Corbett
About the city
Corbett National Park has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The natural uniqueness of the area was recognised long ago and so in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction as the first national park to be established in mainland Asia.Corbett National Park lies in two districts - Nainital and Pauri - in the hill state of Uttaranchal in northern India. It covers an area of 521 sq. km and together with the neighbouring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve over 1288 sq. km.
Its geographical location between the Himalayas and the terrain, and the streams, rivers and ridges crisscrossing the terrain, present Corbett with a remarkable variety of landscapes. This vivid mosaic of habitats - wet and dry, plain and mountainous, gentle and rugged, forests and grasslands - supports numerous plant and animal species, representing Himalayan as well as plains kinds. The most famous of Corbett's wild residents are the Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant, but with about 600 species of avifauna Corbett is one of the richest bird regions of India.
Corbett isn't just about Nature. It is also a rich treasure of history and cultural heritage. The park has a long tradition of conservation. The fact that it is the oldest National Park of the Asia and India's first Tiger Reserve itself symbolises that Corbett is a pioneer in efforts at preserving our natural heritage.
The great naturalist-writer Jim Corbett needs little introduction. His writings have fascinated generations of wildlife enthusiasts and he still commands no less appeal nowadays. The areas in and around the present day Corbett National Park were the stage for his exciting adventures in wilderness. Most of his man-eater hunting expeditions also took place in the same areas. Jim Corbett lived in Kaladhungi, where his house has been made into a Museum dedicated to his life and times.
Besides being located at a biogeographic confluence, Corbett National Park is situated at the junction of two distinct hill regions of Uttaranchal - Garhwal and Kumaon. Hence, the Park represents a synthesis of cultures of both these mountain areas.
Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time. Tourism is allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its splendid landscape and the diverse wildlife living here.
In recent years the number of people coming here has increased dramatically. Presently, every season more than 70,000 visitors come to the park from India and abroad.
The journey from Delhi to Corbett offers you excellent views of the almost flat, fertile and densely populates Ganga Yamuna doab. One of the rich agricultural regions of North India merges naturally into dense forests. Watch out, you are in the tiger country! But then Corbett National Park is not just a tiger country, it is also one of the best preserved parks in India. The Corbett National Park is a delight. Trees, birds and wild animals, walking around without fear Nature is at her best here
Undoubtedly one of the greatest National Parks of Asia, the Corbett National Park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. This is home to the majestic Cat, the tiger, sightings of which are as rare as its gets.
Once a thriving tiger jungle, the count of tigers is rumored to be less than 50! Though efforts are underway to protect this beast, difficulties spring up in the form of poachers, who are aided by locals. The actual Tiger Reserve is spread over an area of 1319 sq km and includes the Corbett National Park, Kalagarh Reserve Forest and Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary. Of course, only close to 25% of the reserve is open to the public, the rest remaining out of reach to safeguard their natural habitat. What renders it an even more mysterious air is the fact that none of the roads have been laid down or repaired, so what you actually travel through is the real jungle
Common sightings here include barking deer, spotted deer, elephants, boars, leaopards and kingfisher and serpent eagles. Named in honour of late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-turned-naturalist, the park is essentially savannah grasslands. Roam on a jeep or atop an elephant and hire the services of a guide trained to hear and decipher the right sounds. An ideal weekend getaway from Delhi, carry your binoculars and your sense of adventure and you just might glimpse the elusive animal
Jeeps/four-wheel drives are available to tour the park. They can be rented from Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge and other travel agencies. Private vehicles are allowed inside, but with permission, a guide and on payment of a fee. One bus each day goes to Dhikala from Ramnagar, stopping at the forest rest houses en route. But excursions into the park are best on elephant back. Park Safari The park opens at 6 am and is open till about 11 am. In the afternoon the park timings are from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. However, depending on the season the timings change.Be it any time of the day, the trip into dense forest is mesmerizing. So plan your safaris in such a manner that you manage to see all shades of forest. Choose from: - Full Day Jungle Jeep Safari - Morning Jungle Jeep Safari - Evening Jungle Jeep safari- Night Jeep Safari - Elephant Safari Book in advance for the elephant safari as there is always a mad rush. and reach early to avoid confusion.
Local Languages
Hindi and EnglishCorbett - Facilities for visitors at Corbett Food and Canteen - Canteens are located at Dhikala, Gairal and Bijrani. However, at other places where this facility is not available cooking utensils and crockery are have been provided for visitors to carry their rations and cook their own their own meals. Consumption of non-vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly prohibited inside the park.
Interpretive Facilities and Services - For the purpose of directing visitors and showing them around Corbett, trained Nature Guides are available at their service. These registered guides help tourists spot wildlife and make sure that they do not lose their way inside the forest. Taking a Nature Guide with each vehicle is compulsory.
The authorities at Corbett Tiger Reserve have maintained a Visitor Centre and Museum at Dhangarhi Gate. This complex is equipped with displays, exhibits and models for the benefit of visitors to orient them and enable them to understand the history and biodiversity of Corbett. This facility is accessible to everyone, even if they don't go inside the park, and remains open throughout the year.
Elephant rides are offered at Dhikala, Khinanauli, Bijrani, Gairal and Jhirna during mornings and evening so that tourists can get a closer view of the jungle, its wildlife, and landscape.
There are watchtowers at Dhikala, Phulai and Jhirna, and several machans near Dhikala, Bijrani and kothirauKothirau to facilitate the viewing of wildlife.
During evenings the lodgers at Dhikala and Bijrani can enjoy films on wildlife that are screened to provide an educative entertainment to visitors.
Dhikala also has a well-stocked library, which has a fine collection of books concerning wildlife and general topics.
Corbett - Do's and Don'ts
Please enter the Park only after taking the necessary permits and follow all the rules.
Please obtain services of Nature Guides that the Park has trained for your benefit. They are of great help to you in spotting wildlife and ensuring that you do not lose your way in the forest.
Drive slowly in the Park. In this way you can see, observe and enjoy the most, without disturbing wildlife.
Keep to the specified roads and trails. Driving off track you may trample growing trees and cause disturbance to resting animals and their young.
Respect the wild animals and maintain a safe distance from them. Remember, you are in their home and they get first priority.
Listen to the music of the forest instead of your car stereo or transistor. The quieter you are, the more the chances of your seeing wildlife.
Wear dull-coloured clothes. Bright colours alarm most wild animals and they flee.
Don't carry guns. Feel free to shoot with a camera instead.
Do not smoke or light campfires in the forest. Accidental fires can destroy this wonderful jungle in no time.
Don't get off your vehicle at any point in the Park except where it's allowed. This is for your own safety and the safety of wildlife.
The Park is not a zoo; so don't expect to see wildlife everywhere. Corbett is breathtaking even in its scenery.
Do not be disappointed if you don't see a tiger. There are many other interesting creatures that are to be seen and cherished.
Having alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not allowed.
Help keep the park pollution-free. While inside the park, please put your entire non-biodegradable litter (tin cans, plastic, glass bottles, metal foils etc.) into the bag provided and dispose of it on your way out.