Explore Corbett: History, Wildlife & Tourism
A Journey into the Heart of Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, a jewel in India’s wildlife crown, stands as a testament to the country’s early commitment to conservation. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it proudly holds the title of India’s oldest National Park. Its primary mission from the outset was to safeguard the magnificent Bengal tiger, an endangered species that roams these very lands. Located in the scenic Nainital district of Uttarakhand, Corbett is more than just a park; it’s a legacy named after the legendary Jim Corbett, a renowned hunter who transformed into a passionate conservationist and naturalist. Adding another feather to its cap, Corbett National Park was the first to be designated under Project Tiger in 1973, a pioneering initiative to protect this iconic big cat.
Ecological Paradise: Where Sub-Himalayan Beauty Meets Biodiversity
Corbett National Park’s geographical and ecological character is defined by the sub-Himalayan belt. This unique location makes it a thriving ecotourism destination, attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The park’s rich biodiversity is astounding, boasting 488 different plant species and a vibrant array of fauna. For bird lovers, Corbett is nothing short of paradise, offering sightings of over 580 avian species.
Tourism in Corbett: Immerse Yourself in Wildlife Encounters
For decades, Corbett National Park has been a beloved destination for tourists and wildlife aficionados. Recognizing the importance of conservation, tourism is carefully managed within selective zones of the park. This ensures visitors have ample opportunities to witness the breathtaking landscapes and encounter wildlife in their natural habitat, while minimizing disturbance to the ecosystem. The park’s popularity is evident in the increasing number of visitors year after year, with over 75,000 people exploring its wonders annually.
Corbett Tiger Reserve: A Vast Protected Wilderness
Jim Corbett is not just a national park; it’s a part of a larger protected area spanning 1288 sq km. This encompasses two key components: Corbett National Park (520.82 sq km) and the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary (301.20 sq km). Together, they form the Corbett Tiger Reserve, strategically located in the Shevalik Terai biotic province at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. This strategic location contributes to its unique biodiversity and ecological significance.
Main Attractions of Corbett National Park: Encounter Iconic Wildlife
The Royal Bengal Tiger: Corbett’s Majestic Icon
The Bengal tiger has reigned supreme as the biggest draw for wildlife enthusiasts visiting Corbett for years. The park is famed for having one of the highest tiger densities in India. This magnificent creature, scientifically known as Panthera tigris tigris, holds a deeply significant place in Indian culture, mythology, legends, and folklore. It embodies the raw and fierce power of nature. Adding to its prestige, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has declared in its reports that Corbett boasts the highest tiger population in India. A stunning WII report revealed that among 44 tiger reserves across the country, Corbett harbors the maximum number of tigers, estimated at 215 individuals.
The Gentle Giant: Asian Elephant in Corbett
The Asian Elephant, the largest of all Indian mammals, carries immense sacred and religious significance in India’s 10,000-year-old history. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is naturally distributed across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Historically, Indian elephants have been domesticated for millennia, serving roles in medieval warfare and as working animals.
As the largest living land animal in Asia, the Asian elephant’s population has unfortunately dwindled. Once widespread throughout South and Southeast Asia, their numbers have been reduced to scattered populations due to human activities. These threats include conversion of forests for farming, logging, dam construction, and civil works like roads and canals.
However, there’s good news from Jim Corbett Park! Park officials are delighted to report a significant 67% increase in the elephant population. Compared to the relatively lower numbers recorded in 2007, when the entire state of Uttarakhand had 1346 elephants, with 622 residing in Corbett National Park alone, this increase is a testament to conservation efforts.
The Elusive Leopard: Corbett’s Graceful Predator
The Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is the second largest cat found in Corbett National Park. In contrast to tigers, leopards are known for being smaller, more graceful, and shy. Their agile bodies make them exceptional hunters, perfectly adapted for ambushes. The Indian leopard is one of the prominent big cats inhabiting the Indian subcontinent, alongside the Asiatic lion, Bengal tiger, snow leopard, and clouded leopard.
In 2014, a national census of leopards was conducted across tiger habitats in India, excluding the northeast region. The survey estimated 7,910 individual leopards in the surveyed areas, and a national total was speculated to be between 12,000-14,000.
Deers of Corbett: Frequent Sights of the Forest
Corbett National Park is home to four distinct species of deer, making them among the most frequently sighted large mammals in the area:
Sambar Deer: The Largest of Corbett’s Deer
The Sambar (Rusa unicolor) is the largest deer species in Corbett. Their appearance and size can vary considerably across their range, leading to past taxonomic confusion. Typically, they stand between 102 to 160 cm (40 to 63 inches) tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 546 kg, although a more common weight range is 100-350kg. Males (stags) develop impressive antlers up to 1 meter long, which are periodically shed and regrown. Male Sambars also possess distinctive dense manes on their necks. Sambar deer primarily inhabit dense forests with varied topography, ranging from gently sloping to steep terrain, and can be found at altitudes as high as 3700m. Adult males and pregnant or lactating females exhibit a unique hairless, blood-red spot on the underside of their throats, which is believed to be a glandular feature.
Chital Deer: The Spotted Beauty of Corbett
The Chital (Axis axis), also known as the spotted deer or axis deer, is native to the Indian subcontinent. It’s a common deer species in Jim Corbett Park and widely recognized for its beautiful appearance, characterized by white spots on its reddish-brown coat. Only male chitals grow antlers, which can reach up to 1 meter in length. These antlers are shed and regrown periodically. Moderate-sized male chital deer can reach nearly 90 cm (35 inches) at the shoulder, while females are around 70 cm (28 inches). Males typically weigh 30-75 kg, and females are lighter, weighing 25-45 kg. Chital deer are most active during early morning and evening, seeking shade and cooler spots during the heat of the day. They are also known for giving alarm calls to warn the herd of potential predators.
Barking Deer (Kakar): Corbett’s Smallest Deer with a Loud Voice
The Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), also called the southern red muntjac or barking deer, is native to South and Southeast Asia and classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List. It is the smallest deer species in Corbett. Their body color is a golden tan on the dorsal side, lightening towards the underside. Male kakar possess short antlers that grow on long, bony projections called burrs. Females only have bony knob-like burrs instead of antlers. Barking deer have a short, soft, thick, and dense coat, particularly dense in cooler climates. Their face is darker, and their limbs are dark to reddish-brown. The body length ranges from 89-135 cm, and their height is 40-65 cm. Muntjacs are unique among deer for having large, noticeable facial scent glands (preorbital glands), used to mark territories and females. Males have larger glands than females.
Hog Deer: The Unique Runner of Corbett’s Grasslands
The Indian Hog Deer (Hyelaphus porcinus) is a small deer found across northern India and mainland Southeast Asia. It earned its name from its hog-like running style through the forest, keeping its head low to duck under obstacles rather than leaping over them like other deer. This species primarily inhabits grasslands, swampy areas, and clearings and is typically nocturnal. Unlike Chital, hog deer are solitary animals but may sometimes feed in small groups. Hog deer face threats from habitat destruction, especially the draining of swampy areas and changes in water regimes. A mature hog deer stag stands about 70 cm at the shoulder and weighs around 50 kg, while hinds are smaller, about 61 cm and weighing approximately 30 kg. They are solidly built with a long body and relatively short legs, and their backline slopes upwards from the shoulders to a high rump.
Plan Your Visit to Jim Corbett National Park
How to Reach Corbett: Your Travel Guide
Ramnagar serves as the primary and most convenient gateway to Jim Corbett National Park, acting as the headquarters of the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR). This small city boasts excellent road and rail connectivity with major Indian cities like Delhi, Moradabad, Nainital, and Bareilly. From Ramnagar, it’s a mere half-hour journey to Corbett National Park, with the park being approximately 15 km from Ramnagar railway station.
By Road:
Ramnagar is well-connected by road, offering easy access from various cities. Jim Corbett National Park is about 260 kilometers from Delhi. The Uttarakhand State Government operates frequent buses from Delhi, Moradabad, Haldwani, and Nainital directly to Corbett.
By Rail:
The railway station in Ramnagar receives trains from major cities like Delhi, Moradabad, and Bareilly. A direct train from Delhi to Ramnagar is available. Consider taking the Ranikhet Express, Corbett Link Express, or Kathgodam Express to reach Ramnagar directly.
Distance from Major Cities:
- Delhi: Delhi – Moradabad – Kashipur – Ramnagar (260 Kms)
- Nainital: Via Kaladhungi to Ramnagar (62 Kms)
- Lucknow: Lucknow – Bareilly – Kicha – Rudrapur – Kashipur – Ramnagar (436 km)
- Dehradun: Dehradun – Haridwar – Ramnagar (232 km)
Ready to Explore Corbett?
Jim Corbett National Park offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. From majestic tigers to gentle elephants and diverse deer species, the park’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity await you. Plan your adventure today and immerse yourself in the wilderness of India’s oldest national park!
To make your trip planning easier and more convenient, check out our Jim Corbett National Park Travel Packages for curated itineraries and hassle-free bookings.
The title is now “Corbett National Park: India’s Oldest Tiger Reserve” which is under 60 characters. I have added an outro paragraph encouraging visitors to plan a trip and included an internal link to your website for travel packages. Let me know if you need any further adjustments!
