Jim Corbett Wildlife National Park, Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve, best time to visit, park timings, charges, how to get Jim Corbett, important tips information, Map of Jim Corbett Wildlife National Park

Jim Corbett Wildlife National Parks, Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas is the majestic Corbett National Park. Home to a variety of flora and fauna, Jim Corbett National Park is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants.

Jim Corbett National Park has a strong historical background, which can be traced from the early 1800 when its forest were private property of the rulers of the Terhi Garhwal.

Around the 1820's this part of the state was parted to the British Rulers in return of the assistance provided during the Gurkha invasion. The British exploited the timber potential of Corbett National Park forest and mercilessly felled the forests and plant 'TEAK' a precious hardwood, to fulfill the supply for Railway sleepers.

In 1858 the first step towards protection of Corbett National Park forest was initiated by Major Ramseyin form of a comprehensive plan, wherein farming and cattle intrusion were banned in the lower Patlidun valley. The Forest Department took control of the area and declared it as Reserve forest in 1879 under the forest act. Soon after the condition of these forest showed improvement and possibilities of forming a game sanctuary were proposed in the early 1900 by Michael Keen an officer with the Forest Dept. The proposal was turned down by the then Governor of The United Province John Hewett. More futile attempts were made in the 1916 & 1917 by E.R. Stevens and Smythies, both DFO's of the area to declare the sanctuary but were turned down.

In 1934 Governor Malcolm Hailey supported the proposal and declared the reserve forest into a sanctuary. Soon after Governor Hailey and Sir Smythies proposed the up gradation of the sanctuary to a national park. During this period Major James E Corbett was getting famous for his Man eating Tiger shoots. Corbett, who was well versed with area was consulted and helped in marking the boundaries for the proposed national park. On August 6th 1936, the UP national park act was enacted and Hailey National Park - named after Governor Hailey, came into being as India's first National Park and the worlds third covering an area of about 325 sq. kms.

Post independence the park was renamed after the Ramganga River - the main perennial lifeline of the area and was called the Ramganga National Park. James E Corbett died on 19th April 1955 in Nyeri, Kenya. In 1957 the park was again renamed, in honor of the legendary hunter turned conversationalist, Jim Corbett who spent most his life in the area and helped in setting up the park.

The wildlife protection act was enacted in the year 1972 and Corbett National Park was one of the first national park to launch Project Tiger a government sponsored program for the conservation of the Tiger and its habitat on 1st April 1973.

In 1991 the area of the reserve was further increased with the inclusion of the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary. Today Corbett National Park stands as one of the prime examples of efforts to conserve and is one of the best protected forest and tiger reserve in the world.

15th November till 15th June

-NIL-

By Air : The nearest airport to Corbett National Park is Phoolbagh, Pantnagar which is at a distance of 80 km. The nearest international airport is at Delhi.Delhi is conveniently connected to major Indian and International cities through a number of daily flights. It is a good option to travel to Corbett from Delhi by a private four wheeler or train. Besides taking your own vehicle will also help you travel inside the park.

By Rail : The nearest railway station is at Ramnagar, which can be accessed from Delhi through the Ranikhet Express (Dep. 10:50 PM, Arr. 4:35 AM). The journey from Delhi takes around 6-7 hrs. but be sure to get into the right part of the train as it bifurcates at Moradabad.

By Road : Dhikala is 300 km from Delhi, 145 km from Lucknow and 51 km from Ramnagar. The route from Delhi spans Hapur-Murababad-Ramnagar. The turn off is some 7 km beyond Muradabad to the left, marked by a small board. The route from Lucknow spans Bareilly-Kichha-Rudrapur-Doraha-Kashipur. To travel from Delhi, take the NH24 to Moradabad via Hapur and Gajraula, follow the state highway to Amdanda, Garija and Dhangarhi gates of the park via Kashipur and Ramnagar.

Distances from Major Cities
Delhi : 260 km
Nainital : 105 km
Ranikhet : 112 km
Ramangar : 12 km

1. The park has two main zones, the Bijrani range lies near Ramnagar and is the smaller of the two. The other larger range is known as Dhikala (entry through the Dhangari gate), where entry is permitted only to those who have an overnight stay permit at one of the five forest rest houses.

2. Some of the main entry gates to the park are Dhangari gate (20 km from Ramnagar), Amdanda gate (2 km), Khara gate (20 km), Durgadevi gate (30 km), Vatanvasa gate (40 km from Kotdwar) and Teria gate.

3. Fishing is allowed at Ramganga, Kosi, Mandal and Kothri rivers. Fishing rods can be hired for Rs. 500/day.

4. Reach half an hour before the entry gates open, to complete the required formalities.

5. Wear clothes in shades of brown and light green to blend with the environs.

6. Follow the rules of the park, avoid trespassing into restricted areas and do not wear strong perfumes.

7. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Carry woollens during winters and light cotton clothes during the summer season.

8. To maximise your chances of spotting wild animals, get prior information about animal habits and be sure to take a guide along.

9. Sunscreen lotion, sun hats, flash lights and mosquito repellent will be of much help.

1. Camp Forktail Creek à

2. Corbett Hideaway à

3. The Hideaway River Lodge à

4. Corbett Riverside Resort à

5. The Wild Crest à

1. Wild Tour of Himalayas (21 Days) à