JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK - UTTARAKHAND, INDIA

Welcome to Jim Corbett National Park, the first wildlife reserve of India, extending over an area of more than 500 sq km in the Himalayan foothills. Corbett national park was established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park. In 1955-56 it has changed to Ramganga National Park and finally Jim Corbett National Park in the honor of legendary hunter-turned- conservationist, best known for hunting man-eating tigers and leopards in the Kumaon and lower Garhwal in the 1920s.

Corbett National park is known for its varied wildlife, and as the site for the launching of Project Tiger. Corbett National Park was one of the nine tiger reserves created at the launch of the Project Tiger in 1973. The original area of the Corbett National Park was 323.75 sq. km. to which 197.07 sq. km. was added later. In 1991, an area of 797.72 sq km was added as buffer area of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. It area includes kalagarh forest division and Ramnagar forest division.

The Main wildlife animals found in the Corbett National Park include the tiger, elephant, chital, sambar, nilgai, gharial, King Cobra, muntjac, wild boar, hedgehog, common musk shrew, flying fox, Indian Pangolin, and nearly 600 species of birds. Corbett National Park receives thousands of visitors every year. A variety of facilities are available to house tourists within and outside the park.

Corbett National Park General Information :

Core Area- : 520.82 sq. km, Buffer Area- : 797.72 sq. km, Total Area- : 1318.54 sq. km.

Longitude: 7805’ E to 7905’ E, Latitude: 29025’E to 29040’ N, Altitude: 365 m – 1100 m above MSL

Jim Corbett National Park lies in the Nainital, Pauri Garwhal and Bijnore Districts of Uttaranchal. The present area of the Reserve is 1318.54 sq. km. including 520 sq. km. of core area and 797.72 sq. km. of buffer area. The core area forms the Jim Corbett National Park while the buffer contains reserve forests (496.54 sq.km.) as well as the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary (301.18 sq.km.)

The core is bounded to the North by the Kanda Ridge, with a height of 1043 m at its highest point. The entire area of the reserve is mountainous and falls in the Shivalik and Outer Himalaya geological region. It forms the catchment area of the Ramganga, a tributary of the Ganga.

The Ramganga flows from East to West in the reserve through landscapes of incredible beauty. Dammed at Kalagarh at the south-western end of the reserve in 1974. The reservoir created, submerged 40-sq. km. of prime grassland. The area on the western side of the reservoir now constitutes the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.

After India attained independence in 1947 the park was renamed as Ramganga National Park. In 1956, it was renamed as Jim Corbett National Park, in memory of Jim Corbett. Project Tiger, India's ambitious conservation program to save the tiger and its habitat was launched from Corbett in 1973.

Jim Corbett National Park - A great Indian Roaring Safari for the fearless. Jim Corbett National Park, named after the hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment—is the oldest national park in India.

Our country's national Animal being Tiger and the current urge to protect the country's tiger, it is one of the most secluded National Park of our country, where entry is restricted to certain ares for tourism.

Jim Corbet National Park Topography

The park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. Situated in Nainital district of Uttarakhand , the park acts as a protected area for the critically endangered Bengal tiger of India, the secure survival of which is the main objective of Project Tiger, an Indian wildlife protection initiative.

The park has sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics. An ecotourism destination, it contains 488 different species of plants and a diverse variety of fauna. The increase in tourist activities, among other problems, continues to present a serious challenge to the park's ecological balance.

Jim Corbet National Park - Wild Life

Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time. Tourism activity is only allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its splendid landscape and the diverse wildlife. 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 other countries.
The Jim Corbett National Park a photographer's wonder place, to showcase their technical skills in a place surrounded with natural wonders. It's is a heaven for the adventure seeker and wildlife adventure lovers. Corbett National Park is India's first national park which comprises 520.8 km2. area of hills, riverside belts, marshy depressions, grass lands and large lake. The elevation ranges from 1,300 feet to 4,000 feet. Winter nights in Corbett national park are cold but the days are bright and sunny. It rains from July to September. So the best time to visit is between November to mid of June.
Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett Park: Seasons: There are three well defined seasons, in Winters, October to March is preferred, as, Days are clear and pleasant; nights are cold. So it's a great time for bird watching and mountain views. In Summers, April to June is ideal, with Hot days with cool nights. Ideal time for sighting animals, especially elephants. During Monsoons, July to September are good with Humid days and pleasant nights. Its a great time for walks, trekking and rafting on the Kosi river. September is good for observing flora.

Tips for Travelers, when visiting the Corbett National Park:

* Follow the rules, for example do not walk around if you are not permitted to do so.
* Wear clothes in shades of brown and green as they are less disturbing to the environment
* Avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.
* Animals are extremely weary of the human voice. Don’t make noise, don’t play music and please don’t honk car horn.
* Carry Personal medication and insect repellent
* Carry Binoculars, Cameras, film rolls and Flashlight along with books and other reading material
* Don’t leave behind any litter and plastic bags are big hazards for animals
* Comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones
* For winter travel heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months
* Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons.

There are various packages and tours offered by Jim Corbett Park. The elephant and jeep safari tours brings wildlife enthusiast, bird watching tours for birding enthusiasts, tours for corporate for their conference and incentive programmes, and many packages for family tourist as well as other group travelers are also offered.

Jim Corbet National Park - Fish Angling, River Rafting & Camping
Fishing and angling at various rivers is an adventurous sport. At present you can enjoy these two sports in various wildlife sanctuaries. There are opportunities for anglers in Corbett in Uttarakhand. The river Ramganga and Pancheshwar near confluence of Sharda and Saryu rivers are the best trout fishing and angling since the days of the British. River Rafting is also one of the major activities, that interests many tourists among the many rivers.

Camping is perhaps the best way to enjoy the wonders of Nature bestowed upon India. Enjoy the wilderness of areas such as Uttarakhand and share the warmth of its people. Camping sites offer a number of homely facilities for those who are weary and for others we provide our own imported tents. Services also include catering and a variety of activities like hiking, fishing, nature tours.

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