Home
About Jim Corbett National Park

About Jim Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park - a Short Glimpse

Identification: First and Oldest National Park in India
Objective: First Tiger Conservation Project in India (long tradition of conservation)
Established in: 1936 (as national park)
Location: Spread in Nainital and Pauri District, Ramnagar Town, Uttarakhand, India
Area: 1318.54 sq km
Core Area: 520.82 sq km
Buffer Area: 797.72 sq km
Altitude: 385 m - 1100 m above MSL
Longitude: 7805' E to 7905' E
Latitude: 29025'E to 29040' N
Annual Rainfall: 1400-2800 mm.
Temperature Range: 4°C in winter to 42°C during summer
Climate: temperate, throughout the year
Best Time: 15th November to 15th June

Intro to Corbett National Park- Heaven for Wildlife Buffs
The first wildlife reserve of India, Jim Corbett National Park or ‘Corbett Tiger Reserve’ is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It covers 1318 sq km of area, in which 500 sq. km is the core area and rest part is the buffer zone. The park is referred as the protected area for the endangered Bengal tiger of India. The complete natural magnificence of the national park stands apart from wildlife sanctuaries and other reserve forests in India. The park is spread over wide-ranging landscape comprising rivers, forests, grassland, and mountains.

The national park has ecological and geographical features of the sub Himalayan belt. Heralded as an excellent eco tourism destination, Corbett boasts approx 488 different species of plants and huge array of fauna. The rich variety of the park is an excellent place for bird enthusiasts and so the area is known as one of the best birding areas in India. In addition to it, natural water holes, the dense jungles, the Ramganga River and an adequate prey-base make the park a perfect habitat for the tiger. It offers a complete picturesque location at the foothills of the Himalayas on the Ramanganga bank of the river. The Jim Corbett National Park is undoubtedly a haven for the one who somewhat interested in wildlife. With a huge population of ‘Royal Bengal Tigers’, the park is one of the astonishing places to spot wildlife.

History of Corbett- The Oldest National Park of India

Before 1815-20, the forests of Jim Corbett National Park were under the local rulers, but after 1858, Major Ramsey planned to protect the forest from deforestation and natural hazards. After 10 years in 1868, the department of forest presumed the responsibility for the woods and then in the year 1879, it's declared as a ‘Reserve’ forest under the forest Act.

In 1907, this Reserve Forest was initiated to name it as a wildlife sanctuary which was later on supported by Sir Malcolm Hailey, who named it as a ‘National Park’ in the year 1934. Finally, the forest got its boundaries in 1936 by Major Jim Corbett and became the first national park in the India. It was renamed as ‘Jim Corbett National Park’ and then in the year 1973, a historical event in the park was organized when the Project Tiger was being set up.

Today, the Corbett National Park is enlisted among the thirteen protected areas sheltered by World Wildlife Fund under their Terai Arc Landscape Programme, which intends to protect major species like the Asian elephant, the tiger and the one-horned rhinoceros. It‘s done by furbishing up the forest corridors to connect 13 protected areas of India and Nepal to facilitate the migration of wildlife.

Fauna of Corbett

The Corbett National Park is one of the popular attractions of the India where a large number of animals are found like Leopards, Bengal Tigers, Elephants, Sambars, Spotted Deer, Nilgai, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Langur, Ghural, Rhesus Monkey, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Yellow Throated Martem, Dhole Jackal, Indian Grey Mongoose, Himalayan Palm Civet, Porcupine, Common Otter, Clack Taped Hare, Chital, Para, Kakka, and smaller felines such as Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, etc.

There are more than 586 species of migratory birds that include Jungle Fowl, Peacock, Partridge, Crow, Vulture, Kaleej Peasant, Laughing Thrush, Parakeet, Kingfisher, Oriole, Dove, Teal, Woodpecker, Drongo, Stork, Cormorant Ancestor, Seagull, Domestic Fowl And Blossom-Headed Parakeet, etc. Including this, other species of Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish and Dragonflies are also observed.

Click here to read more to experience the wildlife of Corbett National Park

Flora in Corbett
Corbett National Park is the best place to enjoy the wildlife and scenic beauty. The park is commonly highlighted due to its rich flora. There are around 488 species of shrubs, trees, herbs, bamboos, climbers, grasses, and ferns in the Park. Adina Cardifolia, Pipal, Rohini and Mango trees are abundantly found.

Some of the main species of flora that add beauty and attraction to the park include:

Sal (Shorea robusta)
Sheesam (Dalbergia sissoo
Kanju (Holoplete integrifolia)
Ber (Zizyphus mauritians)
Dhak (Butea monosperma)
Bel (Aegle marmelos)
Simal (Bombax cibea)
Jhingan (Lannea coromandelica)
Khair (Acacia catechu)
Kachnaar (pink flower)
Indian coral (scarlet red flower)
Amaltas (bright yellow flower)
Kusum (Schleichera oleosa)
Mahua (Madhuca indica)
Bakli (Anogeissus latifolia)

Further, Kanju (Holoptelia integrifolia), Aamla (Emblica officinalis) and Jamun (Syzygium cumini) are commonly spread throughout the lower areas, where on the other side Tendu (Diospyros tomentosa) are found in moist areas.

Click here and know more about the flora at Corbett National Park

Wildlife Safari- The Ultimate Way to Explore the Wildlife of Park
Wildlife Safari is one of the perfect ways to explore the wilderness of the forest. Jim Corbett National Park endorses Jeep Safari, Elephant Safari, and Canter Safaris.

Here are the details of Safari timings and zones:

Jeep Safari
Jeep Safari in Corbett National Park passes through Bijrani, Jhirna, Dhangari, and Durga Devi zones. One can get captivated to connect with nature and enjoy the wide wood from the open roof of the jeep and cherish a long time memory. During summer, it remains open from 6 to 9 am in the morning and 3 to 6 pm in the evening while during winter; it remains open from 7 to 10 am in the morning and 2 to 5 pm in the evening. Click here to know about wildlife safari timing.

Elephant Safari

Tourists can also enjoy the wilderness of the forest and roam all over the area by elephant safari. Riding on elephant back and viewing rivers, grassland and valleys leave lifetime fascination. This safari is available twice a day, which begins from Dhikala.

No matter, whether it’s game viewing from their backs or simply undergoing the bliss of viewing all animals, it truly becomes memorable forever.

Timings and Zones for Elephant Safari

Zone	Timing
	*Morning*	*Evening*
Bijrani (1 elephant), Dhikala (2 elephants) (only for those who stay in Forest Lodges at Dhikala zone)	06:00-08:00	03:00-05:00

Canter Safari

Canter is an open bus available with 16 seats. The canter safari in Corbett passes through Ramnagar to Dhikala zone, where travelers can explore the entire location of the park. It gives a picturesque view at the border of a grassy plateau alighted above the Ramganga reservoir. It’s one of the best ways to sightseeing the wildlife of the forest from a close distance.

Timings and Zones for Elephant Safari

Zone	Timing
	*Morning*	*Evening*
Dhikala (2 canters)	(Summers) 05:30-12:30 (Winters) 06:30-11:30	(Summers) -12:30-06:00 (Winters) -11:30-04:30

Click here and get more information about safari activities, zones and perfect timings to explore the park

Places to Visit in and around Corbett National Park
Known as the land of roar, songs and trumpet, Jim Corbett National Park has charmed the imagery of many travelers with its various wildlife and incredible landscapes. There are some famous tourist attractions in and around the Corbett National Park that draws a large number of adventure seekers and wildlife adventure lovers.

Here it goes:

Dhikala
Garjia Temple
Bijrani
Jhirna
Corbett Wildlife Museum
Nainital
Ranikhet
Bhim Tal

Hotels in Corbett

A luxury and comfortable accommodation are the best part of this park as one can get wide ranges of hotels that vary from luxury, deluxe, standard to other forest lodge and camps. Facilities are quite good as hotels in the park offer excellent dining facilities with all types of cuisines.