Climate: Pleasant all round the year, although temperatures can climb up to 44 deg Celsius during summer afternoons and dip to 5 deg Celsius during winter nights. It also depends upon how far inside the forest you are staying - the deeper you go, the cooler it is.
Altitude: 400 - 1200 metres above sea level
Local languages: Hindi
Best time to visit: February - early April. The park is closed during the monsoons from June to mid November, although this is when water sports rule the roost.
Local Transport
Since your trip is centred around the safari, hiring a taxi for the stay is ideal.
Tourist Office
Ramnagar Reception centre
Near the Ramnagar Bus Stand,
Ramnagar
Tel: 05947/251489
* Timing: daily 8 am - noon and 1.30 pm -
4.30 pm
To obtain entry inside the park, you have to get a permit from the Ramnagar reception centre which lies about 200 metres north of the bus stand, towards Nainital. Although it is possible to avoid going to the reception centre as most resorts these days will help you with the procedures - keep an id ready and cough up money for entry fee, the jeep, the driver’s entry fee and a wildlife guide. The total expenditure comes at about Rs. 800. However, if you find someone whose jeep you can share, the cost goes down drastically.
If you want to do it all by yourself, you can hire a vehicle from the KMVN Tourist Lodge (05947 - 251225). A cheaper option is to get yourself one of the private Jeeps available outside the Ramnagar bus stand. A Maruti Gypsy is ideal. Now that your conveyance problem is solved, visit the Reception centre and obtain your permit by paying your entry fee, your vehicle and driver's entry fees, accommodation reservation (if you are staying at Dhikala), and also pay the fee for a guide who helps you identify wild life inside the forest. Please note that for staying inside Dhikala, you have to book your accommodation at least 20 days in advance.
