Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park
- tiger lores abound


Go there for: Tigers, Leopards, Crocodiles

Corbett National Park at a glance

Nestled in the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas in Uttaranchal, lies one of the safest havens of Indian wildlife - the Corbett National Park - named in honor of late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-naturalist turned author and photographer who spent most of his years in this area and contributed in setting up the this park. Earlier known as the the Hailey National Park it was rechristened in 1957, two years after Corbett's death. Spread across an area of 1,200 sq-km it has the proud designation of being India's first national park and the first sanctuary to come under Project Tiger in 1973. Once a popular hunting ground of the British, the Corbett National Park is best known for its big cats, especially the tiger. Corbett lived throughout his childhood in the area of Kaladhungi between Nainital and Ramnagar. In later years he was called upon by the locals to shoot down man-eating predators that stalked the villages and these escapades formed the backdrop for his much fabled tiger lores - Man Eaters of Kumoan, The Temple Tiger,



Widlife Attractions of Corbett National Park

The varied topography comprises hilly and riverine areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. In the Jim Corbett National Park are found 110 tree species, 50 mammals species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. The vegetation mainly consists of Sal trees, Chir, Bakli, bamboo thickets and so on.The Park is an ideal terrain for the majestic predators and their prey, which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Apart from Tigers, Elephants, Leopards / Panthers, Jungle cats, Fishing Cats, Leopard cats, Himalayan black bears, Sloth bears, Jackals, Martens, Dholes, Civets, Mongooses, Otters, Hares, Porcupines, Chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Hog deer, Barking deer, Ghorals, Wild Boars, Pangolins, Macaques, Langurs and Blue Bulls (Nilgais) are some of the species which are found here. Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the ‘Mugger’ Crocodile.Also seen on the rocky hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and Rhesus Monkeys are well distributed through out the park and the whole Jungle resonates with their alarm calls everytime a predator is around.

A rich panorama of colours abound the park in the form of its varied colourful species of birds. It is home to Herons, Darters, Cormorants, Lapwings, Paradise Flycatchers, Munias, Weaver birds, Fishing eagles, Serpent eagles, Spotted Eagles, Black throated Payas, Mynas, Jungle Fowl, Vultures, Thrushes, Barbets, Peacocks, peahens, Kingfishers, migrant Gulls, Moorhens, Ducks, Geese, Sandpipers, Nightjars, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Wagtails, Black winged Kits, Drongos, Doves, Plovers, Black necked Storks, Parakeets, Owls, Chir Pheasants, Kalij Pheasants, Grebes, Grey Lags, Snipes, Harriers, Ospreys, Minivets, Babblers, Hornbills, falcons and Stone Curlews.

Safari Adventure

Jeep Safari, Horse Safari, Bird Safari, Elephant Safari, Fishing safari and the Nature walk - all can be enjoyed here. Although jeeps penetrate deeper into the forest than elephants, they cannot get nearly as close to the wild animals. Accompanied by guides and mahouts, your trip is sure to be informative. All visitors to Corbett National Park have to obtain permits from the park administration center at Ramnagar. Bring binoculars, remain quiet, and avoid wearing bright colors or strong perfumes. Only a long vacation will do justice to the rich treasure of wildlife of the park. And don't forget to carry your copy of one of Corbett's jungle lores to read during the nights for that feel of the your spine tingle at living so close to the man-eaters realm.

What more to look out for in Corbett

Fishing expedition: Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy market town of Ramnagar is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park. It also makes a fine fishing base camp. Permits have to sought from the Project Tiger office in Ramnagar for fishing expeditions in Ramganga, Kosi, Mandal and Kothri rivers.
Trekking ventures: The reserve forest around the Tiger Reserve can be an exciting trekking terrain. Winters can get chilly and needless to say, its fun guaranteed.

How to reach there
Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50 km is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of 300 km is the nearest international airport. Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park. For faster trains and connections to other parts of India change at Moradabad. Dhikala is 300 km from Delhi, 145 km from Lucknow and 51 km from Ramnagar. Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112 km north. Buses arrive every half hour or so after the eight hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport corporation also runs semi deluxe services.

Ideal time to visit: From November 15 to June 15. Corbett remains closed between June 16 and November 14, during the monsoons.

Accommodation options
A number of self contained resorts are springing up on the fringes of Corbett, providing a higher standard of accommodation at a price as well as guides for expeditions in the forests, which can be as rich in wildlife as the Jim Corbett Park, without the restrictions. There are, in addition, Forest Rest houses at Khinanauli, Sarpduli, Gairal, Sultan, Bijrani, Malani, Kanda, Dhela and Jhirna. Private resorts and hotels in Ramnagar too can be a good option.