Established in 1936 as the Hailey National Park, this natural reserve was the first to be set up in India. Now nemed after the famous hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett, this park is located around 300 Kms from Delhi.

The best time to visit the park is between February and May. This park covers around 520 sq. kilometres. Project Tiger was set up in 1973 to save the Indian tiger from extinction.

Around 50 mammals, 580 birds and 25 reptile species are listed in the Corbett National Park. But the most remarkable possession of the park is the Indian tiger. The tiger population was estimated to be 90 in 1980.

The park also abounds in four species of deer. These are the Chital, the well known spotted deer, Para, Kakkar, and the Barking Deer. The goat antelopes are represented by the ghoral.

There is also scope for bird watching in the park area. Over 580 species of birds can be found here. Most of the water birds are migrant, and arrive in winters.

Also reptiles such as the Crocodile can be found here.

Elephant rides are arranged in the park to see the wildlife in its natural habitat.

Uttar Pradesh, the state which combines the traditional with the modern, Uttar Pradesh has a lot to offer to tourists. From hill stations to pilgrimages, UP has it all. The most populous state in India, it is one of the most preffered tourist destinations. A rich cultural heritage and nature's bliss is what one finds in this beautiful state.

Leopards as well as lesser cats such as the leopard cat, jungle cat, fishing cat are also found here. Other attractions of the park include the sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, dhole, jackal, yellow throated marten, Himalayan palm civet, Indian grey mongoose, common otter, porcupine and clacktaped hare.

Elephants can be spotted all over the park.

How to Reach

Corbett National Park is a six hour drive from Delhi. The nearest town and rail link is at Ramnagar, at a distance of 51 Kms.

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Where to stay

Forest rest houses are available at Khinnauli, Sarapduli, Bijrani, and Ghairal. In the

Dhikala forest rest houses, log- huts, tourist huts and tented camps are available.

Tips

The park is closed from mid June to mid November.

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Around Corbet

Kumeria

It is a small village located 22 kms away from Jim Corbett National Park's first gate. You can go for a elephant safari, fishing, rock climbing and night safaris. This reserve forest was also a hunting ground during the British period, and you can still spot their old rest houses there.

Corbett falls

This natural waterfall is 20 kms from the main gate of the Jim Corbett park. You can spend hours in the summer enjoying yourself in the coll waters.

Garjia and Sitavani

These are just 20 minute drives from ramnagar (19 kms from Jim Corbett's main gate). The temple of Garjia Mata (6 kms from Ramnagar)is situated on a huge rock in the middle of the Kosi river. The temple of Goddess Sita is 21 kms away known for its three adjacent waterfalls, is a fascinating place to visit.

Kaladunghi

It is known as the winter home of Jim Corbett. One can visit the Jim Corbett museum where all his personal belongings of the Conservationist are well preserved.