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Contents

 

  1. History
  2. Getting Around
  3. Tourist Traps
  4. Local Customs
  5. Shopping
  6. Communications

Named after the famous hunter, author and conservationist Jim Corbett, the Corbett National Park is one of the finest tiger habitats in India. Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, the park extends over a tract of 520 square kilometers. It is a large valley with forested ridges running through it. The Ramganga river winds through its entire length, and dense Sal and deciduous forests cover the park area. Visitors are allowed in from mid-November to mid-June. The main animals found in the national park include tiger, elephant, chital, sambar, nilgai, gharial, King Cobra, muntjac, wild boar, hedgehog, common musk shrew, flying fox, Indian Pangolin and nearly 600 species of birds.

History

Before British rule from 1815-20, the area now occupied by the Corbett National Park was the private property of the local rulers. Though the British gained control over the region, they did not take any significant measures to preserve the park. Their sole purpose of acquiring Corbett was to exploit its natural resources. It was only in 1858 that Major Ramsay chalked out the first comprehensive conservation plan to protect the forest. He made sure his plan was implemented with full accuracy, and by 1896 there was a drastic change in the complexion of the forest. In the interim, farming was put on hold in the lower Patlidun Valley, followed by closing down of cattle sheds. This led to the dissipation of domestic animals from the forest, and the formation of a cadre of workers to fight forest fire and protect the forest from illegal felling of trees. Forest department took up the task of the preserving the flora of the park in 1868, with the declaration of Reserve Forest under the Forest Act coming close on the heels.

Sir Michael, for the first time in 1907, through a letter to the British government expressed the possibility of turning the forest into a game reserve. The proposal was, however, turned down. Many years later in 1934, the then Governor Sir Malcolm Hailey invested fresh thought into Michael’s letter, and decided to frame a law to give it protection. Anticipating procedural delays in legislation, the area was given the status of Reserve Forest by the Chief Conservator of Forest. Subsequently, after discussing it with Major Jim Corbett, the precincts of the park were demarcated. During the Second World War, the park suffered excessive poaching and timber cutting. In 1936, the United Province National Park Act was enforced resulting in the reserve forest becoming the first National Park of the country. It was named, quite aptly, Hailey National Park after its founder Malcolm Hailey.

The National Park initially span across 323.75 sq. kilometers, but in order to accommodate the habitats of wild animals such as tigers and elephants, the area was expanded to its present 520 sq. kilometers of core area in 1966. The year 1973 was the landmark in forest conservation, as in this year wildlife enthusiasts and preservationist from across the globe launched Project Tiger – the most prestigious and large scale environmental conservation project hitherto undertaken. For a brief while in 1954-55, the preserve was rechristened Ramganga National Park, and was further renamed as Jim Corbett National Park in 1955-56. It was named after Jim Corbett - the author and wildlife conversationalist - to honor his contributions in nurturing the jungle, and most importantly, for his role in influencing the provincial government to establish it.

The reserve is administered from its headquarters in the Nainital district. Today Corbett National Park is one of the thirteen protected areas covered by World Wildlife Fund under their Terai Arc Landscape Program. This program works towards preserving three of the five terrestrial flagship species, the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Asian elephant and the Great One-horned Rhinoceros, by restoring corridors of forest to link 13 protected areas of Nepal and India to facilitate wildlife migration.

Getting Around

Corbett Tiger Reserve has been categorized into five exclusive tourism zones, each with a separate entry gate. The five gates for entry to Corbett are Amadanda, Dhangari, Khara (Kalagarh), Durgadevi and Vatanvasa. However, permits are necessary for entering Corbett Tiger Reserve. For a day visit, you need to obtain permission at the respective entry gate. Though night halt permits are issued at the CTR Reception office in Ramnagar.

Drive your own car inside Corbett or hire a private jeep/gypsy from Ramnagar, after making entry at the respective gates. Don’t forget to refuel your car before entering the park because there is no fuel station beyond Ramnagar. You can even take a day tour in a safari bus and explore the wildlife at the park. Walking or trekking within the park is allowed only in certain areas. The park maintains specific trails for vehicles, and care should be taken not veer off course. Though driving after sunset is strictly prohibited.

Tourist Traps in the City

There is none of any note.

Local Custom

Wildlife safaris are the order of the day, and a way of life in Corbett.

Shopping

Other than a few souvenir shops selling tiger memoirs, there is not much shopping to look forward to.

Communications

You must know prior to your trip that Corbett National Park lacks any telecommunication facility such as mobile and telephone booths. The park authorities can, however, make use of their wireless equipment in case of emergency.

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