Gairal Forest rest house is located 18 km inside Jim Corbett National Park almost midway between the entry gate and Dhikala Forest zone. The rest house is almost 2 km away from the main road which goes to the Dhikala Forest zone, and the Gairal Forest Area is Side on the Ramganga River making it one of the popular choices amongst wildlife lovers and peace seekers. Right from the doorstep of rooms at Gairal Forest rest house, can enjoy the beautiful views of the Ramganga River and Sal forest.
Gairal Forest Rest House is managed and booked by Corbett Tiger Reserve. This Forest rest house is located deep inside the thick forest of Jim Corbett National Park in the state of Uttarakhand. One can book rooms at this forest rest house through the official website of Corbett Tiger Reserve. Unlike the other forest rest houses of Corbett Tiger Reserve are little or far away from the river, Gairal Forest Rest House is right next to Ramganga River and offers a true river-side forest retreat experience to its guests. To keep wild animals from the Gairal Forest rest house forest department has fixed solar power fencing 6 feet high on the periphery of the Gairal Forest Rest House.
The accommodation at the Gairal FRH is nice and comfortable in comparison to the few other forest houses in Corbett. Being a forest rest house, it offers only the limited amenities in its rooms but rooms and attached bathrooms are clean and everything inside it is in good working condition. All the rooms have a large double bed along with the same furnishing in every room so it doesn't matter which room you will be allotted. The accommodation in Gairal is divided into three sections which are At present, only the new FRH and the Dormitory are available for the tourists to stay as the old FRH is not available for booking. All the rooms are very spacious and well-ventilated, and the attached bathrooms have western fittings with a 24-hour running water facility. By using the solar water heating system, hot water is provided to the guests. There is no electricity in the FRH, only the solar generated electric light is provided for the 2 hrs in the evening so no any electric appliances like Air-Conditioner, Television, Fan, etc. are provided in the rooms.
There are three main kinds of accommodation at Gairal Rest house
New Forest Rest House - 04 rooms
Old Forest Rest House - 02 rooms
Dormitory - 08 bed dormitory
Gairal Forest Rest House has one small canteen and one dining room where 10-15 people can sit comfortably and have meals. Guests have the option to have breakfast or lunch on the open lawn which is next to the dining room from here guests can also enjoy the spectacular view of the Ramganga river and forest. This canteen is operated by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam and serves only veg meals to its residents and visiting guests. For breakfast they normally serve tea, coffee, bread, butter, jam, and parathas, and for lunch and dinner at least one vegetable dish, lentil, rice, and roti. To add more flavor guests can carry fruits, and pickles from outside. During the day the canteen also takes orders for noodles, omelets with tea, and coffee at a very reasonable price. Consumption of any meat fish or liquor is strictly prohibited while staying at Gairal Forest rest house in Jim Corbett National Park.
All staff at the canteen and Gairal forest rest house are local from the nearest village and very caring.
Sal Forests: Gairal is predominantly covered with dense Sal forests, creating a picturesque landscape. Sal trees (Shorea robusta) are the most dominant species.
Grasslands: The region also features extensive grasslands, which are ideal for herbivores and attract various ungulates.
Riverine Vegetation: The park is traversed by the Ramganga River, and the riverbanks host a variety of vegetation adapted to the aquatic environment.
Mixed Deciduous Forests: Apart from Sal, you'll find mixed deciduous forests with diverse tree species like Semal, Khair, Sissoo, and more.
Bengal Tiger: Jim Corbett National Park is famous for its Bengal tiger population. Dhikala, being a prime tiger habitat, provides opportunities for tiger sightings.
Elephants: Gairal is known for its resident elephant population. These gentle giants are often seen near the Ramganga River and grassy patches.
Leopards: Besides tigers, leopards also inhabit the park. They are elusive but can be spotted, especially during dawn or dusk.
Spotted Deer (Chital): Gairal has a large population of spotted deer, and you'll likely encounter herds grazing in the open grasslands.
Sambar Deer: The park is home to the larger Sambar deer, often found in the dense forested areas.
Wild Boar: Commonly seen in the park, wild boars are omnivores and can be spotted foraging in the grasslands.
Crocodiles: The Ramganga River is home to the mugger crocodile. Crocodile sightings are common, especially near riverbanks.
Birds: Gairal is a paradise for birdwatchers with over 600 species recorded. You can find kingfishers, eagles, vultures, and numerous migratory birds.
Indian Python: Gairal is also home to various reptiles, including the Indian python.
Gairal Rest House remains open from November 15 to June 15.
Open & Close Timing of Dhikala Zone:- Dhikala Zone is open for tourists from 15th November to 15th June. But remains inaccessible during the Monsoon season.
Jim Corbett Biography
