Named after the legendary hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett, this National Park was set up in 1936. It is often considered as India’s first National Park and has an interesting variety of fauna and flora.
It is located in the Patli Dun valley in the state of Uttar Pradesh and covers an enormous core area of 500 sq km. Situated at the base of Himalayas and on the banks of river Ramganga, this park is gifted with breathtaking landscapes. This is one few tiger reserves in India that provides a wonderful experience in nature.
The tiger reserve has been divided into five regions with each region offering great tours. The five different tourism zones are Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna, Domunda and Sonanadi. Among these, the Dhikala and Bijrani also jungle tour and elephant safari.
Each of this five regions are accessible through a dedicated gate. Every gate has different entry/exit timings and is accessible for different months of the year. It is advisable to contact park officials or refer to their website before making a visit.
![Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand]()
Image Credits : Arno Meintjes
Safari rides around this reserve provides a panoramic view of the lush grassland. The flora of this tiger reserve is highly varied and the purest forms of Sal trees are known to grow here. Many trees that cannot be spotted elsewhere in the country is easily found here.
Corbett is home to over 585 species of birds, seven species of amphibians, 33 species of reptiles, seven species of fishes and 37 species of dragonflies. Some of the animals found here include Bengal tigers, crocodiles, leopards and elephants. The majestic Bengal tigers of this region remains camouflaged within the shrubs and one has to get lucky to spot them.
As personal vehicles are not permitted inside the park, an elephant and jeep safari can help you explore its vast terrain. Opting for elephant that covers the core and the buffer zone of the park as well. Corbett Park also offers other adventurous activities like rafting, bridge slithering and river crossing on the Kosi river.
Corbett was the first National Park to come under the ‘Project Tiger’ which aims at preserving this endangered species. Accommodation is never a problem at Corbett, though it is advisable to contact your travel advisors in advance. Road distance from Delhi to this reserve is 290 km while Ramnagar is the nearest railway station situated at a distance of about 50 km from the Park. The nearest airport is in Delhi.
