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History of the Corbett National
Park
Jim Corbett was born in 1875 into the large family of
Christopher Corbett, the postmaster at Nainital. Jim was
eighth child and was a domiciled European. From
childhood Corbett had a great fascination with the
jungles around Nainital and its inhabitants. This
developed into a considerable knowledge of the
ecosystem's workings. Like most Pukka Sahibs (proper
gentleman) he learnt to shoot and became an superb shot,
killing his first leopard when he was eight. Tigers were
his most sought after prey, followed by leopards which
were very difficult to sight let alone shoot. This
interest was sustained during his working life in the
Bengal and North Western Railway and later the army.
But, from the mid-1920’s he ceased to shoot tigers for
sport and instead photographed them. The exception to
this rule was that he was prepared to track and kill the
man-eating leopards and tigers that terrorized the
Kumaon hills from time to time. Later in life he
recounted his exploits in a series of books about
man-eaters and the jungle: The Man Eating Leopard of
Rudrapayag, the man-eaters of Kumaon and jungle lore.
Vegetation in the Corbett National Park
Corbett Tiger Reserve is totally spread over an area of
1318.54 square kms and includes apart from Corbett
National Park, additional areas of Sonanadi wildlife
sanctuary and Reserve Forest buffer zone. The park
comprises of the broad valley of the Ramganga River
backing onto the forest covered slopes of the Himalayan
foothills which rise to 1,210 m at Kand Peak. A dam at
Kalagarh has created a large reservoir at the western
end of the park. The Valley floor is covered with tall
elephant grass, lantana bushes and patches of sal and
sheesham forest while the enclosing hill on both sides
are completely forest covered comprising sal, bakli,
khair, jhingan, tendu, pula and sain. The topography in
this park comprises of hilly and riverine areas,
temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines.
Climate of the Corbett National Park
Nullahs and ravines running deep into the forests are
dry for much of the year, but swift torrents during the
monsoon. These hold brakes of bamboo and thick scrub
growth. Rainfall varies, being heavier in the higher
hills, on average, the valley receives 1550 mm, the bulk
of this from July to the middle of September. Summer
days are hot but the nights quite pleasant. Winter
nights can get very cold and there is often a frost and
freezing fog in the low lying tracts.
Wildlife Attractions in the Corbett National Park
About 110 species of trees, 50 species of mammals, 580
species of birds and 25 species of reptiles are found in
this park. The major wildlife animals found in this park
are Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Deer, Wild Boar, Leopard
Cat, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear,
Sambar, Chital, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Dog, Langur,
Rhesus Monkey, Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Grey
Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare, Porcupine, Wild
Pig, Fox and Jackal. Along the banks of the Ramganga
River, one can also spot the Common mugger crocodile,
the fish eating gharial, soft shelled tortoises, otters
and python. Besides various wildlife animals about 600
species of resident and migratory birds are also found
here. Peacock, Kite, Water fowl, Storkbilled Kingfisher,
Crested serpent eagle, Fishing eagle, Osprey, Buzzards,
Harriers. Vultures, Himalayan long-billed, Brown fish
owl, Red jungle fowl, Minivets, Shrikes, Cuckoos,
Barbets, Bulbul, Indian and great Pied Hornbills,
flycatchers, woodpeckers, drongos, pies, and parakeets
are also found within Corbett National Park. Doves,
bee-eaters, rollers, mynas, bulbuls, warblers, finches,
robins and chats are to be seen in the open scrub.
Jungle Safari in the Corbett National Park
You can visit the park either by having an Elephant or a
Jeep Safari. Elephant rides are available at low cost
from Dhikala and this is the best way to see the jungle.
A guide will always accompany you during the safari in
the park. There are watchtowers inside the park from
where you can view the animals at a very close distance.
Best Time to Visit Corbett National Park
Some of the birds that migrate during the winter are the
Steppe eagle and various water birds. The best season to
visit the Corbett National Park is from November to
June. During the monsoon season that is from July to
October this park is closed.
How to reach Corbett National
Park
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Phoolbagh, Pantnagar
at a distance of about 50 kms. The nearest international
airport is located at Delhi, which is about 300 kms.
By Rail:
Ramnagar is the nearest railway station located on the
broad gauge track.
By Road:
Corbett National Park is connected by road with Ramnagar,
Lucknow, Nainital, Ranikhet and Delhi. Dhikala is the
park centre and offers accommodation for the visitor.
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