Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park situated in the picturesque Kumaon hills in Nainital district, Corbett National Park was the venue of the maiden launch of Project Tiger (1973). The park has a core area of 520 sq. kms with picturesque hilly ridges covered by sal trees. Lower down are the grasslands and bamboo growth. A list of species reported from Corbett put the population at 582 species of birds, 26 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians and 50 species of mammals.The floral diversity is equally varied. The Park is named after the famous hunter and naturalist, Jim Corbett, who popularized this land and its animals in his book "The Man-Eaters of Kumaon". Corbett recounts many fascinating tales of hunting down man-eating tigers. Always a nature lover, he helped set up a sanctuary called Hailey Park in 1936. Eventually, an all India initiative for the protection of the Tiger was launched from here. The park has a high density of tiger population.

Flora In Jim Corbett Park:
 The varied topography comprises hilly and riverine areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. The lower areas are almost completely populated by Sal trees. In the Jim Corbett National Park are found 110 tree species, 50 mammals species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. Wildlife Attractions in Corbett National Park The Corbett Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent and largely inviolate specimen of the rich sal and mixed woodland that spans the outer Himalayas. Because of its rich bio-geographic diversity, the Park is a natural haven for the flora and fauna of the plains, the sub mountainous regions and high altitude areas. At the lower level are winding strips of alluvial grasslands or chaurs (beloved to many species of deer) crossed by numerous water courses. The lifeline of the Park is the sparkling Ramganga river which provides safe harbor to mahaseer fish, crocodile and otter. Stately stands of sal and diverse mixed forest cover hills and valleys, fodder and foliage for large herds of elephants. Sharp spurs in the terrain make it an idyllic habitat for shy species like the tiger. Some of the unique attractions of the park include Tiger :- Corbett is one of the most congested parks in India with a ratio of 1 tiger to every 5 acres. Gullies, ravines and thick forest cover give tigers the right kind of habitat and herdes of deer, particularly the sambar, plenty of food. The tiger is reclusive, but can be somewhat predictable in its beat.
 
You are more likely to spot a tiger close near a water body than to meet him or her accidentally on the forest path! Asiatic Elephant :- What warns you is the sharp tang of freshly crushed vegetation and the sound of leaves being torn. Spotting elephants in the wild is a raw, exhilarating experience. The Corbett Park is the best place in Northern India to observe them at fairly close quarters. About 600 - 650 Asiatic elephants roam around the park in herds, along the river Ramganga or foraging in the grasslands. The forests provide the elephants enough food. The elephant's daily diet is perked up with wild berries and fruits which are available in plenty.
 
 Other Attractions In Corbett 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 makes a fishing base camp. At Lohachaur, 15-kms north along the River Kosi, good anglers are in with a chance of landing the legendary Mahseer, a redoubtable battling River Carp. Permits to have a go must be sought from the Project Tiger office in Ramnagar; most resorts also arrange all inclusive fishing trips. Wildlife Viewing : Chital, Sambar, and various other Deer species find refuge in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan, behind the campsite to the south, and Tigers are occasionally drawn in looking for prey. Two hour elephant rides, explore this sea of grass, rarely penetrating far into the deep jungles beyond; try to convince your Mahout or Elephant driver to venture in, as they can be quite magical. Come at dusk or dawn; in the heat of the day you probably wont come across much more than deer among the tall grass. Tiger-sightings are few and far between, but you may be rewarded with fresh pug marks. Safari :- 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. One bus each day goes to Dikhala from Ramnagar, stopping at the Forest Rest houses en route. Banking and other important tourist facilities are available at Ramnagar and Lucknow.

How to Get there Air :

By Air:-The nearest airport to Corbett National Park is Phoolbagh, Pantnagar which is at a distance of 80 km. The nearest international airport is at Delhi.Delhi is conveniently connected to major Indian and International cities through a number of daily flights.

By Train:-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 Dhikala is 260 kms from Delhi, 145-kms from Lucknow and 51-kms from Ramnagar.