Permits typically open for booking 45 days ahead for Indian nationals and up to 90 days ahead for foreign nationals, who need passport details at the time of booking. In practice, popular zones in peak season (December–March) are commonly reported sold out one to three weeks before the date, so book as soon as your window opens — our visit page walks through the process.
Jeep vs. canter — you cannot mix them
A private jeep (Gypsy) safari runs in every zone except Dhikala, seats up to six people, and is booked as a full vehicle rather than per seat. Dhikala is reachable only by the canter — a shared, open 16-seat vehicle boarding from Ramnagar or Dhangari Gate — so a private-jeep preference rules out Dhikala specifically.
What it costs, roughly
Reported 2026 tariffs put a full-jeep permit (up to six people, one zone, one shift) commonly in the ₹4,000–7,500 range for Indian nationals depending on zone and season, with foreign-national tariffs running several times higher; a canter seat in Dhikala is typically priced per person, roughly ₹2,500–2,800. Treat these as planning estimates, not quotes — always confirm the live tariff on the forest department’s booking portal before paying, since rates are revised periodically.
Cancellation: assume none
Once a permit is booked and paid for, it is standard practice for it to be non-refundable and non-transferable to a different date or zone. Build a buffer day into your itinerary rather than counting on rescheduling if plans change.