Nestled on the edge of the majestic Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand lies the serene and picturesque village of Dhikuli. Over the years, this quaint village has established itself as a pivotal hub for tourism, owing to its proximity to the oldest national park in India.
The tourism history of Dhikuli is intrinsically linked with the establishment of the Jim Corbett National Park, originally named Hailey National Park, in 1936. The park was established to protect the endangered Bengal tiger and has since played a vital role in conservation efforts.
The evolution of Dhikuli as a tourist destination began in the early days when the park became a sought-after place for big game hunters. However, with changing times and growing environmental awareness, the focus shifted from hunting expeditions to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
As the numbers of visitors to Jim Corbett National Park grew, Dhikuli adapted by developing necessary infrastructure to support tourism. Residences transformed into guest houses and lodges and later into full-scale luxury resorts, offering tourists a comfortable base close to the park.
Dhikuli today stands as a premier eco-tourism hotspot, with a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly homestays to premier luxury resorts. The tourism industry here caters not just to wildlife enthusiasts but also to those seeking a retreat into nature's lap, adventure activities, and local Kumaoni culture experiences.
One of the latest trends in the tourism scene of Dhikuli is the rise of sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Resort and hotel owners are increasingly adopting eco-friendly measures, such as solar energy utilization, water conservation techniques, and minimizing plastic use. Such practices are not only appealing to the environmentally conscious traveler but also helping preserve the pristine nature of the area.
Another emerging trend is the focus on cultural tourism. Visitors to Dhikuli can engage in community tours, local handicraft shopping, and tasting traditional cuisine, thus offering a holistic travel experience that goes beyond tiger spotting and jungle safaris.
Dhikuli Village stands as a testament to how tourism can evolve to benefit both visitors and the local community while preserving natural heritage. Through constant innovation and responsible tourism, it continues to be a beacon for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers worldwide.
