approximately 18 to 20 km from Ramnagar along NH 121.
• Best for visitors staying in resorts along the Dhikuli and Mohan corridor.
Important Reporting Advisory:
• Check your booking voucher: You must report strictly to the boarding location specified on your confirmed permit voucher.
• Transport to the boarding point is not included in the safari price and must be arranged independently.
• Reporting Time: Arrive at your designated boarding point at least 45 minutes before the departure time printed on your ticket for mandatory Forest Department identity inspection and roster clearance. Gates close strictly on time; late arrivals result in permit forfeiture without a refund.
Booking procedure and rules
What you need to provide when booking:
- Full name, age and gender of each visitor exactly as per ID proof
- Preferred travel date and safari timing (morning or evening)
- Government-approved ID card number: Aadhaar, PAN card, driving licence or passport
- Advance payment
Key rules:
Safari charges are non-refundable once confirmed. Carry the exact same ID proof submitted at time of booking. Canter day-safari booking quotas open progressively up to 45 days in advance for both Indian and international visitors (the 90-day window applies exclusively to foreign tourists booking Forest Rest House night stays). Passport details are mandatory for all foreign tourists at the time of booking. Passport details are mandatory for foreign tourists.
Permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. If a booking cannot be confirmed due to permit unavailability or technical issues, 100% of the advance amount is refunded to your original mode of payment within 5–7 business days.
Inside the zone:
- Entry permits are non-transferable
- Stepping out of the canter inside the park is strictly prohibited
- No pets allowed inside the reserve
- No alcohol or non-vegetarian food inside the reserve
- All visitors must comply with the Wildlife Protection Act
- Entry into the national park is strictly prohibited after sunset
Safari zones, drivers and naturalist guides are assigned by the Forest Department through an automated computerised system. This cannot be influenced by any operator.
For official permit information, visit corbettonline.uk.gov.in.
Canter vs jeep in Dhikala: which to pick
Dhikala Vehicle Regulations: Canter Day Safari vs. Night Stay Jeep Safari
Under Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) regulations, Canter Safari is the ONLY authorized mode of transport for day visitors in the Dhikala core zone. Private Jeep safaris are strictly NOT permitted for day visitors entering Dhikala.
Canter Safari (Day Visitors):
If you are staying outside the park in Ramnagar or nearby resorts, the 16-seater Canter is the exclusive way to visit Dhikala on a day trip. It operates in two scheduled 5.5-hour shifts: Morning (06:00 AM – 11:30 AM) and Afternoon (12:00 PM – 05:30 PM) at Rs. 2,700 per seat.
Jeep Safari (FRH Night-Stay Permit Holders Only):
Private Gypsy / Jeep safaris inside the Dhikala core are exclusively permitted for guests who hold an authorized Forest Rest House (FRH) night-stay permit (such as Dhikala FRH, Gairal, Sarapduli, or Sultan).
Looking for a private Jeep safari on a day visit?
You can book an exclusive open 4×4 Gypsy safari in any of Corbett’s other premier safari zones—including Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhela, Garjia, or Phato.
You want a private, flexible experience with the ability to stop whenever something is worth stopping for.
| Group size | Canter total | Jeep total | Better value |
| 1 person | Rs. 2,700 | Rs. 7,500 | Canter |
| 2 people | Rs. 5,400 | Rs. 7,500 | Canter |
| 3 people | Rs. 8,100 | Rs. 7,500 | Jeep |
| 4 people | Rs. 10,800 | Rs. 7,500 | Jeep |
| 6 people | Rs. 16,200 | Rs. 7,500 | Jeep |
Frequently asked questions
What is the dhikala canter safari price in 2026?
Rs. 2,700 per seat. 1 canter has 16 seats. Includes all permit charges, driver fee, vehicle charges and zone entry fee. Guide fee of Rs. 900 is paid separately at the zone.
Is canter safari available in zones other than Dhikala?
No. Canter safari runs exclusively in the Dhikala zone. Every other zone in Jim Corbett runs jeep safari only.
When does the Dhikala canter safari open?
15 November. It closes on 15 June. Outside this window, Dhikala is closed to day visitors and no canter safari operates.
How long is the canter safari in Dhikala?
Both morning and evening slots are 5.5 hours each. Morning runs 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Evening runs 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Is the guide fee included in the canter safari price?
No. The Rs. 900 guide fee is paid directly by the guest at the zone. A government-registered guide is mandatory for every safari. You cannot enter the zone without one. Carry cash.
Is transport to the canter boarding point included?
No. Tourists must reach the canter boarding point on their own. Plan your accommodation and commute to the gate separately before booking.
Can I choose my seat on the canter?
Seat allocation on the canter is managed by forest officials. Safari zones, drivers and guides are also assigned through an automated Forest Department system. No operator can influence these assignments.
How far in advance should I book the Dhikala canter safari?Canter day-safari permits open up to 45 days in advance for both Indian and foreign tourists. We recommend submitting your booking request 30 to 45 days ahead, especially during peak season (November to February) when Dhikala seats sell out quickly.
Are canter safari charges refundable?
No. Safari charges are non-refundable once confirmed. If a booking fails due to a technical issue or unavailability, the full amount is refunded.
How do I book the Dhikala canter safari?
Book the Dhikala canter directly here. Every booking is managed by Vijay Tours and Travels, a registered private travel agency.
