Jim Corbett National Park
General Information
State: Uttaranchal
Location: 63-km Southwest of Nainital, Uttar Pradesh
Area: 1,200-sq-kms
Best time to visit: November- May.
Altit
ude: 400 m to 1200m
Jim Corbett National Park, one of the greatest National Parks of Asia. Five hundred and twenty acres of forests, hills and grasslands, fed by a frisky river. A bio-diversity that is rich, rare and precious. The perfect habitat for the tiger, elephant, hog deer, birds and other wildlife species fast vanishing from the earth.
The Corbett National Park is an excellent and largely inviolate specimen of the rich sal and mixed woodland that spans the outer Himalayas. Because of its rich biogeographic diversity, the Park is a natural haven for the flora and fauna of the plains, the sub mountainous regions and high altitude areas. At the lower level are winding strips of alluvial grasslands or chaurs (beloved to many species of deer) crossed by numerous water courses. The lifeline of the Park is the sparkling Ramganga river which provides safe harbour to mahaseer fish, crocodile and otter. Stately stands of sal and diverse mixed forest cover hills and valleys, fodder and foliage for large herds of elephants. Sharp spurs in the terrain make it an idyllic habitat for shy species like the tiger.
The incredible variety of mammals, birds and vegetation at Corbett reveals one of the healthiest 'food chains' this side of the world. Almost all the major groups of animals known to exist in the Himalayan Terai and the Bhabar foothills region are found here. The abundance of the prey species determines the presence and survival of the predators. As the abundance of diverse vegetation supports myriad species, from avian to mammal. Corbett is a delightful education. Of nature in a superabundant, undisturbed state. An image of a vanishing world.
Other Attractions In Jim Corbet National Park
1. The Vegetation
Corbett National Park comprises of hilly and riverine areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. The lower region is covered by the Sal trees.
2. The Animals
Tiger is the major attraction of the area. Apart from Tigers, Elephants, Leopards / Panthers, Jungle cats, Fishing Cats, Leopard cats, Himalayan black bears, Sloth bears, Deers, Hog deer, Barking deer, Ghorals, Wild Boars, Pangolins, Jackals, Martens, Dholes, Civets, Mongooses, Otters, Hares, Porcupines, Chital (spotted deer), Sambar deer, Macaques, Langurs and Blue Bulls (Nilgais) are some of the species which are found here.
3. The Birds
Corbett has nearly 600 bird species.The park area is home to Herons, Darters, Cormorants, Lapwings, Paradise Flycatchers, Munias, Weaver birds, Fishing eagles, Serpent eagles, Spotted Eagles, Black throated Payas, Mynas, Jungle Fowl, Vultures, Thrushes, Barbets, Peacocks, peahens, Kingfishers, migrant Gulls, Moorhens, Ducks, Geese, Sandpipers, Nightjars, Doves, Plovers, Black necked Storks, Parakeets, Owls, Cuckoos, Woodpeckers, Wagtails, Black winged Kits, Drongos, Chir Pheasants, Kalij Pheasants, Grebes, Grey Lags, Snipes, Harriers, Ospreys, Minivets, Babblers, Hornbills, falcons and Stone Curlews.
Getting There
By Air
Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50 km is the nearest airport.
By Rail
Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park. For faster trains and connections to other parts of India change at Moradabad.
By Road
Ramnagar is served by frequent buses to and from Nainital and Ranikhet, 112 km north. Delhi Transport corporation also runs semi deluxe services.
