Corbett National Park

The incredible charm of Corbett National Park wins the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts and attracts them to explore the exotic flora and fauna. The natural setting of this wildlife sanctuary also marks the national park as a favorite getaway in the list of nature lovers. 

Also known as the Jim Corbett National Park, this reserve happens to be the first protected area in India to witness the Project Tiger inauguration. Yet another major wildlife sanctuary to come under Project Tiger was Ranthambore National Park. It boasts of the highest probability of tiger spotting in natural habitat.

The largest grassland in the park is Dhikala Chaur. Moreover, tow of the best grasslands, Buxar Chaur and Beri Chaur, submerged under the reservoir Ramganga.  This is one of the best parks to visit in India not just for the abundant variety of flora and fauna but even for weekend breaks and serene retreats.

If you are considering your decision to visit, then here's some pointers as to why choose wildlife for holidays in India.

Royal Bengal Tigers

The reservoir was established in 1974 and stretches over an area of 82 sq km. One half of the reservoir is under the Corbett National Park, while the other half falls under the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary. The park remain close to visitors during Monsoon. The only national park in India that remains open during monsoon is the Periyar National Park in Kerala.

• State: Uttarakhand
• Useful Distances: 253.5 km
• Famous For: Wildlife, Royal Bengal Tigers, Ecotourism

Important Information:

• Area: 1,319 sq km (509 sq miles)
• Altitude: 385-1100m above Mean Sea Level
• Geographical Coordinates: 78°44' to 79°07'E Longitude and 29°25' to 29°39'N Latitude
• Rainfall: 1400 mm - 2800 mm
• Temperature: 4 °C to 42 °C
• Best Time To Visit: Mid November to Mid June
• Opening Hours: 0630 hours to 1730 hours

How to reach Corbett National Park: 

• Air: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is the nearest airport located at a distance of 157 km. From the airport, there are taxis and cabs available to drive visitors to the park.
• Rail: Ramnagar is the nearest railway station located at a distance of 10.6 km. From the railhead, there are private cabs and shared taxis available to reach the national park.
• Road: There is road connectivity available from Delhi to reach the park. The route is about 253.5 km via Gajraula, Moradabad, and Kashipur.

History of Corbett National Park: 

E. A. Smythies and E. R. Stevans firstly proposed the idea of protecting the forest reserve in early 20th century. In 1930s, due to the diligent efforts made by Jim Corbett (popular author and wildlife conservationist) the protected area was named as Hailey National Park and in 1936 it was recognized as the first national park of Asia. As soon as the forest cover was recognized under the reserved area, poaching and hunting was completely banned.

Later in 1954, the national park was renamed as Ramganga National Park and thereafter was again in 1955 it was renamed as Jim Corbett National Park. The change in name was to show gratitude to Jim Corbett for his contribution. In 1974, the national park was selected as the first protected area to inaugurate and launch Project Tiger. This project was to protect the Royal Bengal Tigers. 

The management, along with focusing on wildlife protection, took a step ahead to initiate ecotourism. This step resulted in huge footfall since 1991 and also protected the natural ecosystem.

Highly popular and successful movie ‘Wild Saga of Corbett’ (2007) by Kahini Ghosh Mehta, a young photographer & naturalist, also pictures how every tourist can play their part in maintaining and protecting the ecosystem of the Corbett National Park.

Flora & Fauna:

The rich flora and fauna of Corbett National Park wins the heart of wildlife enthusiasts. The surveys have recorded about 586 species of birds (native and migratory) in the park. Additionally, the national park also provides shelter to about 33 species of reptiles and 36 species of dragonflies. The national park also features about 488 species of flora. Most of the forest cover is dominated by Sal.

• Fauna: 
• Mammals: Bengal Tigers, Elephant, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Chital Deer, Sambar Deer, Chital, Himalayan Black Bears, Otters, Himalayan Goral, Langur, Buffalo, Leopards, Fishing Cat, Barking Deer, Indian Elephants, Hog Deer, Sloth, Indian Grey Mongoose, Yellow-Throated Martens, Indian Pangolins, Rhesus Macaques.

• Birds: Blossom-Headed Parakeet, Owls, Peacock, Crow, Orioles, Woodpeckers, Cormorants, Vulture, King Fishers, Ducks, Seagulls, Crested Serpent Eagle, The Red Junglefowl, Nightjars, Partridges, Parakeets, Drongo, Teals, Kaleej, Laughing Thrush, Doves, Storks.

• Reptiles: Indian Marsh Crocodiles (Mugger), Cobra, Gharials, Russel, King Cobra, Python, Common Krait, Monitor Lizard.

• Pisces: Mahaseer, Goonch, Chilwa, Kalabasu, Kalimuchi.

• Flora: Sal, Kuthber, Semal, Bakli, Khair, Bel, Khingan, Pula, Sissoo, Chbilla, Kharpat, Bamboo, Ber, Dhak, Rohini.

Safari in Corbett National Park:

Tourists can enjoy full day safari sessions in different safari zones. There are three types of safaris available in the park to meet the preferences of the visitors.

• Timings: 0630 hours to 0930 hours and 1330 hours to 1730 hours
• Safaris: Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari, Canter Safari
• Safari/Tourism Zones: Dhikala Safari Zone, Bijrani Safari Zone, Durga Devi Safari Zone, Jhirna Safari Zone, Sonanadi Safari Zone.

Fee & Charges:

• Entry (per person for first 3 days and 2 nights): Indian - INR 200; Foreigner - INR1000
• Vehicle: Heavy Vehicle - INR 1500 for both Indian and Foreigner; Light Vehicle - INR 500 and INR 1500 for Indian and Foreigner respectively; Mini Bus - INR 800 for both Indian and Foreigner.
• Camera: Noncommercial Fixed/Movie Camera/Video - Free; Commercial Fixed/Movie Camera/Video - INR 500 and INR 1500 for Indian and Foreigner respectively.
• Elephant Safari: INR 3000 per elephant per day (outside the protected areas of Characutter and Mahawat)

*Note: The charges are subject to change without any prior notice.

Jeep Safari in Jim Corbett National Park

Attractions in & around Corbett National Park:

• Dhikuli: If you want to witness some of the picturesque views in the park, Dhikuli is the location. Beautiful valleys and the ancient rest house, built about 100 years ago, makes it a worth visiting area in the park.
• Kalagarh Dam: If you love birds, Kalagarh Dam is the place to be. Here, you can spot various beautiful native and migratory birds.
• Corbett Falls: On a nature trail, if you want to experience an ultimate peaceful place, Corbett Falls becomes a must visit.

Useful Tips:

• It is advisable to make advance booking to avoid last minute disheartenment.
• Jeep safari is therefore the best way to explore the park.
• Carrying sharp objects in the park is not allowed.
• Harming or teasing any flora or fauna species is an offense.
• To avoid facing problems in filing responsibility, reach the gates of the park an hour before.
• Patience is the key to enjoy the best of the park. Do not panic if you do not spot any mammal or bird for a long time.
• Make sure you have charged your camera well to capture amazing clicks in the park.
• Alcohol, cigarettes and non-vegetarian food is prohibited in the park.
• Keep the color of your clothing subtle. Loud colors appear as a sign of danger to animals and they might run away.

If you are planning a trip to Jim Corbett National Park, then you may visit the website of wildlife India tour for information on wildlife packages, hotels and more information on Corbett National Park.

If its the snow leopard you are looking for, you may want to visit the Great Himalayan National Park or if it is the rare and endangered species of Great Single-horned Rhinoceros, then you may want to head out to Assam to visit Kaziranga National Park. Kaziranga is home to 2/3rd of the world population of Single horned Rhinos.

For a rare experience of seeing Asiatic Lions in their natural habitat, Sasan Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat is the only place in Asia. You might be interested in exploring Gujarat's wildlife for some rare and exclusive wildlife experiences.

You may also be interested in some more wildlife vacation ideas in India.

Contributed By Neelam Talreja