About Jim Corbett National Park

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 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.

Best time to visit Jim Corbett

Seasons: There are three well defined seasons

Winter: November to February

Summer: March to June

Monsoon: July to October

However Corbett National Park remains open throughout the year for the visitors from Jhrina zone but the best time to visit Corbett is from 15th November to 15th June because during this period of time all the tourism zones of Corbett are open for visitors and one can visit the entire national park area.

Rivers in Corbett

Ramganga is the most important river in Corbett Country as it forms the most predominant hydrological resource. A typical rain water river and originating from Gairsain, the Ramganaga runs for more than 100 kms before entering the reserve near Marchula. Inside Corbett National Park, it flows till Kalagarh and then hitting the plains gathering water from rivers like Sonanadi. Ramganga is home to the famous game fish of India, Mahaseer along with other aquatic species like the endangered Gharials, crocodiles and turtles. The river also attracts a lot of migratory birds from Europe and Asia.

The Kosi still remains the most famous river in Corbett due to its presence in Dhikuli where most of the resorts exist. Kosi does not flow through the park but is still used by animals for drinking water. Kosi is known for its erratic flow and the river is highly unpredictable during the monsoons. The river is home to Mahaseer.

Sonanadi is the most important tributary of River Ramganga is responsible for watering the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and enters Corbett National Park from the North. The simple hindi translation of Sonanadi means "river of gold" and it is believed that at one time grains of gold were extracted from its bed through different treatments.

Wildlife in Corbett

The nature of the habitat dictates the quantity, diversity and visibility of wildlife. Corbett is the oldest National Park opened in India and has a high tiger density but sightings aren't easy because of dense undergrowth.

The broadleafed forested hills and the riverine habitat offer a rich mix of wildlife. Apart from seeing big runs of Golden Mahseer and the giant catfish Goonch, the river is also frequented by the Common Indian Otter. Pythons have been seen around deep pools with dense vegetation around. Wild elephants, usually loners, occasionally visit this area. Sambhar and barking deer are commonly sighted and as it gets dark their echoing alarm calls indicate the presence of carnivores in the valley.

Nature trails along the river reveal pugmarks of leopards, tiger and spoor of the fishing cat. Ghoral, a shy species of goat antelope, is commonly sighted on the massive cliff faces and rocky gorges that edge the Ramganga. Another rare and extremely shy goat antelope, the Serow, has been sighted here and photographed for the first time in November 2004, perhaps the first photo evidence in this region.

Climate at Corbett Park India

The weather is extreme in corbett Park. The Summer months are April-Mid July. Monsoon moths are Mid-July-late September, while winter months are October till late march.

How to Reach Corbett Park India

Jim Corbett park is well connected by road and train services from the major cities. One can reach here by train from  delhi and at the same time there is regular bus services from jaipur, agra, dehradun, rishikesh, haridwar apart from -delhi, gurgaon, Noida, faridabad and other major cities.

History of Corbett Park India

Till 1820	Private property of local rulers.
1820	Ownership passed into British hands.
1820- 1850	Forests mercilessly felled for timber by British rulers.
1858	Plan drawn up for protecting the forests.
1879	Declared as reserved forests.
1884	Jim Corbett shoots his first leopard.
1900-1910	Jim Corbett leads shikar parties and kills two man-eaters.
1910	Jim Corbett gives up killing as mere sport and becomes the savior of the villagers, defending them from man-eaters.
1934	The Park is declared a National Park and Corbett helps define the boundaries.
1935-1936	It was set up as the first National Park under United Provinces National Parks Act. It was named the Hailey National Park, after Sir Malcolm Hailey, the Governor of United Provinces.
1954	With independence it was renamed as the Ramganga National Park.
1955	Jim Corbett died at Nyeri.
1957	The park is renamed in honour of his memory
1973	The Park becomes the first Tiger Reserve of India under Project Tiger.
1974	Inauguration of Tiger Project.
1986	Corbett National park celebrates its Golden Jubilee.
1996	Diamond Jubilee of its existence as Corbett national park.
1998	year of Project Tiger.
9 Nov. 2000	Became part of Uttaranchal and now Uttarakhand state.