Corbett National Park

Introduction

Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in the country. The park gets named after the hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment. It served as the hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa once, this was accepted in 1936 as Hailey National Park situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The park acts as a protected area for the endangered Bengal tigers of India under the task of Project Tiger.

Corbett National Park has sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics. An ecotourism destination, the park includes 488 different species of plants and a various variety of fauna.

The park has been a haunt for tourists and the wildlife lovers for a long time. Tourism activity is only permitted in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people acquire an opportunity to see its magnificent landscape and the diverse wildlife. In recent years the number of people coming here has incresed dramatically. At present, every season more than 70,000 visitors come to the park from India and other countries.

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The National Park

Corbett National Park is a paradise for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers. Corbett National Park is India's first national park which represents 520.8 km2 area of hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions, grass lands and a large lake. The elevation ranges from 1,300 feet to 4,000 feet.

The jungle safaris at Corbett present the opportunity to spot the Sloth Bear, the Spotted Deer and elephants, among other fauna. A special mention must be made of the White Tiger, a rare species. The Tiger comes to symbolise the face of the National Park. This Reserve is also a bird watchers paradise as this is home to over 500 species of birds. Reptiles and fishes are also a part of the natural environment. 

Dhikala

Dhikala is the tourist accommodation at the heart of the Park. This is the most well-known of the destinations in Corbett. Dhikala is set at the edge of the wide Patli Dun valley through which the Ramganga flows in many channels. This provides an awe-inspiring continuous broad view of the valley.

This is more more stately from the watchtower near Dhikala. The Tourist Complex overlooks Dhikala chaur and Phulai chaur. Truly a drive through the many trails through chaurs is rewarded with sights of wild elephants, chital, hog deer and the many grassland bird species and raptors. The old rest house at Dhikala is a historical structure, having been built over a hundred years ago.

Garjia Temple

Religion is also part of the Corbett trip, with a stop at the Garjia temple as part of the tour itinerary. The Garjia temple is a tourist attraction in the vicinity of Corbett National Park. Around 14 kms. from Ramnagar, Garjia village is set in the beauteous lands of Uttarakhand. The temple is one of the most crucial temples devoted to Goddess Parvati.

The temple is a grand example of trust and confidence. This far-famed temple in Uttarakhand is set at a short distance from Ramnagar. The temple is built over a small hill in the beauteous environment of peace and elegance.

Bijrani

This is the tourist zone close to the Jhirna area. Bijrani is home to a mixture of avian fauna and elephants. This also has a more varied vegetation cover. Four different species of deer are also known to inhabit this park. Creepy-crawlies are also part of the wilderness, with reptiles such as the King Cobra, the python making their existence felt.

The Bijrani area is also home to the sloth bear. They are drawn to the sweet nectar of Mahua flowers the bears true to their name. Sal Tortoises are seen floating here around their natural habitats-the water holes. Jeep safaris take tourists through the wilderness, so you have every reason to look forward to the ride.

Jhirna

This is a rest house in the southern region of the park. Jhirna was necessarily farming land till 1994 and then incorporated under the Project Tiger area. Efforts are being made to set up the grassland habitats for tiger. Jhirna is also a natural habitat for leopards, deers, sloth bears and wild boars. 

Corbett Wildlife Museum

Corbett Wildlife Museum< offers an insight into the life of a man who adopted the cause of Tiger conservation in the country. The small museum is set in Nainital, Uttaranchal and is a tribute to Jim Corbett. He became a key crusader for tiger conservation at a time when tiger hunting was a popular sport for royalty and colonisers.

He managed to stop as many as ten man eaters. His other key contribution lies in the founding of the Wildlife Preservation Society. The village of Chhota Haldwan and its people are brilliantly depicted in Corbett's books. His sister was instrumental in her illustrious works such as the Man-eaters of Kumaon, the Temple Tiger and my India. This museum is a valuable storehouse of information on Jim Corbett and delivers assertion to his noteworthy contributions to the cause of wildlife conservation in India.

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When to Visit

Corbett National Park opens from October to June. So ensure you plan your trip accordingly.

How to Get There

By Air :Phool Bagh and Pant Nagar is the nearest airport at a distance of 50 km. Delhi at a distance of 300 km is the nearest international airport.

 

By Rail :Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options are avaliable to reach the park.

By Road : Corbett National Park bus station links up to all nearby cities via the public transport systems in Uttarakhand state. Deluxe and the semi-deluxe buses may be availed from Delhi to Corbett National park. 

Accommodation

Corbett National Park has various guest houses to cater the provisions for its tourists. Accommodation options range from deluxe hotels and standard class hotels located on the periphery of the park, offering a magnificent view of the mountains. Forest lodges are the another option.

Corbett Reserve a peaceful home of the mighty tiger.