The pride of Uttar Pradesh and a testimony to nature’s cornucopia, Corbett is one of the most legendary national parks in India. Located in the valley of the Ramganga river near the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett was the first National park established in India in 1936, in the honor of renowned game hunter turned photographer and conservationist- Jim Corbett or Colonel Saheb, as he was lovingly known to the Kumaonis.Its proximity to Delhi and its prolific wildlife make Corbett National Park a very sought after destination to enjoy small vacation in stark peaceness. The park is also one of the popular Tiger Reserves supporting extremely varied and fruitful ecological systems. With the plenteous adventure activities like elephant safari, birding, and tiger spotting, angling and fishing, this small jungle trip will prove to be a fine getaway from the pervading ruckus of city life.
Corbett National Park covers the total area of 13,019 , which comprises the Tiger Reserve area of 522 sq km and a buffer zone. Tourists are only permitted to roam in around 100 km of the Tiger Reserve area. There are three entry points to this area – one is through the Bijrani from Amdanda gate, another one through Dhikala from Dhangarhi gate and last one through Jhirna from the Dhela gate.Flora of Corbett National Park :
The landscape of Corbett National Park is of sheer forest - consists of Sal trees (Shorea robusta), mainly in the lower regions. The higher regions have abundant of Chir (Pinus roxburghii), anauri (Legestroemia paruiflora) and Bakli (Anogeissus latifolia) and other species. Different varieties of bamboo are also found in different parts of the park. One plant, (actually a weed) which is a major irritant to the park authorities and is widespread in the jungle is the Lantana.
Fauna of Corbett National Park :
Corbett National Park is inhabited by some of the rare and endangered species, found nowhere else in the world. It is a home to good number of tigers as well as its prey that includes Leopards, Deer, Wild Boar, Fishing Cats, Leopard cats, Himalayan black bears, Sloth bears, Jackals, Martens, Dholes, Civets, Mongooses, Otters, Hares, Porcupines, Chital (spotted deer), Hog deer, Barking deer, Ghorals, Wild Boars, Pangolins, Macaques, Langurs and Blue Bulls (Nilgais).
Things to see and do :
Elephant Safari :
Take a elephant ride through the expansive grasslands of Corbett National Park. It offers you the stimulating picture of the dazzling forests and exotic wildlife at the close quarters. If lucky, you may even get the chance to spot a tiger, if not you will surely get to spot its pugmarks. You need not wonder if you encounter the animals like Tigers, Leopards, Himalayan Black Bear, Chital, Langurs and plenteous other pervading everywhere. Indian are charged Rs 100; while foreigners are charged Rs 200 for the elephant ride.
Jeep Safari :
Hire a jeep to enjoy the beauty of the lavish forest filled environs through the muddy tracks of Corbett. The serenity and panoramic beauty of rich forest area will spellbind you and will leave you mesmerized for a moment. Roaming through the forest and discovering the wilds will give an unforgettable joy. One can hire the jeep for Rs 500 –600 from outside the park gates.
Angling :
Tourists should keep in mind that fishing is not allowed in the park. But one can go angling, by taking permits for the Kosi river from the DFO Ramnagar and for the Ramganga from the Corbett Park reception center. Tangling Mahseer weighing up to 30 kg in your net is the biggest adventure you can have here.
River Rafting :
For more active, Corbett offers the challenging opportunity of white water rafting on the Kosi and Ramganga. Rafting season lasts from mid June to September in the park. Make sure guard or the operator has taken all the necessary safety measures for operating on the river.
Aparana Chauhan
