Jim Corbett National Park - Once within the park, one gets to enjoy
stunning scenery of the Forest (Jungle), remind one of Kipling's Jungle Book. Apart
from this, one can, observe, see, and photograph several many species of, mammals,
birds, reptiles, flora, etc. The Corbett National Park has been the hot favorite
getaway for the Wildlife tourists, Core wildlife, and adventure seekers since many
years. However, only a few selected regions of the Corbett Tiger Reserve are open
for the tourists to explore its spectacular scenery and the varied wildlife. In
recent years the number of people coming here has increased dramatically. Presently,
every season more than 70,000 visitors come to the park from India and other countries.
History of Corbett National Park - The Park was initially named
the Hailey National Park after Governor Hailey and was created on August 6th 1936.
It was India's first National Park. After independence, the park was renamed, this
time after the Ramganga River, and was hence called the Ramganga National Park.
The park was renamed again in 1957. It was named after James E. Corbett who helped
to set up the park and spent most of his life in the area. The area of the park
was increased in 1991 when the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary was added to the park.
Flora and fauna
Flora: There are almost 488 different types of species of plants
in the park; some of the main species found here are Bel, Chbilla, Dhak, Bakli,
Pula, Bamboo,Semal, Khingan, Sal, Khair, Sissoo, Ber, Kuthber, Kharpat, Rohini.
Fauna: This Park has almost 33 different species of reptiles, 7
different species of amphibians, around 7 different species of fish and 37 different
species of dragonflies.
Climate
There are three well defined seasons in the winter season which lasts from November
to February, the summer season which lasts from March to June, and the rainy season
which covers the rest of the month. The summer rains cause flooding in the park.
The temperature in the winters can go down to 4 degrees centigrade at night and
the entire jungle is dry in the summer months as the temperature goes up to 44 degrees
centigrade. The annual rainfall in the park ranges between 1400mm and 2800mm.
Jim Corbett Park Safari - While inside the park, better advice
not to use your own vehicle because only a trained professional driver have the
idea where about to go during the park safari. It is always advisable to book your
Jeep ( 4 x 4 open Gypsy) which is fully open for Park Safari in advance due to rush
you may be not get the Gypsy on spot. There are three main entry gate for tourist
open twice a day (Morning and Evening) for Park Safari.
Dhikala Gate: It is one of the most popular destinations in Jim
Corbett National Park for tourists and has the much tiger sighting here . Dhikala,
located near to Patil Dun Valley, offers an amazing and uninterrupted view of the
valley. There is a watchtower near Dhikala, which gives more imposing view of the
valley.
Bijrani Gate: Bijrani area was once formed part of a shooting block.
This shooting block area covers the entire in and around area of Bijrani. This place
was most famous during the British time for hunting. Bijrani terrain is drier in
comparision to Dhikla and it also has more diverse vegetation then Dhikla
Jhirna Gate: Jhirna is a rest house which lies inside the south
area boundary of the park. This rest house is located on the road from Ramngar to
Kalagarh. Landscape in this area is drier than Dhikla. Jhirna was one of the farming
villages till 1994 and after that it was taken under project tiger.
Corbett Museum: Tourists can know about the life history of Mr.
Jim Corbett and see some of his belongings in the museum.
How to get there
By Road - Jim Corbett National Park is 260 kms from New Delhi (Route:
Delhi-Hapur-Gajraula-Moradabad-Kashipur-Ramnagar-Corbett)
By Rail- Delhi-Ramnagar- Corbett Link Express departs from Old
Delhi Railway Station at 2245 hrs and arrives at Ramnagar at 0530 hrs. It is another
10 Kms by taxi to The Corbett Hideaway. The train has one first Class coach and
the rest are IInd Sleeper Coaches.
Kathgodam Express departs from Old Delhi Railway Station at 2245 hrs, arriving at
Kathgodam at 0715 hrs.