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Jim Corbett National Park
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett National Park is the
first national park of India. Inhabited by varieties of flora and fauna, it
is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants.
Sprawling over an area of 201 sq mile, Jim Corbett National Park was once a
popular hunting ground of the British.
Jim Corbett national park was established in 1936, as the Hailey National
Park. It was the first national park and the first sanctuary of India to
come under Project Tiger. 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.
Situated in the north of Uttar Pradesh, in Nainital and Garhwal districts,
Corbett National Park was established in August 8, 1936, as Hailey National
Park, named after the Governor of the United Provinces, Sir Malcolm Hailey.
In 1952, the Park’s name was changed to Ramganga National Park. In
1957, the Park was renamed yet again, this time after Jim Corbett, the famed
hunter-author-photographer-naturalist. Jim Corbett spent most of his years
in this park and contributed in setting up the this park.
Main Attractions at Jim Corbett National Park
Flora : One can see a fine blend of hilly and ravine
areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines in the topography
of the Jim Corbett National Park includes. The lower areas are almost
completely dotted by Sal trees. One can find 110 tree species, 50 mammals
species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species in the Jim Corbett National
Park.
Fauna : Tigers and elephants are among one of the main
attractions of Jim Corbett Park. Jim Corbett National Park harbours Tigers
as well as its prey, which include four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some
lesser-known animals. Most of the tourist visit Corbett to see tigers. One
can find leopards, leopard cat, jungle cat and fishing cat in the hilly
regions of the Corbett. Himalayan black bears are also seen in the hilly
regions, while sloth bear are found in the lower regions of the park. Some
other inhabitants of the park are - Dole or Wild Dog, jackal, seen in the
southern areas of the park.
Some other residents to spot in the park are Himalayan palm civet, Indian
gray mongoose, common otter, blacknaped hare, porcupine, fish-eating
crocodile and Aligator, Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and Rhesus
Monkeys are well distributed through out the park. The park is also a home
to 350 species of birds.
Other Attractions at Jim Corbett National Park
Ramnagar : Ramnagar is 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 makes a fishing base camp.
The wildlife sanctuaries like - Rajaji National Park and
Dudhwa National Park are located in the vicinity of the Corbett National
Park.
Safari : Jeep safaris are available from outside the Park
as well as from Dhikala, Ramnagar. Elephant safaris can be arranged in
Dhikala and Bijrani.
How to Reach There
Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50-kms is the nearest airport. Train
and bus connections up to Ramnagar 250 km from Delhi.
The route is Delhi-Gaziabad-Hapur-Gajraula-Moradabad-Kashipur-Ramnagar then
from Ramnagar to Corbett in local transport.
