Every Things you need to know about Jim Corbett National Park

264km (164 miles) NE of Delhi; 436km (270 miles) NW of Lucknow 

Jim Corbett - Creator

For anyone who visits Jim Corbett National Park, it sooner or later becomes an addiction. If you sit back and think about it, sometimes you wonder, why! Sightings of wildlife are much more difficult here than other parks in India. Then why does it lure you back time and again?! Is it the beautiful landscape and scenery? Is it the fact that you actually have to try and outwit the animals to get to see them? Is it the warmth of the people looking after the park? Or is it proximity to a major city serving as a hub? I guess the answer to the question is "all of the above".

Corbett National Park, or just "Corbett", has a long history behind it. It also has the unique honor of being India's first national park. The forest cover that now comprises the park, owes its existence to the initial efforts of a Major Ramsay during the "British Raj". Along with his initial efforts and those of others to follow, this area was saved from the wrath of urbanization. In the early 1900s, the first efforts were made to try and demarcate the area as a national park. It was only in 1936, after an era of tiger shooting as a fashion, that Sir Malcolm Hailey, who at that time was the Governor of the United Provinces, under pressure from true conservationists, allocated an area of 256 sq km for the national park. The park was named after him as "The Hailey National Park" on August 8th 1936. Five years after India gained independence, in 1952, the park's name was changed to "The Ramganga National Park". This was as a tribute to the life-giving river that runs through the entire length of the park. Then in 1957, the park was once again renamed "Corbett National Park" after the legendary Jim Corbett, the hunter turned conservationist, who probably understood the area and its inhabitants, man and animal, better than anyone else. He had also helped in the setting up of the park and its boundaries. His books, almost all of which were based in and around this area, have enthralled many a generation and given birth to many a naturalist. Corbett National Park then came even more into prominence in the 1970's after realization dawned upon the country that the extinction of the Indian tiger was a definite possibility. The help of the World Wildlife Fund was sought to help activate the far thinking "Project Tiger". This project was launched at the Dhikala Forest Rest House on April 1st 1973. Since then, there has been no looking back for Corbett National Park, which is still considered one of the prime National Parks of the country.

Flora

A total of 490 different species of trees has been recorded in the national park . The floral density available in this park is quite high.  Sal, Seesam, Jamun, Ched, Khair-sissoo, Chaurs, chir pine, oak and rhododendron are the prominent tree species found in this national park.

Fauna

Royal Bengal Tiger at Jim Corbett National Park

The  Jim  Corbett  National Park   is widely  recognized as a  protected reserve for the Royal Bengal Tigers and Asiatic elephants, which are commonly encountered in the park. Besides tigers and elephants, Corbett plays host to 580 species of inhabitant and migrating birds. More than 35 species of reptiles,  7 species of fish and 35 types of dragonflies have also been recorded in this sanctuary.  Other mammals found in Corbett include Leopards,  jungle cat, fishing cat, deer (barking, sambar, hog and chital), Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black bear, Indian Gray Mongoose, otters, ghoral (goat-antelopes), languor,  monkeys.

Climate

Although the weather in Corbett Wildlife Sanctuary is salubrious and balmy, the best time to visit this place is between March to October as winters are quite chilly. Temperature table of Jim Corbett National Park is showing that recorded summer temperature between 15-38°C during April- August, while in the winter its between 6-16°C during October- January.

Tourist Attraction Near Park

There has been a pertinent problem for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts who wish to explore the length and breadth of this wildlife sanctuary. Tourism is only permitted in selected areas of this park. Of late,  there has  been a meteoric rise in the number of visitors coming to this place . Currently, more than 70,000 visitors have been recorded in this park. Some major tourist attractions near Corbett national parks are.

Proximity of around 20 KM

1. Girija Mata Mandir (  Temple  Near by  Ramganga  River )

2. Ramganga and  Kosi  River ( river inside the park)

3. Corbett fall ( Water Fall inside Corbett )

4. Kosi Bairaj ( Near Ramnagar  City Market)

Proximity of around 60 KM

1. Haldwani  City  (nearest big town )

2. Nainital  City  and lake (hill station)

3. Bhimtal lake (hill station)

4. Saattal  Lake  (hill station)

5. Naukuchiyatal  Lake  (hill station)

Proximity of around 150 KM

1. Ranikhet (hill station)

2. Almora (hill station)

3. Kausani (hill station)

4. Jaina  Village  (trekking area and jungle Night camp)

Accomodation

Accommodation in Jim Corbett National Park

A wide range of accommodation options is available in this park. These wildlife resorts are famous for offering pleasurable stay  along with an option of jeep safari. One can book rooms in these resorts at a minimum price of INR 1000.Some popular names in the list of wildlife resorts are Claridges Corbett Hideaway, Camp Forktail Creek, Corbett Riverside Resort, Corbett Ramganga Resort and The Golden Tusk.