Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most celebreated wildlife reserve in India. This park is spread in Nanital, Pauri and Almora district. Corbett National Park is an amazing blend of high hills, swamp, River side belts and green meadows covering an area of 522 lilometers at the foot hills of the greate himalayas and this makes the park a heaven for wildlife adventures lovers. This park is famous for variety of rare flora, wild animals, reptiles and birds species. A pathway adorn with mango orchards leads one into a complete different world housing a record number of 488 different species of plants and 580 birds type. Moreover a plethora of 25 reptile species and 50 species of mammals are reasons enough to go personal with this wonderland. Visitors are allowed May to June to visit Corbett National Park.

The park was then named as the 'Hailey National Park' and was later renamed as 'Corbett National Park' after James Edward Corbett the noted hunter turned conservationist of the area. The area came under 'Project Tiger' in 1971 when Gov. of India launched this ambitious conservation project. Jim Corbett National Park, which is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve, a Project Tiger Reserve lies in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The magical landscape of Corbett is well known and fabled for its tiger richness. Established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park, Corbett has the glory of being India's oldest and most prestigious National Park. It is also being honored as the place where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973. This unique tiger territory is best known as the father who gave birth of the Project Tiger in India to protect the most endangered species and the Royal of India called Tigers.

Attaractions

Jungle Safari

As a tourist, if you wish to appreciate the wildlife closely, Corbett Tiger Reserve offers you the facility of Jungle Safari. One can undertake the safari, to spot various wild animals like Elephants, Deers, Gharials, Crocodiles and Tigers, they can also indulge in bird watching and simply enjoying the beauties of precious nature.

Elephant Ride

Elephant rides are offered at Dhikala and Bijrani during mornings and evening shifts and any visitorswith a desire to have a different view of the jungle, its wildlife, and landscape can venture for this. Elephant rides offer a unique experience in itself and there is no equal of spotting a wild carnivore from an Elephant back. The elephants are mainly used for patrolling of the forest by the forest staffbut when not on patrolling duties they are used for taking the wildlife enthusiasts into the forest. Booking for the elephant rides is done strictly on 'First Come, First Get' basis.

Watchtowers and Machans

There are watchtowers at Dhikala, Bijrani and Jhirna zones, and several machans near Dhikala, Bijrani and Kothirau to facilitate the viewing of wildlife. Depending on availability visitor can use them for wildlife viewing after getting permission from the authorities.

Corbett Museum

Corbett Museum is located at Kaladhungi, some 30 kms from Ramnagar on the way to Nainital. Corbett Museum has been setup in the heritage bungalow of Jim Corbett. This magnificent museum brings back the memories of old days and teaches a lot about the life and activities of Jim Corbett who lived here and is till date loved and revered by the inhabitants of the village.

Bird watching

Corbett Tiger Reserve is one of the richest bird regions of India and world. More than550 species of birds make Corbett a very special place for enthusiastic Bird Watchers. Sightings of bird's species like Collared falconet, Great Hornbill, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Lineated Barbet, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Red-headed Vulture, Racket-tailed Drongo and Broadbill are avid birdwatcher's delight.

Interpretation Centre

At the entry of Dhikala Zone a Interpretation/Visitor Centre has been setup and is a must visit place before entering the park. Here via beautifully designed dioramas, stuffed specimens, maps etc. important information about the park and wildlife management in the country is displayed.

Best Time To Visit

Corbett remains open to tourists from 15th November to 15th June The main reason for closure of the Park during the rest of the year is that during the monsoons most of the roads get washed away. Repair work starts after the rains end and it is only by November that roads are back in motorable condition.