Jim Corbett

Named after the hunter and conservationist, Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India. Located

 in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, this national park acts as a protected area for Bengal tigers of India, which are the critically endangered species. Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. The standard altitude of this national park ranges from 360 metres to 1,040 metres. 

Sprawling over an area of 1,308.58 square kilometres, the region includes 520 square kilometres of dense core area, while the buffer area spreads over 797.72 square kilometres. The dense core area of the reserve forms the Jim Corbett National Park. This national park comprises 512.8 square kilometres of area, which covers riverine belts, hills, marshy depressions, lakes, streams and grass lands.  Formerly, some of the areas of this park were part of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal. In order to make the area less vulnerable for Rohilla invaders, the forests located within the region were cleared. However, a part of this region was ceded to the East India Company by the Raja of Tehri. This was done by him so as to return the favours to the East India Company as it assisted the Raja of Tehri in ousting Gurkhas from his land.  A tribe of the Terai, which was known as the Bokas, settled on this land and began cultivation. However, in the 1860s, with the advent of British rule, this tribe was evicted from the land. After this, the control of the land was passed into the hands of the British Forest Department. The department after gaining control over the land prohibited cultivation along with operation of cattle stations of this land. In 1907, the British administration focussed on the possibility of establishing a game reserve on this land. As a result of this consideration, in 1936, a reserve area known as Hailey National Park was established which sprawls over an area of 323.75 square kilometres. However, this preserve was renamed as Ramganga National Park in 1954-55, which was later renamed again in 1955-56 as Corbett National Park. The new name given to this national park honours Jim Corbett, who was a renowned author as well as wildlife conservationist. He played a key role in the establishment of the reserve in the region by influencing the provincial government to agree up on it.  This national park does not authorise hunting, however it permits timber cutting for domestic purposes. Later, rules were passed, which prohibited killing and capturing of reptiles, mammals and birds.  In 1974, Jim Corbett National Park was chosen as the location for Project Tiger. At present, this national park is among the thirteen protected areas, which is covered under the Terai Arc Landscape Programme by the World Wildlife Fund.  Jim Corbett National Park is home to around 50 species of trees, 580 bird species and 50 species of animals along with 25 reptile species. In addition, the park is also home to the endangered species of the Bengal Tiger of India. The best time to visit Corbett National Park is from November to mid-June.

Ecotourism

Early-morning encounter with a Sambar deer in Jim Corbett National Park, on a guided elephant tour from the Dhikala tourist lodge.

Though the main focus is protection of wildlife, the reserve management has also encouraged ecotourism. In 1993, a training course covering natural history, visitor management and park interpretation was introduced to train nature guides A s.econd course followed in 1995 which recruited more guides for the same purpose. This allowed the staff of the reserve, previously preoccupied with guiding the visitors, to carry out management activities uninterrupted. Additionally, the Indian government has organized workshops on ecotourism in Corbett National Park and Garhwal region to ensure that the local citizens profit from tourism while the park remains protected.

patil & Joshi (1997) consider summer (April–June) to be the best season for Indian tourists to visit the park while recommending the winter months (November–January) for foreign tourists. According to Riley & Riley (2005): "Best chances of seeing a tiger to come late in the dry season- April to mid June-and go out with mahouts and elephants for several days."

As early as 1991, the Corbett National Park played host to 3237 tourist vehicles carrying 45,215 visitors during the main tourist seasons between 15 November and 15 June. This heavy influx of tourists has led to visible stress signs on the natural ecosystem. Excessive trampling of soil due to tourist pressure has led to reduction in plant species and has also resulted in reduced soil moisture. The tourists have increasingly used fuel wood for cooking.This is a cause of concern as this fuel wood is obtained from the nearby forests, resulting in greater pressure on the forest ecosystem of the park.Additionally, tourists have also caused problems by making noise, littering and causing disturbances in general.

In 2007, young naturalist and photographer - Kahini Ghosh Mehta - took up the challenge of promoting healthy tourism in Corbett National Park and made the first comprehensive travel guide on Corbett. The film titled - Wild Saga of Corbett - showcases how tourists can contribute in their own small way in conservation efforts. The film is loaded with all information needed by a tourist before planning a visit to the park along with tips from senior park officials, nature guides and naturalists. Tourists can get a DVD copy of this film from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)

Attractions in Corbett National Park

The Corbett National Park has a primeval beauty and the picturesque ambience accentuates it. The topography of Corbett National Park is varied with hilly and riverine areas, marshes, plateaus and ravines. Sal and sesham trees dominate the Flora in Corbett National Park.

The Fauna in Corbett National Park is fascinating. The park houses about 50 mammal species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. But the most amazing sights are the wildlife attraction in Corbett National Park. Corbett is a haven for Tigers, four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and a few lesser-known animals. The hilly areas of the park are home to leopards and some nocturnal cats like the jungle cat and fishing cat. The Himalayan Black bear is seen in the higher hills while the Sloth bear is found in the lower hilly areas .The wild Dog and the Jackal are found in the southern parts of the Park. The rocky hillsides are home to the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. Elephants are found along the Ramganga River. So also the long snouted Gharial Crocodile and the 'mugger' Crocodile. The Languar and Rhesus monkeys are found almost throughout the park warning the whole jungle about he arrival of any predator with its shrill alarm calls.

Wildlife Viewing and Safaris in Corbett

Elephant rides are an experience although the elephants rarely venture into the deep jungles beyond the grasslands. Still you would be able to view chital, sambhar and various other deer species. Tiger sightings are few but you might be able to see fresh pugmarks. Jeep safari is the most convenient and fruitful way of traveling through Corbett National Park. Jeep safaris will be a delight for the wildlife enthusiast and photographer.

Excursions from Corbett

Anglers can make a trip to Ramnagar, 50kms from Corbett, which is a good base for fishing. It is also the administrative center for Corbett national park and Project tiger. But the best place for angling would be Lohachur, 15 kms along the river Kosi where the lucky few might be able to hook the legendary mahaseer (a kind of carp). Remember to get the necessary permission form the Project tiger Office, Ramnagar for your fishing expeditions.