Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National park- Named after the famous hunter, naturalist and author Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment, Corbett is the oldest national park in India. Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, the 1300 square km park, is in the sub Himalayan belt at close to 4000ft, and has 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna.

The park is divided into three distinct geographical areas, with hilly areas of deciduous mixed forests, as well as low lying grassland with ravines and vast dense forests of Sal trees. The magnificent Ramganga River flows through the heart of the park bringing a continuous supply of water.

This varied topography results in an abundance of indigenous fauna and flora. There are 110 tree species, 37 species of grass and bamboo, 50 mammals, 25 reptiles. Due to its location Corbett is the only Indian National Park where the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan palm civet and the Ghoral are found, but they are rarely seen.
There are large herds of deer, 4 species in all, as well as breeding herds of elephants. The former migration routes of the elephants were cut off by a hydro-electric project during the 70's, however a good population remains and these are most likely to be seen in the Dhikala area of the park during the summer months when they come down from the hills. Leopards, lesser cats and civets, sloth bear and a large number of jackals are also present.
Two of the most interesting reptiles are the Gharial (fish eating crocodile) and the mugger crocodile, found on the Ramganga River and reservoir, along with Tawny Fish Owl and Great Thick Knee. Although Corbett has a significant tiger population, sightings are less common due to the dense habitat.

The Jim Corbett National Park is a heaven for the adventure tourist and wildlife lovers. Corbett National Park is India's first national park which comprises 520.8 km2. Area of hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions, grass lands and large lake. However it is a birders paradise with nearly 600 bird species and a beautiful location

Today the park has been a popular ecotourism destination as the weather in the park is temperate compared to most other protected areas of India, with warm but pleasant temperatures during the winter with some foggy mornings and summer temperatures normally do not rise above 35 degrees centigrade. This altitude and latitude also ensure that night time temperatures remain far more comfortable during the hot months.

Flora

A total of 488 different species of plants have been recorded in the park. Tree density inside the reserve is higher in the areas of Sal forests and lowest in the Anogeissus-Acacia catechu forests. Total tree basal cover is greater in Sal dominated areas of woody vegetation. Healthy regeneration in sapling and seedling layers is occurring in the Mallotus philippensis, Jamun and Diospyros tomentosa communities, but in the Sal forests the regeneration of sapling and seedling is poor

Fauna

Over 585 species of resident and migratory birds have been categorized, including the crested serpent eagle, blossom-headed parakeet and the red junglefowl — ancestor of all domestic fowl. 33 species of reptiles, seven species of amphibians, seven species of fish and 37 species of dragonflies have also been recorded.

Bengal tigers, although plentiful, are not easily spotted due to the abundance of camouflage in the reserve. Thick Forest , the Ramganga river, and plentiful prey make this reserve an ideal habitat for tigers who are opportunistic feeders and prey upon a range of animals. The tigers in the park have been known to kill much larger animals such as buffalo and even elephant for food. The tigers prey upon the larger animals in rare cases of food shortage. There have been incidents of tigers attacking domestic animals in times when there is a shortage of prey.

Leopards are found in hilly areas but may also venture into the low land Forest. slighter felines in the park include the Wild cat, fishing cat and leopard cat. Other mammals include four kinds of deer (barking, sambar, and hog, Black buck and chital), Sloth and Himalayan Black bears, Indian Grey Mongoose, otters, yellow-throated martens, ghoral (goat-antelopes), Indian pangolins, and langur and rhesus monkeys. Owls and Nightjars can be heard during the night.

In the summer, elephants can be seen in herds of several hundred.The Indian python found in the reserve is a dangerous species, capable of killing a chital deer. Local crocodiles were saved from extinction by captive breeding programs that subsequently released crocodiles into the Ramganga river.

Best Time to Visit:- Park can be visited any time between Novembers –June

Accommodation

There are many resorts available in Corbett Naitional Park, which are providing the accommodation for tourist to explore the wildlife of this national park. Here you can easily get the accommodation as per your choice like budget – Luxury accommodation. There are few suggested wild Life resorts like Jims Jungle Retreat, Corbett Hideaway, Tarangi Retreat, Tiger Camps, Etc.

How to get there

By Air: Delhi is the nearest airport for Corbett National Park (295 K.m/6 Hrs drive)

By Train: Ramnagar is the nearest railway station for Corbett National Park- There is overnight trains available from Delhi to Ramnagar. Also, there are trains from Varanasi via Lucknow to Ramnagar.

By Road: Ramnagar is also well connected by road with Lucknow, Nainital, Ranikhet, Haridwar, Dehradun and New Delhi. One can also drive from Delhi (295km) via Gajraula, Moradabad, Kashipur to reach Ramnagar