Corbett Tiger Reserve

Located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand at the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India and was named after the legendary Jim Corbett who wrote the famous ‘Man-eaters of Kumaon’ and played a key role in its establishment. Established in the year 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the most endangered species – Bengal tiger, Corbett was the first park where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973. The park is known for its population of the fearless master predator and offers a realistic chance to catch a glimpse of the Tiger. Sheltering a healthy population of tigers, it also provides spectacular elephant sightings. The magnificent Ramganga River brings a continuous supply of water which results in an abundance of fauna and flora. This unique tiger territory has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife and splendid, magical & breathtaking landscape.

Aside from jeep safaris, nature watch and wildlife viewing can also be done on elephant back which is one of the most exciting and ‘genuine’ elephant safaris in India. The most famous of Corbett’s wild residents are the Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant, but with about 600 species of avifauna, Corbett is one of the richest bird regions of India. If you love bird watching then Corbett is virtual haven for you. Corbett and its adjoining area is home to more than 600 species of residents and migratory birds. It is among the few tiger reserves in India that allows overnight stays in the lap of the National Park. Situated at the border of the extensive Patil Dun valley, Dhikala is the place where one can stay in the lodge. It is the most popular destination in Corbett because of its superb location and sheer abundance of wildlife present.

Fauna & Flora

The whole area comprises of hills, marshy depressions, grasslands, lake and vast dense forests of Sal trees. Corbett Wildlife Sanctuary has over 110 tree species, 50 species of mammals, nearly 600 bird species including high altitude Lammergeirs and Steppe Eagles, and 25 reptiles including Gharial and the fresh water mugger.

Major mammalian species found in the region are chital (spotted deer), sambar (Indian stag), chinkara (Indian gazelle), pada (hog deer) and muntjac (barking deer), jungle cat, leopard cat, striped hyena, dholes (wild dogs), sloth bear, the mighty Indian gaur and the rare fishing cat, wild boars, and ghorals (mountain goats).

Some of the prominent avian residents of the park include the barbet, bulbuls, minivet oriole, wagtail, munia, myna, collared scops, waterfowl, parakeets, flycatchers, babblers, cuckoos, robins, warblers, finches, blue kingfisher, Indian and Great Pied hornbills, among other variety of animals which can be commonly seen adorning the skies of Corbett.