Jim Corbett National Park
Location
: The park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttaranchal.
Best time to visit : November 15 to June 15 is an ideal
time to visit the park but it remains closed between June 16 and November
14, when the monsoons flood the river beds and block the road links.
The Park
Corbett National Park in the state of Uttaranchal houses multitude of
species of plants and animals but it is famous for the population of Tigers,
Leopards and Elephants. Established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park it
is the country’s first national park and the first sanctuary to be
included under Project Tiger where the park supports a variety of vegetation
making it an ideal habitat for the Tiger and its prey.
The national park covers an area of 201 square miles and was named
after the late Jim Corbett, the great hunter-naturalist turned author and
photographer who devoted most of his life in the construction of this park.
World Wildlife Fund helped in the launching Project Tiger in Corbett
National Park in 1973 and was one of the first such tiger reserves in India.
How to reach :
Air : 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 the railway station from where the
road transport has to be reach the park. For faster trains and connections
to other parts one can change at Moradabad.
Road : Dhikala is 300-kms from Delhi, 145-kms from
Lucknow and 51-kms from Ramnagar. The route from Delhi covers
Hapur-Murababad-Ramnagar. The turn off is some 7-kms beyond Muradabad to the
left, marked by a small board. The route from Lucknow covers Bareilly–Kichha–Rudrapur–Doraha–Kashipur
and Ramnagar is served by good bus service to and from Nainital and
Ranikhet, 112-kms north.
Wildlife attractions :
The
Flora : The topography includes hilly and riverine areas, temporary
marshy lands, plateaus and ravines. The lower areas are almost completely
covered by Sal trees and the park contains nearly 110 tree species.
The Fauna : The animal species in the park include
Tigers as well as its prey like the four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar. Leopards
are generally found in the hilly areas of the park whereas the nocturnal
cats found here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear
is seen in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is
seen in the higher hills only. Other animals include The Dole or Wild Dog,
Jackal, Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped
Hare and Porcupine. Elephants are among one of the main attractions of Jim
Corbett Park.
Reptiles are spotted amongst the shores of Ramganga River and the major
reptiles included are the long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and
the ‘Mugger’ Crocodile. The rocky hillside is the abode of the
Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and Rhesus Monkeys are spread in the
park warning the whole Jungle with alarm calls whenever they spot either a
Tiger or Leopard from tree-top perches.
Park Trip : By Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari
Jeep Safari : Jeep Safari is the most appropriate way
to travel within the park. Jeeps can be rented for the park trips from
Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge. One bus everyday goes to Dikhala from
Ramnagar, stopping at the Forest Rest houses the way. The following are
recommended while going on the safaris like bringing the binoculars,
remaining quiet, and avoiding bright colours or strong perfumes.
Elephant Safari : This is another most ideal way and
most entertaining way to explore the park. The Elephant safari provisions
are available at the entrance of the park.
