Wildlife fanciers find a number of satisfying options
in India and the great influx of tourists in the wildlife zones of India
testifies that quite well. Although there are a number of national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries that India can boast of, the Jim Corbett National Park
has its own distinguished popularity. India's first national park and the
first sanctuary to be included under the huge banner of Project Tiger, the
Jim Corbett National Park harbours some of the most exotic and endangered
wildlife species. Abounding in vegetation, animals and bird species, the
park affords excellent options of elephant and jeep safaris for you
rendezvous with a pristine flora and fauna.
The
Jim Corbett National Park, that lies near Nainital in Uttaranchal, was the
erstwhile hunting ground of the British. The park, that claims an area of
around 201 square miles, gets its name from the renowned hunter-naturalist -
Jim Corbett. This legendary multifaceted personality spent a considerable
amount of time in the jungles of the park and made great contributions in
establishing the park. With the assistance of the World Wildlife Fund, the
Project Tiger scheme was set in motion in the Corbett National Park in 1973.
The park has a varied topography comprising of hilly terrain, riverine
areas, marshes and plateaus. The low lying areas of the park are mostly
covered with Sal trees. The park boasts 110 tree species, 50 mammal species,
580 bird species and 25 species of reptiles. Though the Bengal Tiger is the
biggest draw for tourists here, the park is habitat to species like
elephant, leopard, deer, chital, sambar, wild boar, jungle cat, leopard cat,
fishing cat, sloth bear, antelope, Himalayan black bear, wild dog etc.
Smaller inmates of the park include palm civet, Indian gray mongoose, common
otter, blacknaped hare, porcupine etc. Moving along the Ramganga river
shores, you can spot long snouted fish eating Gharial and mugger crocodile.
Besides
wildlife viewing, you can also indulge yourself in fishing laying your hands
on the might mahaseer. Ramganga, that is the administrative centre for the
national park, is a popular fishing base camp. Lohachaur, 15 km north of
river Kosi, is also flocked to by hordes of anglers. Permits required for
the sport can be sought from the park's administrative office at Ramnagar.
Jeep Safari is the most preferred option of spotting wildlife inside the
Jim Corbett National Park. There are expert guides who are with you to
assist all the way long. Besides taking you to some special sighting sites,
they can also load you with worth remembering tiger lores. Before you set
out on your safari, don't forget to take your cameras and binoculars. Other
things to note are you should not wear bright colours and should avoid
strong perfumes.
Useful Information :
- The Jim Corbett National Park remains open from November 15 to June
15.
- Day time visitors are permitted only in the Bijrani sector.
- Overnight visitors have to book an accommodation in one of the guest
houses.
- Accommodation is available at Ramnagar and also at the park.
- There is a museum at the entrance of the national park that is a
guide to the history and the wildlife of the park.
- Entry permits are available at the park's administrative office at
Ramnagar.
- Phoolbagh, Pantnagar, at a distance of 51 km, is the closest airport
from the park.
