» Location : |
65 Kms from Udaipur, Rajasthan. |
» Nearest Access : |
Ramnagar |
» Main Wildlife Found : |
Tigers, Leopards, Crocodiles |
» Coverage Area : |
1,200-sq-kms. |
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.
Once
a popular hunting ground of the British, this 201 square mile park was named
in honor of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-naturalist turned
author and photographer who 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.
Flora
In Jim Corbett ParkThe 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.
Major Wildlife
Attractions - Corbett National ParkCorbett is a haven 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 hilly areas of the
park. Some nocturnal cats found here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and
Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the
Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only. The Dole or Wild Dog,
though they can be seen in the southern areas of the park along with the
Jackal.
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. Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the long-snouted,
fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the Mugger Crocodile. Also
seen on the rocky hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and
Rhesus Monkeys are well distributed through out the park and warning the
whole Jungle with alarm calls when they see either a Tiger or Leopard from
tree-top perches.
Other Attractions In CorbettRamnagar
: 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.
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 . 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.
Best Time to Visit - Jim
Corbett National ParkThe best visiting season of Corbett is from
November 15 to June 15. Corbett remains closed between June 16 and November
14, when the monsoons flood the river beds and cut the fragile road links.
How to Get thereAir : Phoolbagh,
Pantnagar at a distance of 50-kms is the nearest airport. Delhi at a
distance of 300-kms is the nearest international airport.
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.
Road :
Dhikala is 300-kms from Delhi, 145-kms from Lucknow and 51-kms from
Ramnagar. The route from Delhi spans Hapur-Murababad-Ramnagar. The turn off
is some 7-kms beyond Muradabad to the left, marked by a small board. The
route from Lucknow spans Bareilly-Kichha-Rudrapur-Doraha-Kashipur. 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.