Corbett National Park
Corbett National park world renownedand is known as the 'Land of the trumpet, roar and song'. The kaleidoscope of flora and fauna here makes this an ideal destination for an enthusiastic naturalist. Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett National Park extends over an area of 520.82sq.km. The park is named after the famed hunter-author-photographer-naturalist, Jim Corbett.

A Walk In The Wild:

The park has always been noted for its tigers that are spoted quite often, are one of the prime attrcations for the tourists. The park has a magnificent blend of green flora that include a diverse variety of trees, shrubs, bamboos and grasses. Apart from the greens Corbett National park is home to a long list of wildlife that comprises of 50 mammals, 580 kinds of birds and 25 reptile species. The entire spectrum of animals that this park inhabits include elephants, Himalayan black bear in the higher elevations, sloth bear, varieties of lesser known cats, dhole -the wild dog. If you happen to be passing by the lake then one can spot crocodiles, gharials, tortoises and pythons. Elephants are now permanent inhabitants following the building of the dam & the inundation of their old trekking routes.

Corbett park also has a spectacular bird diversity to offer its visitors. The park, has over 600 species of birds, including the pied kingfisher, crested serpent eagle, fishing eagle and Himalayan grey headed fishing eagle.

Dhikala is the park centre and for the convenience of the tourist it offers accomodation. There are forest rest houses dotted around but these are suitable only if the visitors possess their own transport. Elephant rides are available at low cost from Dhikala & this is the best way to seee the jungle and its inhabitants.

Top Tips:

This park is only open from 15th November to 15th June. For an overnight stay inside the park a permit must be obtained at Ramnagar, this permit allows for a maximum stay of three days. If the park is too busy no permits will be issued. You can enjoy the elephant ride and explore the park. From Dhikala elephant safaris are organized twice a day. There is a watch tower and observation posts at Dhikala for wildlife watching, binoculars are very useful.

Climate:

Summer begins in March-April, with a minimum of 9 and maximum of 40 degrees; May-June gets hotter at 21-45 degrees. Winter is November - February at 4-26 degrees.

Wheels To Jim Corbett Park:

» By Air: Phoolbagh, Pantnagar at a distance of 50 km is the nearest airport. Delhi at a distance of 300 km is the nearest international airport.

» By Rail: Ramnagar is on the broad gauge track from where the road transport options have to be availed to reach the park.

» By Road: Dhikala is 300 km from Delhi, 145 km from Lucknow and 51 km from Ramnagar.