The Corbett National Park and Sanctuary is one of the most famous and most visited place in India attracting over 70,000 wildlife enthusiasts and nature admirers from across the globe every year however, tourists are allowed only in selected areas of the Corbett Tiger Reserve to ensure that the crowd does not disturb the natural habitat. It is reachable by hiking from Nainital via Kaladhungi and Ramnagar covering 128 km or by car. You can also reach by rail (Ramnagar is the closest Rail-link). Situated in the RamGanga Valley of Ramnagar, the area spreads between the altitudes of 385 mts to 1100 mts above sea level in the foothills of the Himalayas and the topography of this area is rich with Trees and wild tall grasses and main rivers flowing are RamGanga, Kosi, Mandal, Sonanadi and Palian Rivers and a seasonal Stream named Sots. The best time to visit is from 16th November to 14th June and it offers the best season and allow for complete coverage of the Park.
Prior to the British Rule even before 1815, this forest area was owned by the local rulers. After it was handed to the British, they did not make any effort to maintain and preserve the natural habitat but instead exploited the natural resources to extract as much of profit for their benefit which depleted the jungles to a massive extent. Not until 1858, when Major Ramsay realised this was causing a lot of harm, he drew a conservation plan and endorsed strict orders to protect the forest and its habitat. Farming and deforestation was banned and cattle and goats were not allowed to graze around. In 1868 the Forest Department took charge and responsibly for the upkeep of the forest area and in 1879, it was declared a reserved area under the Forest Preservation Act and by 1896, the condition of the area improved drastically and Ramsay's plans have now become a main study in the science of forestry and conservation.
In 1907, Sir Michael Keen proposed the possibility of converting this area into a Sanctuary and by 1934, Governor Malcolm Hailey supported it and after consultation with Major Jim Corbett, by 1936, the boundaries were demarcated within 323.75 Sq. Km. and it was officially made the first National Park of India and named after the Governor and founder as 'Hailey National Park'. Post Independence, in 1966, the National Park was expanded to 520.82 Sq. Km. and named as the 'Ramnagar National Park', the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary covered 301.18 Sq. Km. and the forest reserve area covered 496.54 Sq. Km. covering a total area of 1318.54 Sq. Km.. During this course Jim Corbett contributed immensely to the conservation of the forest and especially the Tiger Reserve and after his demise it was name 'Jim Corbett National Park' in his memory.
Nearby Resorts are available as accommodation which needs advance booking of at least a week. Jeep or Elephant Safaris are arranged by the Authorities for tourists and in order for better tourist management and convenience; the Park has been marked into five zones with separate entry gates. Dhikala zone is entered through Dhangari gate, Jhirna-Khara zone is via Kalagarh gate, Bijrani zone via Amadanda gate, Sonanadi zone via Vatanvasa and finally Domunda zone via Durgadevi gate.
The park is a natural habitat of over 585 migratory and resident birds that include red jungle fowl [the main breed of all descending fowls seen here], crested serpent eagles and blossom headed parakeet, 50 mammals that include Wild Asiatic Elephants, Bengal Tiger, Chital, Leopard, Palm Civet, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Sambar, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Goral, Neelgai, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Mongoose, Marten, Otter, Hare etc., over 33 species of reptiles like Garial, Python, Turtles, Crocodiles, Cobra, Lizards etc., 7 species of fish like Mahseer and Trout, 7 species of amphibians and 37 species of dragonflies have been recently recorded. The forest area is filled with over 600 species of shrubs, herbs, bamboos, ferns, climbers, tall grasses like Bhabhar, Tiger Grass, Khus-Khus etc., plants and trees like Sal, Sheesham, Sissu and Chaurs trees.
Garjia Temple dedicated to Durga Devi is another place of interest to visit enroute to Dhikala zone and is about 10 km from Ramnagar perched on a rock along the Kosi River ideal for relaxing on your way to the Corbett Park.
Corbett Museum at Kaladhungi via Dhangarhi about 19 km from Ramnagar is also very famous for housing dead animals and worth a visit.
The Corbett Waterfall is small but very attractive that falls from a height of 60 feet against scenic environs and green laden forests. This area is ideal for camping and picnic and is rich with a diverse species of birds and plants. A very good parking facility is also available for people who drove in. Close by is the 'Nature Walk' museum which depicts the primitive lifestyle of ancient people and animals. After spending leisure time here, you can trek back to Corbett Park resort or other resorts where you have booked your stay and await the next day filled with more adventure and sightseeing as it is not enough to cover the entire Park in a single day.
