Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park, based at Ramnagar, 250-km northeast of Delhi and 63-km southwest of Nainital, is one of India's premier wildlife reserves. Established in 1936 by Jim Corbett among others, as the Hailey National Park, India's first, and later renamed in his honour, it is one of Himalayan India's last expanses of wilderness. Almost the entire 1,200-sq-kms park, spread over the foothills of Kumaon, is sheltered by a buffer zone of mixed deciduous and giant Sal forests, which provide impenetrable cover for wildlife. Most of the core area of 330-sq-kms at its heart remains out of bounds, and many visitors are disappointed to find that safaris on foot are strictly forbidden; they are only permissible in the fringe forests.

Corbett is most famous for its large Cats, and in particular the Tiger - this was the first designated Project Tiger Reserve, in 1973, but its Tigers are extremely elusive. Sightings are very far from guaranteed, and should be regarded as an unlikely bonus. Corbett does at least seem to be prioritizing the needs of tigers over those of other wildlife and of tourists, and claims to have poaching under control.

The Wildlife Attractions
The park holds a great assortment of other animals. Large Elephant herds have been confined within its boundaries since the construction of the Ramganga Reservoir blocked migratory routes that formerly ranged as far as Rajaji National Park, 200-kms west. The best place to see them is around the picturesque Dhikala Camp near the reservoir, especially in spring, when the water level drops and the animals have more space to roam. The reservoir shelters populations of Gharial, a long snouted fish-eating Crocodile, and Maggar, a large Marsh Crocodile, and other reptiles.

Jackal are common, and Wild Boar run through the camps in the evenings. The grasslands around Dhikala are home to Deer species such as the Spotted Deer known as Chital, Hog Deer and the Larger Sambar. Rhesus and common Langur are both abundant, representing the two main classes of Indian Monkeys. Bird life ranges from water birds such as the pied Kingfisher to Birds of Prey, including the crested serpent eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle and Himalayan Greyheaded Fishing Eagle.

Other Attractions In Corbett National Park
Ramnagar :
Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy market town of Ramnagar is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park and Project Tiger. Ramnagar makes a fishing base camp. At Lohachaur, 15-kms north along the River Kosi, good anglers are in with a chance of landing the legendary Mahseer, a redoubtable battling River Carp. Permits to have a go must be sought from the Project Tiger office in Ramnagar; most resorts also arrange all inclusive fishing trips.

Park Trips
Jeep Safari In Corbett
Jeeps Safari, is the most convenient way to travel within Corbett national park, and can be rented for the park trips from Ramnagar, from the KMVN Tourist Lodge and other travel agencies . One bus each day goes to Dikhala from Ramnagar, stopping at the Forest Rest houses en route. Banking and other important tourist facilities are available at Ramnagar and Lucknow.

Wildlife Viewing :
Chital, Sambar, and various other Deer species find refuge in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan, behind the campsite to the south, and Tigers are occasionally drawn in looking for prey. Two hour elephant rides, explore this sea of grass, rarely penetrating far into the deep jungles beyond; try to convince your Mahout or Elephant driver to venture in, as they can be quite magical. Come at dusk or dawn; in the heat of the day you probably won't come across much more than deer among the tall grass. Tiger-sightings are few and far between, but you may be rewarded with fresh pug marks.

Note : Bring binoculars, remain quiet, and don't wear bright colours or strong perfumes.