Fast Facts
District : Ramnagar
State : Uttaranchal
Location : 256 kms north east of Delhi
Park Area : 520 square kms (approx.)
Best time to Visit : Between late autumn, that is
November, and mid summer, June. Closed from 15 June to 15 November.
Corbett National Park - Overview
Situated at a distance of about 260 kms from the national capital, Delhi,
is the famous Corbett National Park. The park is one premier wildlife
reserves in the Indian sub continent. Corbett National Park lies in the
Kumaon which primarily constitutes the foothills of the Himalayas.
Popularity of Corbett National Park has been far reaching and one reason is
the extensive work done by the famous conservationist and writer Jim
Corbett. Jim Corbet was one among the founding fathers of the park and it is
after him that the park has been named. Corbett National Park was
established in 1936 and at that time was called Hailey National Park. This
popular reserve has the distinction of being the first to be awarded the
status and the title of national park. In 1973 with the help and support
from World Wildlife Fund the park was the first to come under the Project
Tiger and hence the protective lands for the elegant big cats was secured.
Park Vegetation
Corbett National Park is spread over an area of about 520 square kms out of
which 330 square kms forms the core area. The park area supports mixed
decidous and sal forests and Savannah grasslands. The Himalayan low lands
that sees a number of water bodies flowing through best helps the vegetation
to grow thick at many places. The dense vegetation in its turn provides an
excellent cover to the predators supported by the park. In all there are
about 110 plant species, found at large in the park area.
Animal Species found at Corbett
National Park
A total of 50 mammalian species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species
roam around in the park. Tiger happens to be the centre of attraction. A
number of nocturnal and diurnal species are found in Corbett National Park.
The park is also rich with the game and includes various species of deer and
wild boars. Other members of the great cat family include leopards and
jungle cats. Besides Tiger, Elephants also thrive in good numbers here.
Marsh crocodiles called as Muggers and Gharials (Indian alligators) are
found in the swamps of the park. Jackals, wild dogs and sloth bears are also
found in good numbers.
Activities
You Can Take Part In
Jeep Safari in Corbett National Park : Jeep safari is one
integral part of the trip to Corbett National Park. Jeep Safari provides an
opportunity to cover large distance in short intervals of time. The animals
may be far separated and deep in the park premises. In such conditions it is
hard to sight one of the species you have come looking for. The open roof of
the jeep gives you a good view as well as the security in the wild
territory. It is a great experience. Jeeps can be hired from the
headquarters or from the town. But before setting off one has to get the
jeep permission from the headquarters.
Horse Safari in Corbett
National Park : Horse Safari is one of the best wildlife safaris
available in Corbett National Park. Of course, Jeep Safari is the most
convenient way to travel within the park, but Horse Safari has its own
distinctive charm. On your safari you will follow the footsteps of Jim
Corbett, who once used the trails of the region. While you are travelling on
horse back you can spot a large number of animals like Tigers, Crocodiles,
Gharials and several bird species. Horses are available on rent in the
forest department office and a trained guide will also accompany you during
your safari. Always maintain a safe distance from wild animals like Tigers,
as they may attack your horse.
Elephant Safari in
Corbett National Park : Elephant Safari is another way to track wild
animals in Corbett National Park. Infact, there is nothing quite amazing
like sitting on an elephant’s back, it is an above the world
experience. A sense of adventure seeps deep within you and the thrill
increases multifold when you spot a Tiger. Apart from Tigers, you can see
other wild animals like Deer roaming freely in herds or alone across the
park
Camping in Corbett National Park
Camping is the favourite accommodation option for any die-hard wildlife
enthusiast. In Corbett, camping options are offered by the Forest Rest
Houses located inside the park. If you want to stay in camps of the Corbett
National Park, book these well in advance as there are limited number of
camps.
Corbett's main camps are located at Dhikala Forest Lodge, Bijrani Forest
Rest House and the Sarapduli Forest Rest House. A variety of accommodations
are offered by these camps along with facilities like food, well-stocked
library, screening of wildlife films and elephant rides. Hence, in the
evening after a fun-filled day in the park and after swapping stories of
day's adventures around the campfire, visit the well-stocked library and go
through interesting jungle books before you go to your bed.
Accommodation at Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park is a renowned place in India and visitors are more
than prompted. During the past so many decades a good number of
accommodation providers have surfaced. Places to stay at Corbett can be
categorized as lodges, rest houses and log houses. One has to get the
permission from the headquarters based at Ramnagar. Rest houses, lodges and
log houses can be booked there on.
Transportation for Jim Corbett Park
By Air : The nearest domestic and international airport
are at Patanagar and Delhi. Patnagar Airport is only 50 kms far from the
national park, where as international airport is about 300 kms.
By Train : Access by train is available up to Ramnagar.
The railway network connects the place with other north Indian cities and
town. However to reach the Corbett National Park one has to cover the
distance from the town by road. From Delhi catch the Ranikhet Express Train.
By Road : Long distance bus service is available from a
number of stations. From Delhi deluxe and semi deluxe buses can be boarded.
Other cities and town providing the service include the town of Ranikhet,
Nainital and Lucknow.
