Corbett National Park (Nainital Uttranchal)

India's first and finest national park spread over 520 sq. kms., along the banks of the Ramganga river, just 300 kms. northeast of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas is the Corbett National Park.

Established initially as Hailey National Park on August 8,1936, in honour of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952. In 1957, it was finally named Corbett National Park in honour and memory of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer, who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries.

The elevation of the park ranges between 400 metres and 1210 metres. The multipurpose hydel dam at Kalagarh lies at the south-western fringe of Corbett. The lake inside, with its scenic charm, has added to the beauty of the park. Many species of water birds, both migrant and non-migrant, frequent its waters. Crocodiles and the long snouted fish-eating Gharial have found new homes here and their numbers have increased. They can often be seen sun basking on the sand banks. For anglers, too, the lake is a paradise. Fish, such as the Mahseer, abound in the lake and river. The park offers different kinds of vegetation all along its varied topography, which comprises hilly and riparian areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines.

110 species of trees, 51 species of shrubs and over 33 species of bamboo are found here. There are three distinct seasons in Corbett, Cold-Nov. to Feb., Hot-March to June, Rainy-July to Oct. Over 50 mammals, 580 birds and 25 reptile species have been listed in the Corbett. Also astounding is the insect life here. Corbett is a known haven for tigers, largely owing to the success of the WWF funded Project-Tiger that was launched on 1st April 1973. Other animals which add to its attraction are : Leopard, Leopard cat, Jungle cat, Fishing Cat, Himalayan black bear, Dhole, Yellow-throated morten, elephant, porcupine, Chital, Barking deer, etc. Some of the birds commonly seen here are Osprey, Crested serpent eagle, Black winged kite, Shikra, Pallas's fishing eagle, Spotted eagle, Minivets, Shrikes, Babblers, etc.

The Gharials, descendants of the prehistoric reptiles, have made the park their home. The Indian python, Viper, Cobra, Krait and King Cobra, the largest of the poisonous snakes, also inhabit Corbett, as do monitors and other lesser lizards.

How to Reach

Air:Nearest airport is Pantnagar, 133 kms. 
Rail : Nearest railhead is Ramnagar, 50 kms. from Dhikala.
Tours Offered by Uttaranchal 
Forest Development Corporation
Camp for - 5 Days & 4 Nights 
Camp for - 3 Days & 2 Nights 
One Day Safari 

Road : Dhikala is connected by road to Dhikala-Ramnagar and from there to other parts of the state. Other centres within the park are connected by fair-weather tracks. From Dhikala, Delhi is 290 kms., Lucknow 503 kms., Ranikhet 107 kms & Nainital 114 kms.

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