Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park – Visit for Exploring the Best of India’s Wildlife Tourism

In the best wildlife National Parks list of India, Jim Corbett National Park comes first. It is one of the most visited National Parks in India. It is also the oldest National Park of India. This park came as a symbol of hope and prosperity for the future of wildlife in India. It is in this place the initiative to conserve the endangered species of Tigers started in 1973 with the launch of The Tiger Project. If you haven’t visited Corbett, then your experience of enjoying the best wildlife safari would be incomplete. There is so much history associated with this park. Beautiful grasslands, riverine belts, hills make Corbett a best place for nature lovers also. The major highlight of Corbett is the Majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. Apart from tigers you will also see wild elephants, gharials, endemic fish-eating crocodiles and 36 species of dragonflies etc.  A Tiger Jungle Safari in Jim Corbett National Park would definitely be a memorable experience of a lifetime.

History of Jim Corbett National Park & Tiger Reserve

Jim Corbett National Park, the first national park in Asia, is a prime destination for Jungle Safaris and is home to the exotic animal and bird population, as well as majestic tigers. Jim Corbett national Park is also considered one of the best destinations to enjoy a jungle safari in India. Moreover, the high popularity it has gained is also for the exotic experiences it offers including beautiful landscapes in all corners and luxury stays inside the park.

Prior to its establishment in 1936, initially as Hailey National Park, the park was a private property of the Tehri Garhwal princely state and the territory of the Boksas tribe from the Terai. The park’s preservation began in 1868 when the British forest department established control over the land to prohibit cultivation and cattle station operation. The park was proposed as a wildlife reserve in 1907, but under the guidance of British-Indian hunter and tracker-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett, it was established as Hailey National Park in 1936.

The park was well-maintained until the Second World War, when excessive poaching and timber cutting led to its downfall. The park’s area expanded to 797.72 km2 in 1991, making it one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India. The park was also the site of Project Tiger, an ambitious wildlife conservation project launched in 1973 by wildlife preservationists and naturalists during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure. The park is one of 13 protected areas covered by the World-Wide Fund for Nature under their Terai Arc Landscape Program.

Corbett National Park is a unique habitat in the Himalayan Mountain system, characterized by its northern areas surrounded by the Lesser Himalayan chain. The park’s northern areas are characterized by crystalline rocks and cold-climate tree species like pine, oak, and rhododendron. The Shivalik region, the southernmost of the Himalayan ranges, forms the largest ridge across the park, surrounded by sal forests and other associates. The park has a diverse floral count, with 110 types of trees, 51 types of shrubs, 27 types of climbers, and 33 types of bamboo and grass. The most visible tree is Sal Shorea Robusta, found over 75% of the main area. Other species include Chir Pine, Banj Oak, and flowering trees. Bamboo forests, particularly male bamboo, have clustered stout stems and lightning papery stem sheaths. Corbett National Park is home to numerous wildlife species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Asian Elephant, Hog Deer, Spotted Deer, Chital, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, Black-Faced Monkey, Rhesus Monkey, Wild Pig, and Jackal. The park is also a paradise for birding, with avifauna such as Peacock, Jungle Foul, White Bush Chat, Oriental Pied, Emerald Dove, Red Wattle Lapwing, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Rested Kingfisher, Indian Shirks, Indian Alpine Swift, Woodpecker, laughing Thrush, Vulture, Parakeet, Kale Pheasant, Oriole, Common Grey Hornbill, Duck, Stork, Cormorant, Parrot, Indian Roller, Teal, Seagull, etc.

Wildlife safaris in Corbett National Park allow visitors to observe wild animals in their natural habitats. These tours can be conducted in various zones using authorized gypsies and canters, but private vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Popular zones include Jhirna, Bijrani, Durga Devi, and Dhikala. The jungle safari, a popular tourist attraction in Uttarakhand, happens twice a day and is offered in Jeep and Canter Safaris. Jeep Safaris can accommodate up to 6 people, while Canter Safaris can accommodate 16-20 people. Jeep Safaris last around 4 hours and are recommended by experienced visitors. The best time to visit Jim Corbett is during winter, from November to February.

Major Attractions in and around Jim Corbett National Park

• Garjiya Temple- It is one of the most popular Shakti temples of Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Garjiya devi who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
• Jhirna- The soulful village of Jhirna is very popular for Tiger sightings in Corbett National Park. It comes under Project Tiger.
• Bijrani- Wildlife enthusiasts would never miss this place if they are in Jim Corbett. It is one of the best zones of Corbett for Tiger Safari.
• Jim Corbett Museum- This museum is dedicated to a renowned environmentalist Jim Corbett. The display of his personal belongings such as guns, fishing nets, manuscripts, paintings will tell a lot of interesting things about him.
• Kalagarh Dam- Also known as Ramganga Dam built on the banks of Ramganga River is a wonderful tourist spot and a bird watching paradise near Jim Corbett National Park.
• Dhangarhi Museum- If you are interested in knowing the history of Jim Corbett Park then you should not miss this fascinating museum.
• Sunrise Point- It’s the highest point of elevation in Jim Corbett National Park. Breathtaking views of Kosi and Ranganga river, mesmerizing sunrise and sunsets makes this a captivating scenic spot for photography.

Top Things to Do in Jim Corbett National Park

Wildlife Jungle Safari of Corbett is a must not miss. Corbett National Park is a home to a variety of bird species so Birdwatching is another important highlight of Corbett wildlife Tourism.  Camping, cycling, trekking, Rappelling, Rock climbing, rafting, and Bridge Slithering are some of the best adventure activities you must do at Jim Corbett Park. Fishing and angling will also delight your soul. Corbett National Park is very popular for Mahseer and Goonch fish species.

Best Time to Visit Jim Corbett National Park

October To June. In monsoon season (July to September) the park remains closed but buffer zones such as Jhirna zone and Dhela zone allows the travelers to enjoy the beauty of nature and wildlife.

Safari Timings in Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve

6:00am to 9:30am and 2:30pm to 5:30pm

Where to stay in Corbett National Park?

These are some of the best accommodation options for a comfortable stay to enjoy Jim Corbett Holidays-

• Taj Corbett Resort and Spa
• Jim’s Jungle Retreat
• Lemon Tree Premier Corbett
• Pallidum Safari Lodge