Jim Corbett National Park - One Of The Most Significant Natural Habitats In The World

Corbett National Park is one of the most significantA staggeringly high number (580 to be precise) of
natural habitats in the world. It is home to thespecies of birds are found here including water fowl, 17
endangered species of Tiger. Lying in the foothills oftypes of woodpecker, kites, peafowl, the rare chir
the Himalayas, the park's diverse flora and fauna,pheasant, the red jungle fowl, minivets, cuckoos,
breathtaking beauty and the charming landscapesdrongos and barbets. The reservoir on the river
make it a priceless Gem in India's large naturalformed with the building of kalaghar dam attracts large
treasure.number of migratory and other species of water birds.
HistoryThis makes it a Bird watcher's paradise. It is
Known as the Hailey National Park at the time of itsconsidered a 'Bird Park' in the true sense.
establishment on August 8, 1936, the name was laterThe Tiger, in particular
changed to 'Ramganga National Park' in 1954 and wasProject Tiger, launched in 1973, was started from
changed yet again in 1956 to its present name. ThisCorbett park itself. The predator is a nocturnal animal.
name came from Jim Corbett's name, the expertSo, seeing it in the daytime is considered good luck of
hunter, celebrated author and famous naturalthe visitors.
conservationist who hunted man-eater tigers here inThe highest density of Tiger population is in the Chaurs
the early part of the 20th century.and other forests. Chital, hog deer and elephants are
The Landscape and geographyalso spotted here. The best ways to see wildlife,
Spread over an area as vast as approx. 520 sq. Kms,viewing-towers are present here in large numbers.
the park's elevation ranges between 400 to 1200The transportation and other facilities inside the Park
meters.The National Park office at Ramnagar offers jeeps on
Geographically, the Park is actually a valley with ridgeshire at reasonable prices. Elephants are available for
dotting its large tract. Many rivers and rivulets enhancewildlife viewing at Dhikala and Bijrani. Elephant-back
the charm. The most prominent is the Ramganga.rides on every morning and evening are worth the
Sal and other mixed deciduous forests are foundexperience.
throughout the Park while the grasslands known as theReaching the park and the accommodation
Chaurs, which cover about 1/10th of the park's totalA range of accommodation is available at Dhikala, a
area, give the tourist a better and uninterrupted viewnearby town, including luxurious 3 room cabins, Swiss
of the wildlife.cottage tents and log hut dormitories. The facilities
The Wildlife, in generalavailable include restaurants, a library, a field post
The park houses more than 50 mammal species andoffice, a first aid centre, an open air theatre and a
25 reptile species. Antelopes like the Nilgai and theprovision store.
Ghoral, many varieties of deer including Hog deer,Forest rest houses, the ideal place to live in such a
Sambhar, Chital etc, the ancestors to us humans likelocality, are available easily. These are located at
Rhesus and the good-old Langur are found in the area.picturesque spots near and around the park. The
The tiger and leopard are part of the species of catsisolated rest houses are ideal for wildlife enthusiasts,
found here. A special resident is the Dhole, the wildphotographers, anglers and bird watchers.
dog.The Nearest airport is Pantnagar, 133kms. away and
Many other species of animals like jackals, fox, wildthe near-most railway station is Ramnagar, 50kms.
boar, sloth bear, black bear and a vast range offrom Dhikala.
reptiles like the cobra, python are also found apartBy Road, Dhikala is connected to almost all the nearby
from two species of crocodile. The Gharial can bebig cities.
seen relaxing in the pools of the Ramganga.