Kaboooooom
Member
Hi All,
Dhikala has been close to my heart since long/forever, mostly because thats from where I started my independent journeys. I have visited Corbett area many times and Dhikala about 3-5 times over the years. I have seen it change from the time when personal vehicles were allowed (I visited in my Alto) then only large personal vehicles were allowed, then personal vehicles completely banned. The park is the same but the official guidelines keep changing. Its sad to see how its commercialized now and been taken over by Taxi groups etc. There was a time when mobile network wasnt available inside the park, TV was not available etc. However, the beauty of the park hasnt changed. About the pricing, let me say that it has always been costly (relatively) and bookings too were always a rush and all that has multiplied several times over now. Back in the day, when outside hotel rooms could be available in Rs 3000, the Dhikala FRH Normal Rooms cost Rs 1200. The price breakup given by Sayantan is great, but you must also compare it with the other prices in the same area. The resorts outside the park try to cash in on the name of the park and charge 3000-12000 per day anyway. They will give you the same amenities that you already have in your home (Water heater, tv, etc) and some Zabardasti ka experience like "Nature walk, river walk, activities - rope river crossing etc." These days, there is new con game going on in the Corbett area (by private resorts/tour operators) about "Elepahnt ride in the forest". They will tell you they will take you in Bijrani zone or some other zone on the phone, later they will tell you that they will take you to the "Forest" in Sitabani zone. For an hour long elephant safari, the elephant will be going on the normal Road for more than half of it, and move a little in the foilage between the road and the river (which is not even Sitabani zone). So, comparing the experience (and not the money), if you get a chance to experience Dhikala, then you MUST. Its a very special, awesome and pure (almost) experience, that you just cant have elsewhere in the region. Comparing money, if you opt for private resort, you will end up paying much more money, for much less experience.
So thats the reality. Dhikala officials/workers might be trying to Charge you forcefully for bags/binoculars/meals etc but thats nothing compared to what happens outside the park. The only real gripe I have is the monopoly of the Taxi associations which has now translated into mandatory hiring of gypsys to enter the park and they are increasing charges without restraint. I am confident in saying that no one who has experienced Dhikala will ever tell you to opt for anything else in the whole region, if you have the chance for Dhikala. I'd even say, if you had a budget of Rs 15000 and you were getting a "Great" deal outside the park for Rs 10000 (inclusive of the fleecing), you should still raise additional Rs 2000 and do the Dhikala experience for Rs 17000.
Cheers...
Dhikala has been close to my heart since long/forever, mostly because thats from where I started my independent journeys. I have visited Corbett area many times and Dhikala about 3-5 times over the years. I have seen it change from the time when personal vehicles were allowed (I visited in my Alto) then only large personal vehicles were allowed, then personal vehicles completely banned. The park is the same but the official guidelines keep changing. Its sad to see how its commercialized now and been taken over by Taxi groups etc. There was a time when mobile network wasnt available inside the park, TV was not available etc. However, the beauty of the park hasnt changed. About the pricing, let me say that it has always been costly (relatively) and bookings too were always a rush and all that has multiplied several times over now. Back in the day, when outside hotel rooms could be available in Rs 3000, the Dhikala FRH Normal Rooms cost Rs 1200. The price breakup given by Sayantan is great, but you must also compare it with the other prices in the same area. The resorts outside the park try to cash in on the name of the park and charge 3000-12000 per day anyway. They will give you the same amenities that you already have in your home (Water heater, tv, etc) and some Zabardasti ka experience like "Nature walk, river walk, activities - rope river crossing etc." These days, there is new con game going on in the Corbett area (by private resorts/tour operators) about "Elepahnt ride in the forest". They will tell you they will take you in Bijrani zone or some other zone on the phone, later they will tell you that they will take you to the "Forest" in Sitabani zone. For an hour long elephant safari, the elephant will be going on the normal Road for more than half of it, and move a little in the foilage between the road and the river (which is not even Sitabani zone). So, comparing the experience (and not the money), if you get a chance to experience Dhikala, then you MUST. Its a very special, awesome and pure (almost) experience, that you just cant have elsewhere in the region. Comparing money, if you opt for private resort, you will end up paying much more money, for much less experience.
So thats the reality. Dhikala officials/workers might be trying to Charge you forcefully for bags/binoculars/meals etc but thats nothing compared to what happens outside the park. The only real gripe I have is the monopoly of the Taxi associations which has now translated into mandatory hiring of gypsys to enter the park and they are increasing charges without restraint. I am confident in saying that no one who has experienced Dhikala will ever tell you to opt for anything else in the whole region, if you have the chance for Dhikala. I'd even say, if you had a budget of Rs 15000 and you were getting a "Great" deal outside the park for Rs 10000 (inclusive of the fleecing), you should still raise additional Rs 2000 and do the Dhikala experience for Rs 17000.
Cheers...
