Developed and nurtured by Late Jim Corbett, the former hunting ground of the British, the Jim Corbett National Park was set up in 1936. Initially named as the Hailey National Park, the park was renamed as Jim Corbett National Park and became one of the tiger reserves in the country in 1973 with the launch of the Project Tiger scheme. This 201 square miles park is known for the large population of tigers, leopards and elephants. The national park is home to the most precious wildlife in India and the diverse species of flora and fauna accommodating around 110 tree species, 50 mammal species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species.

The first ever National Park in India and Asia is also known for its breathtaking landscapes and the thick cover of Sal forests surrounding the park. The Corbett National Park is spread in two districts of Uttaranchal - Nainital and Pauri - in north India. Along with the adjoined Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest Areas, the Corbett Tiger Reserve covers an area of over 1288 sq. km. Occupying the position between the Himalayas and the Terai regions, Corbett presents a variety of landscapes - gentle and rugged, plain and mountainous, wet and dry, forests and grasslands - making up an ideal habitat for the numerous plant and animal species. The Corbett National Park is widely known for the Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant and the 600 species of avifauna Corbett is one of the richest bird regions of India.

Wildlife in Corbett National Park
Apart from the Bengal Tigers and Elephants, the wildlife in the Corbett National Park includes Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare and Porcupine. Besides the huge herds of elephants, one can also discover the two varieties of crocodiles - Gharial and Mugger - on the banks of Ramganga River. The leopards are mostly found in the hilly terrains of the National Park contrary to the sloth bear, which is found in the lower regions of the park. The national park also consists of the cat family like Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. The Dole or Wild Dog and Jackal are found in the southern parts of the national park. The Langur and Rhesus Monkeys are also quite common in the Corbett national park.

Special Attractions in Corbett National Park
Ramnagar: Famous as the fishing camp in the Corbett National Park, this small town inhabited in the Terai region amidst the dense forest cover, is the main centre of administration near the national park. At Lohachaur, 15-kms away from the River Kosi, the sport buffs have a wide scope of angling and fishing Mahseer. One can book a fishing trip too.

Wildlife Viewing: The animals like Chital, Sambhar, and various other Deer species can be seen and the dense jungle be explored in the two-hour elephant safari. Jeep Safari is the most convenient mode of exploring the Corbett national park, and can be started from Ramnagar. One should always remember to bring binoculars, keep silence and not wear the bright colours or apply strong perfumes.

When to Visit Jim Corbett National Park
The best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park is from November 15 to June 15 as it is open for tourists during that time. Corbett national park remains closed from June 16 and November 14, when the monsoons flood the riverbeds and cut the fragile road links.

The Facilities for Visitors
The food arrangement is there in the canteens located at Dhikala, Gairal and Bijrani. Even the cooking utensils and crockery available to the visitors for facilitating self-cooking. One should keep in mind that the consumption of non-vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly prohibited inside the national park.

Well-trained Nature Guides are available at the park to guide the tourists about the different routes and the wildlife at the national park. It is also compulsory to take a Nature Guide with each vehicle. The Corbett Tiger Reserve also has a Visitor Centre and Museum at Dhangarhi Gate. It displays the exhibits and models relating to the history and biodiversity of Corbett. Elephant rides can be enjoyed at Dhikala, Khinanauli, Bijrani, Gairal and Jhirna during mornings and evening enabling the tourists to view the jungle, its wildlife, and landscape.

There are watchtowers at Dhikala, Phulai and Jhirna and several machans near Dhikala, Bijrani and Kothirau, excellent for viewing the wildlife. In the evening, the lodgers at Dhikala and Bijrani can also enjoy the wildlife films. Dhikala also has a well-stocked library with a fine collection of wildlife and general books.

How to Reach Corbett National Park
By Air : Phoolbagh in Pantnagar, 50-kms away from the park is the nearest airport. Delhi that lies 300-kms away from the national park is the nearest international airport.

By Rail : Ramnagar is the nearest railway station from where the taxi or bus can be availed to reach the park. The tourists can also catch a train for the national park from the Moradabad railway station.

By Road : To reach Corbett National Park, one can reach Dhikala which is 300-kms from Delhi, 145-kms from Lucknow and 51-kms from Ramnagar. The tourists can also follow the route from Delhi to Hapur-Murababad-Ramnagar. The national park is easily accessible from Lucknow and Ramnagar served by frequent buses to and from various tourist places in India.