Home » North India Wildlife Parks » Corbett Tiger Reserve

Corbett Tiger Reserve
"Man Eaters of Kumaon" by Jim Corbett was a book inspired from the real incidents in and around Ramnagar. Referred to as Carpet Sahib, Jim Corbett was called on to save the villagers from the hunting Tigers and Leopards. Hence, the Park came to be known as "Corbett National Park". Lying in the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas, Corbett Tiger Reserve boast of a rich diversity in terrains , ranging from the mighty mountains to the swamps of the Terai region, the forest reserve was named initially as Hailer National Park in 1936, then renamed in 1955 as 'Ramganga National Park" and later in 1956 finally changed for ever to "Corbett National Park".
Corbett National Park has the distinction of being the oldest National Park in India. The reserve includes parts of Almora,Pauri Garhwal, Nainital and Bijnour District of Uttar Pradesh . Established in 1936 with an area of 1318.54 sqkms including 520.82sqkms of core area and 797.72 sqkms of buffer area,which forms the 'Sonanadi Wild Life Sanctuary". "Project Tiger" India's conservative program to save the Tiger population was launced from Corbett Reserve in 1973. The mixed deciduous forests with sal trees and stresses of Savannah grassland gives a soothing experience to the travellers and nature lovers.

Wild Life Attractions :
Flora : Known for its intrinsic scenic beauty , Corbett National Park's floral diversity is abundant with about 110 species of trees, 51 species of shrubs along with 33 species of bamboo grass, which provide cover to the wild inhabitants. The dominant trees includes Sal(Shorea Robusta) found over 75% of the total reserve area, also Haidu, Pipal, Sheesham, Mahua, Rohini are commonly found. Occassional Simal, Khair, Jhingan blossom in the spring season. Ashort grassy herb called "Chaurs" is the grazing food to the herbivores.

Fauna : The Kaladhungi Reserve Forest is famous for the wild cats and it was here that Jim Corbett hunted on man eating Tigers. Apart from a healthy tiger population of 55 in numbers, varied species of Hog Deers, Sambhar, Spotted Deers and Barking Deers are found here. Also Wild Boars, Elephants, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs, Chitals, langurs, Porcupines, Rhesus Macaques , Leopards and Muggers can be spotted easily. The aquarian species includes the Gharial(Gavialis Gangeticus) and the Common Skink. In reptiles Cobras and Pythons can be seen on the muddy banks of the Ramganga.

Birds : The Ramganga reservoirs in the Dhikala camp area has over 600 species of birds of which the main attractions are Pied Kingfisher, Creasant Serpent Eagle, Fishing Eagles and the Himalayan Grey Headed Eagle. Giant Hornbills, Green Pigeon, Turtle Dove,Osprey, Slaty headed Parakeet, Cuckoo, Lapwing, Broad Billed Roller and the Wood Pecker can be seen on the way to Kanda and at Rathuadhab.

Park Trips :
Safaris are the best way of exploring the reserve as it adds excitement and fun on the journey. Jeep Safaris and Elephant Safaris are a delight for adventure lovers. Early morning Jeep Safaris in the Gharial area inside the awesome wilderness of the Park can be an amazing experience. The Elephant Safaris in the Himalayan Foothills enjoying the leisure ride can be no less than a paradise on earth.

Best time to visit Corbett National Park
Closed during the monsoons, the Corbett National Park reopens after the rainy clouds are gone and the best time to visit is between January and Mid- June. Summer is the ideal season as the Tigers come out of the deep jungle for waters. In the winters temperature goes down to as low as 5°Centrigrade ,while in summers it can reach upto 45°Centrigrade.

Accomodations :
The Forest Department has accomodations at 24 rest houses in the reserve itself, that are located at Khinna, Bijrang, Dhikala, Lohachaurand and Sarapduli. There are also Log huts and Tourist huts available around. Luxurious Private resorts outside the reserve are available like the Claridges Corbett Hideaway, Infinity Resort, Ramganga Resort offering exclusive air conditioned rooms and facilities of swimming pool, bar, conference room, multicuisine restaurant.

How to Reach Corbett National Park
By Air : The nearest airport is a small airport at Phoolbagh, Pantnagar, 51 km away from the Corbett Park. The nearest International airport is at Delhi which is at a distance of 300kms from Corbett Park .
By Rail : The closest railway station is at Ramnagar, 21 kms of distant from the Park. Ranikhet Express, which leaves the Old Delhi Railway Station at night, is convenient as it reaches Ramnagar early next morning.
By Road : Access to the park is from Ramnagar and buses are also available from Dhikala to the park. Taxis can also be hired here. It is also feasible to drive down from New Delhi. The 300-km drive takes six hours, landscape view is extremely picturesque and gives glimpses of various regions of Uttar Pradesh from the most industrialised to the agricultural and the remote. Buses frequently run from New Delhi to Ramnagar.