– 4 Nights / 5 Days | 21–25 January 2027
Jim Corbett National Park is one of India’s most celebrated wildlife destinations and an extraordinary landscape for wildlife photography. Among its many wilderness areas, Dhikala stands apart for its spectacular scenery, expansive grasslands, dense sal forests, Ramganga River and remarkable diversity of wildlife.
Our Dhikala Wildlife Photography Workshop is designed for photographers who want to experience the forest from within, spend maximum time in the wilderness and develop their wildlife photography skills while photographing some of India’s most iconic species.
With three nights at Dhikala Forest Rest House, six dedicated photography safaris, two transit safaris, small groups, and fixed expert guides and Gypsy drivers throughout the workshop, the experience is designed around photography, wildlife and learning.
The workshop begins with a dedicated wildlife photography learning session at Srina Vilas, Ramnagar.
Before entering Dhikala, participants will have the opportunity to review important technical and practical aspects of wildlife photography and prepare their equipment for the expedition.
The session will cover:
Participants can also discuss their individual cameras, lenses, photography styles and learning objectives before entering the forest.
The objective is to ensure that everyone begins the Dhikala experience technically prepared and photographically confident.
Dhikala is much more than a place to go on safari. It is an immersive wilderness experience.
Located deep inside Jim Corbett National Park, Dhikala is surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes in the park. Vast grasslands stretch towards the Ramganga River, while dense sal forests create a dramatic backdrop to the wilderness.
The character of Dhikala changes throughout the day.
The early morning brings soft light, mist, long shadows and the sounds of the forest awakening. As the day progresses, the grasslands and forest take on different colours and moods. In the evening, the warm light can transform the landscape into an extraordinary setting for wildlife and environmental photography.
For a photographer, Dhikala offers much more than opportunities to photograph individual animals. It provides the opportunity to photograph wildlife as part of its natural landscape.
A herd of chital moving through the grass, elephants crossing an open meadow, a sambar emerging from the forest, birds along the river or a tiger appearing against the Dhikala landscape can all become part of a powerful photographic story.
For many wildlife photographers, the tiger is the ultimate attraction of a Dhikala expedition.
Jim Corbett is internationally renowned for its wild tigers, and Dhikala provides a spectacular natural setting in which to experience this magnificent predator.
The expansive grasslands, sal forests, riverbeds and water sources create exceptional possibilities for tiger photography. A tiger emerging from the forest, walking through tall grass, resting near water or moving across an open landscape can create an unforgettable photographic moment.
But photographing a tiger is about much more than simply finding one.
It is about understanding the forest and being ready when the moment arrives.
Participants will learn to pay attention to alarm calls, animal behaviour, tracks, movement and the changing conditions of the forest. Patience, anticipation and preparation are essential elements of successful wildlife photography.
Our fixed expert guides and fixed expert Gypsy drivers accompany the group throughout the Dhikala programme. Their experience and knowledge of the terrain, wildlife movement and forest environment help participants make the most of every drive.
Tiger sightings can never be guaranteed in the wild. That unpredictability is part of what makes wildlife photography so exciting. Every safari brings the possibility of a completely unexpected encounter.
Although the tiger is undoubtedly one of Dhikala’s greatest attractions, the wildlife experience extends far beyond the big cat.
Participants may encounter and photograph a wide variety of wildlife, including:
One of the most important features of this workshop is the opportunity to spend three nights at Dhikala Forest Rest House.
The FRH is located inside the national park and surrounded by the wilderness of Dhikala.
Staying inside the forest creates an experience very different from staying at a resort outside the park. You wake up surrounded by the sounds of the forest and finish the day with the wilderness still around you.
The three-night stay allows participants to settle into the rhythm of Dhikala.
Between safaris, there is time to:
Dhikala FRH is not simply accommodation—it is an integral part of the wildlife experience.
Our expedition begins with one night at Srina Vilas, Ramnagar.
After the journey from Delhi, Srina Vilas provides a comfortable and peaceful setting where participants can relax, enjoy dinner and prepare their photography equipment before entering Dhikala.
The first evening is also where our photography learning session takes place, giving participants the opportunity to prepare both technically and mentally for the safaris ahead.
The combination of the two stays creates a wonderful contrast:
Srina Vilas offers comfort, relaxation and learning at the beginning of the expedition, while Dhikala FRH places participants directly in the heart of the wilderness.
DELHI → RAMNAGAR
Photography Learning Session
A dedicated wildlife photography learning session will be conducted at the resort.
The session will focus on camera settings, autofocus, exposure, composition, wildlife behaviour, long-lens techniques and preparation for safari photography.
Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss their individual equipment and photography objectives.
RAMNAGAR → DHANGARHI GATE → DHIKALA FRH
TRANSIT SAFARI 1
Dhangarhi Gate → Dhikala FRH
The journey from Dhangarhi Gate to Dhikala is itself an exciting wildlife experience.The route passes through the forest and offers opportunities to observe the changing landscape and wildlife along the way.
SAFARI NO. 1 – AFTERNOON SAFARI
The first dedicated photography safari begins in the afternoon.
Participants will be accompanied by their fixed expert guide and fixed expert Gypsy driver, providing continuity throughout the workshop.
The focus will be on:
Meals at Dhikala FRH Canteen – Excluded
DHIKALA FRH
SAFARI NO. 2 – MORNING SAFARI
An early morning photography drive through Dhikala’s spectacular grasslands, forests and riverine habitats.
The morning hours provide beautiful light and opportunities to observe the forest as it comes alive.
Possible subjects include:
Return to Dhikala FRH for rest and photograph review.
SAFARI NO. 3 – AFTERNOON SAFARI
The afternoon drive offers another opportunity to explore Dhikala under changing light.
Return to Dhikala FRH.
Overnight stay at Dhikala FRH
Meals at Dhikala FRH Canteen – Excluded
DHIKALA FRH
SAFARI NO. 4 – MORNING SAFARI
An early morning wildlife photography drive through Dhikala.
Return to Dhikala FRH.
PHOTOGRAPHY REVIEW & PREPARATION
The daytime break provides an opportunity to:
SAFARI NO. 5 – AFTERNOON SAFARI
An afternoon/evening photography drive with the fixed expert guide and fixed expert Gypsy driver.
The focus will be on making the most of changing light and opportunities for wildlife behaviour, predators, elephants, deer and other species.
Return to Dhikala FRH.
Overnight stay at Dhikala FRH
Meals at Dhikala FRH Canteen – Excluded
DHIKALA → DHANGARHI GATE → RAMNAGAR → DELHI
SAFARI NO. 6 – EARLY MORNING SAFARI
The final dedicated photography safari of the workshop.
An early morning drive provides one final opportunity to explore Dhikala’s spectacular wilderness and photograph its wildlife and landscapes.
Possible subjects include:
Return to Dhikala FRH.
TRANSIT SAFARI 2
Dhikala FRH → Dhangarhi Gate
The journey out of Dhikala provides one final opportunity to experience the forest before exiting the park.
End of the Dhikala Wildlife Photography Workshop
Accommodation is on a double-occupancy basis.
6 Dedicated Wildlife Photography Safaris:
2 Transit Safaris
Total
A major feature of this workshop is the use of fixed guides and fixed Gypsy drivers throughout the Dhikala programme.
Our guides and drivers are experts in their respective fields, with knowledge of the forest, terrain, wildlife movement, animal behaviour and safari environment.
For wildlife photography, continuity can make a significant difference. Having the same guide and driver throughout the workshop allows them to understand the photographers’ interests and work more effectively with the group during every drive.
The objective is not simply to cover distance—it is to make the most of every photographic opportunity the forest provides.
This is designed as a true wildlife photography expedition, rather than a conventional sightseeing tour.
You will spend three nights inside Dhikala, experience six dedicated photography safaris, travel through the forest on two transit safaris, and work with fixed expert guides and drivers throughout your stay.
The workshop begins with a dedicated photography learning session at Srina Vilas, giving participants the opportunity to prepare their cameras, understand essential wildlife photography techniques and enter the forest with greater confidence.
The tiger remains the ultimate attraction, but the experience is about much more than one species. Elephants, leopards, deer, crocodiles, birds and countless smaller moments of forest life all contribute to the photographic story.
Most importantly, you will experience Dhikala from inside its wilderness—waking up in the forest, photographing its landscapes and wildlife, learning in the field and returning each day to the unique atmosphere of Dhikala FRH.
Dhikala is not about knowing what you will see.
It is about being there when the wild decides to reveal itself.
