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
The canter boarding point for Dhikala is located inside the Corbett Tiger Reserve, accessible via the Dhangari gate near Ramnagar. Ramnagar is the nearest town.
Distance from Ramnagar: Approximately 18 to 20 km to the Dhangari gate.
Getting there:
Transport to the boarding point is not included in the canter safari price and must be arranged separately. Most resorts near Ramnagar can arrange drop and pick-up to the gate. Taxis from Ramnagar town are also available.
Arrive at the gate at least 30 minutes before your safari slot. No grace period exists. Late arrival means forfeiture of your seat with no 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. Indian nationals should book at least 45 days in advance. Foreign tourists should book 90 days in advance. Passport details are mandatory for foreign tourists.
Permits are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis. If a booking is not confirmed due to a technical issue or unavailability, the full amount is refunded.
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 is the only zone where you have a choice between canter and jeep. Here’s how to decide.
Pick the canter if:
You’re travelling solo or as a pair. At Rs. 2,700 per seat, 2 canter seats cost Rs. 5,400. A private jeep for the same 2 people costs Rs. 7,500. The canter saves Rs. 2,100 for the same zone.
You want a longer session inside the zone. The canter morning slot runs 5.5 hours vs 3 hours for a jeep. More time means more ground covered in Dhikala’s large terrain.
You don’t mind a shared experience. The canter carries 16 passengers. If a private experience matters to you, jeep is the better fit.
Pick the jeep if:
You’re travelling as a group of 3 or more. 3 canter seats cost Rs. 8,100. A full jeep for the same 3 people costs Rs. 7,500. Jeep is cheaper from 3 people onwards.
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?
Indian nationals: at least 45 days in advance. Foreign tourists: 90 days in advance. Peak season (November to February) fills fastest. Don’t leave it late.
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.
