Spanning over 1,173 hectares, the Dhela Safari Zone is the sixth ecotourism zone added to Corbett Tiger Reserve’s wildlife tourism map in 2014. This zone was carved out of the southern buffer forests of Corbett and holds a special place in the park’s history, being the only forest where seven tigers were once seen together — a rare and remarkable sight.
Dhela’s landscape is dominated by a mix of moist deciduous forests, with dense Sal trees providing an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife. The presence of Sambhar deer here attracts the park’s majestic tigers, as these deer serve as prime prey. Sal forests, known for being tiger favorites during hunting, make Dhela a hotspot for tiger sightings.
A unique feature of this zone is the watchtower built inside the forest, enabling visitors to observe animals from a distance without disturbing them. With around 46 kilometers of jungle trails, Dhela offers ample opportunity for jeep safaris during both morning and evening shifts. However, to preserve the forest’s tranquility and reduce human impact, only 15 safari jeeps are allowed per shift, making it an exclusive and less crowded safari experience.
Dhela is also a renowned destination for bird watchers, thanks to its diverse avian population. Unlike many other zones that close during monsoons, Dhela remains open throughout the year, allowing wildlife enthusiasts to visit anytime.
