"Man
Eaters of Kumaon" by Jim Corbett was a book inspired from the real
incidents in and around Ramnagar. Referred to as Carpet Sahib, Jim Corbett
was called on to save the villagers from the hunting Tigers and Leopards.
Hence, the Park came to be known as "Corbett National Park". Lying
in the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas, Corbett Tiger Reserve boast of a
rich diversity in terrains , ranging from the mighty mountains to the swamps
of the Terai region, the forest reserve was named initially as Hailer
National Park in 1936, then renamed in 1955 as 'Ramganga National Park"
and later in 1956 finally changed for ever to "Corbett National Park".
Corbett National Park has the distinction of being the oldest National Park
in India. The reserve includes parts of Almora,Pauri Garhwal, Nainital and
Bijnour District of Uttar Pradesh . Established in 1936 with an area of
1318.54 sqkms including 520.82sqkms of core area and 797.72 sqkms of buffer
area,which forms the 'Sonanadi Wild Life Sanctuary".
"Project Tiger" India's conservative program to save the Tiger
population was launced from Corbett Reserve in 1973. The mixed deciduous
forests with sal trees and stresses of Savannah grassland gives a soothing
experience to the travellers and nature lovers.
Wild Life Attractions
Flora - Known for its intrinsic scenic beauty , Corbett
National Park's floral diversity is abundant with about 110 species of
trees, 51 species of shrubs along with 33 species of bamboo grass, which
provide cover to the wild inhabitants. The dominant trees includes
Sal(Shorea Robusta) found over 75% of the total reserve area, also Haidu,
Pipal, Sheesham, Mahua, Rohini are commonly found. Occassional Simal, Khair,
Jhingan blossom in the spring season. Ashort grassy herb called "Chaurs"
is the grazing food to the herbivores.
Fauna - The Kaladhungi Reserve Forest is famous for the
wild cats and it was here that Jim Corbett hunted on man eating Tigers.
Apart from a healthy tiger population of 55 in numbers, varied species of
Hog Deers, Sambhar, Spotted Deers and Barking Deers are found here. Also
Wild Boars, Elephants, Sloth Bear, Wild Dogs, Chitals, langurs, Porcupines,
Rhesus Macaques , Leopards and Muggers can be spotted easily. The aquarian
species includes the Gharial(Gavialis Gangeticus) and the Common Skink. In
reptiles Cobras and Pythons can be seen on the muddy banks of the Ramganga.
Birds - The Ramganga reservoirs in the Dhikala camp area
has over 600 species of birds of which the main attractions are Pied
Kingfisher, Creasant Serpent Eagle, Fishing Eagles and the Himalayan Grey
Headed Eagle. Giant Hornbills, Green Pigeon, Turtle Dove,Osprey, Slaty
headed Parakeet, Cuckoo, Lapwing, Broad Billed Roller and the Wood Pecker
can be seen on the way to Kanda and at Rathuadhab.
Park Trips
Safaris are the best way of exploring the reserve as it adds excitement and
fun on the journey. Jeep Safaris and Elephant Safaris are a delight for
adventure lovers. Early morning Jeep Safaris in the Gharial area inside the
awesome wilderness of the Park can be an amazing experience. The Elephant
Safaris in the Himalayan Foothills enjoying the leisure ride can be no less
than a paradise on earth.
Best time to visit Corbett National Park
Closed during the monsoons, the Corbett National Park reopens after the
rainy clouds are gone and the best time to visit is between January and Mid-
June. Summer is the ideal season as the Tigers come out of the deep jungle
for waters. In the winters temperature goes down to as low as 5°Centrigrade
,while in summers it can reach upto 45°Centrigrade.
