The
Land of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas is the majestic Corbett National
Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, it is famous for its wild
population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. Corbett national park was
established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park. India's first national
park and the first sanctuary to come under Project
Tiger, Corbett supports a variety of
vegetation making it the ideal habitat for the Tiger and its prey.
Named in honour of the 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. With the help of the World Wildlife
Fund, Project Tiger was launched in Corbett National Park in 1973 and this
park was one of the first such tiger reserves in the country.
The Jim Corbett National Park is abound with 110 tree species, 50 mammals
species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species.
Corbett is a home for Tigers as well as its prey, which include four kinds
of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Leopards are mostly found
in the high lands of the park. Some nocturnal cats found in the region are
the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear is found in the low
lands of the park and the Himalayan Black Bear is found in the higher hills
only. Some other species found here are - the Wild Dog, Jackal and lots
more.
Some of the smaller residents of the park are Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian
Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare and Porcupine.
Elephants are among one of the main
attractions of Jim Corbett Park. Other attractions of the park are -
fish-eating crocodile, Goat Antelopes, Langur and Rhesus Monkeys.
Not to Overlook - Attractions
Ramnagar
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 and Project Tiger. Ramnagar is base for a
fishing camp.
Wildlife
Viewing
Amidst the rich grasslands you will find - Chital, Sambar, and various
other Deer species in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan. Tigers
are occasionally seen looking for prey. Go for two hour elephant rides, deep
into the jungles, as they can be quite interesting. Tiger-sightings are few
and far between, but you may be rewarded with fresh pug marks.
Jeep Safari in Corbett
Jeeps Safari, is the most convenient way to
travel within Corbett national park, and can be rented for the park trips
from Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge and other travel agencies .
Location : Uttaranchal
Speciality : Tigers, Leopards, Crocodiles
Best time to Visit : November 15 to June 15. Corbett remains closed
between June 16 and November 14 in the monsoon.
Getting There
By Air : Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50-kms is
the nearest airport.
Delhi at a
distance of 300-kms is the nearest international airport.
By Rail : 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 change at Moradabad.
By Road : Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and
from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112-kms north. Buses arrive every half hour or
so after the eight hour trip from Delhi; Delhi Transport corporation run a
semi deluxe service, and most of the alternatives are pretty basic.
Related Storie(s)
Chakrata – A gift Of
Nature To Dehradun- By Dheeraj Deewedi
Nainital- Paradise Of North-
By Niranjan Kumar
Save Tigers- India’s
greatest Wildlife Challenge- By Pramod Kumar
The Grassland Doctrine-
By Pankaj Singhal
India - An Angler's Paradise-
Somdutta Sen
