Aaochale ( Let's Go )
Corbett National Park
देवभूमि उत्तराखण्ड
About Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park is one of the most famous and oldest national parks in India, located in the Nainital district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The park is named after the famous British hunter, Jim Corbett, who played a crucial role in the establishment of the park. Corbett National Park is spread across an area of around 520 square kilometers and is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
History:
Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park to protect the Bengal tiger, which was facing the threat of extinction due to hunting. The park was renamed as Ramganga National Park in 1952 and was finally renamed as Corbett National Park in 1957 to honor Jim Corbett’s efforts in conservation. The park was the first national park in India to come under the Project Tiger initiative in 1973, aimed at protecting the endangered Bengal tiger.
Flora and Fauna:
Corbett National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is known for its significant population of Bengal tigers, elephants, and leopards. It is also home to several other animal species such as spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, and langur. The park is also famous for its rich avifauna, with over 600 species of birds recorded in the park, including the Himalayan grey-headed fishing eagle, pallas’s fish eagle, and osprey.
The park is dominated by sal forests, which cover around 70% of the park’s area. The park also has several other types of forests, including mixed deciduous forests, khair-sissoo forests, and chir pine forests.
Tourism:
Corbett National Park is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. The park offers a range of activities such as jeep safaris, elephant safaris, bird watching, and trekking. Jeep safaris are the most popular way to explore the park, and visitors can hire a jeep with a trained guide to take them through the park’s various zones.
The park is divided into five zones, and each zone has its own entry gate. The Jhirna and Dhela zones are open throughout the year, while the Bijrani, Durgadevi, and Sonanadi zones are open from mid-November to mid-June. Visitors need to obtain permits to enter the park, and permits can be obtained online or from the park authorities.
Accommodation:
There are several accommodation options available for visitors to Corbett National Park. The park has several forest lodges and rest houses that are run by the park authorities. There are also several private resorts and hotels located around the park that offer a range of accommodation options. Visitors can choose from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, depending on their preferences and budgets.
In conclusion, Corbett National Park is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park’s rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and range of activities make it one of the most popular national parks in India. With its significant population of Bengal tigers, elephants, and birds, Corbett National Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.
Who Should Visit Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park is an excellent destination for anyone who loves wildlife and nature. It offers visitors a chance to witness some of India’s most iconic animal species, including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and various species of birds. Here are some types of people who should consider visiting Corbett National Park:
Wildlife enthusiasts: For those who are passionate about wildlife and want to witness some of India’s most iconic animal species in their natural habitat, Corbett National Park is an ideal destination. The park’s significant population of Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and other animal species makes it an excellent place for wildlife enthusiasts to visit.
Nature lovers: The park’s stunning landscapes, diverse flora, and fauna make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The park’s different zones offer visitors a chance to explore various types of forests, including sal forests, khair-sissoo forests, and chir pine forests.
Adventure seekers: Corbett National Park offers several adventure activities, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and trekking. Adventure seekers who want to experience the thrill of exploring the park’s rugged terrain and spotting wildlife up close should consider visiting Corbett National Park.
Photographers: The park’s diverse flora and fauna and stunning landscapes make it an excellent destination for photographers. Photographers can capture some stunning shots of wildlife, landscapes, and birds while exploring the park’s various zones.
Families: Families looking for a unique and educational vacation can visit Corbett National Park. The park’s jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and nature walks offer a chance for families to learn about wildlife and nature while having fun.
In conclusion, Corbett National Park is an excellent destination for anyone who loves wildlife, nature, adventure, and photography. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family or friends, or as a couple, Corbett National Park is an ideal place to explore and experience the natural beauty of India.
Best Time To Visit Corbett National Park
The best time to visit Corbett National Park depends on what you want to see and do. The park remains open to visitors from mid-November to mid-June, and it is closed during the monsoon season from mid-June to mid-November. Here is a breakdown of the best time to visit Corbett National Park based on different factors:
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Wildlife sightings: The best time to see wildlife in Corbett National Park is during the winter months, from November to February. The vegetation is less dense during this time, making it easier to spot animals. The weather is also pleasant, with cool temperatures and clear skies, making it a great time for safaris.
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Bird watching: Corbett National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise, and the best time to visit for bird watching is from December to March. During this time, many migratory bird species visit the park, adding to the already impressive bird population.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Corbett National Park depends on your interests and preferences. The park offers a range of activities throughout the year, and visitors can choose the best time to visit based on what they want to see and do.
How To Reach Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is well-connected to major cities and towns in the region, making it easily accessible. Here are the different modes of transport to reach Corbett National Park:
By Air: The nearest airport to Corbett National Park is the Pantnagar Airport, which is about 80 km away. Several airlines operate regular flights to Pantnagar from major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From the airport, one can hire a taxi to reach the park.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Corbett National Park is Ramnagar, which is about 15 km away. Ramnagar is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Several trains like Ranikhet Express, Corbett Park Link Express, and Uttar Sampark Kranti Express run between Ramnagar and other major cities in India. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi to reach the park.
By Road: Corbett National Park is well-connected to major cities in the region by road. One can take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby towns and cities like Ramnagar, Nainital, and Delhi. Delhi to Corbett National Park is a 5-6 hour drive, while Nainital to Corbett National Park is about 3-4 hours drive.
In conclusion, Corbett National Park is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. Visitors can choose the mode of transport based on their convenience and budget. The park’s location in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand makes the journey to the park an enjoyable experience in itself.
What To Do in Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The park offers a range of activities for visitors to explore and experience the rich flora and fauna of the region. Here are some of the top things to do in Corbett National Park:
Jeep Safari: Jeep Safari is the most popular activity in Corbett National Park. Visitors can book a safari tour in advance and explore the park’s various zones. The park is divided into five zones, and each zone has its unique flora and fauna. Jeep Safari is an excellent opportunity to spot the Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, and other wildlife species.
Elephant Safari: Elephant Safari is a unique experience to explore the park’s terrain and spot wildlife from a safe distance. The elephant rides are conducted in Dhikala and Bijrani zones of the park.
Bird Watching:
Corbett National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise. The park is home to over 600 bird species, including migratory birds like the Crested Serpent Eagle, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and Himalayan Grey-headed Fishing Eagle. The best time for bird watching in the park is from November to February.
River Rafting: The park is surrounded by the Ramganga River, which offers an excellent opportunity for river rafting. The river rafting in the park is conducted during the summer months, from March to June.
Trekking: Corbett National Park has several trekking routes that offer an excellent opportunity to explore the park’s rugged terrain. Visitors can book a trekking tour and explore the park’s various zones and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayan range.
Wildlife Photography:
Corbett National Park is a photographer’s paradise, and visitors can capture some of the best wildlife shots in the park. The park’s natural beauty and the diverse flora and fauna offer some of the best photo opportunities.
In conclusion, Corbett National Park offers a range of activities for visitors to explore and experience the rich flora and fauna of the region. Visitors can choose the activities based on their interests and preferences and enjoy a memorable experience in the lap of nature.
Different Zones of Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park is divided into five different zones, each with its unique ecosystem, flora, and fauna. Here is a brief overview of the different zones in Corbett National Park:
Bijrani Zone: The Bijrani zone is the most popular and visited zone in Corbett National Park. It is located on the eastern edge of the park and is known for its diverse wildlife population, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer. The zone is open from October to June, and visitors can take jeep safaris to explore the zone.
Jhirna Zone: The Jhirna zone is located on the southern edge of Corbett National Park and is open throughout the year. It is known for its dense forest cover and is an excellent place to spot deer, wild boar, and sloth bears. Visitors can take jeep safaris to explore the zone.
Dhikala Zone: The Dhikala zone is located in the heart of Corbett National Park and is the largest zone in the park. It is known for its grasslands, dense forests, and rivers. Visitors can stay at the Dhikala Forest Rest House and explore the zone on jeep safaris or elephant safaris. The zone is open from November to June.
Durga Devi Zone: The Durga Devi zone is located on the northeastern edge of Corbett National Park and is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife population. Visitors can take jeep safaris to explore the zone, which is open from November to June.
Sonanadi Zone: The Sonanadi zone is located on the northwestern edge of Corbett National Park and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and rich birdlife. Visitors can take jeep safaris to explore the zone, which is open from November to June.
In conclusion, each zone in Corbett National Park offers a unique experience for visitors to explore and experience the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Visitors can choose the zone based on their interests and preferences and enjoy a memorable experience in the lap of nature.
Before You Travel
Before you travel to Munsiyari, there are some dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind to have a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some of them:
Dos:
- Carry warm clothing and other essentials, especially if you are travelling during the winter months.
- Carry appropriate footwear, especially if you plan to go on trekking trails.
- Keep a first aid kit handy in case of emergencies.
- Follow the local customs and traditions and respect the local culture.
- Carry a valid photo ID proof and necessary permits for trekking and other activities.
- Hire a licensed guide or tour operator for trekking and other outdoor activities.
Don’ts:
- Do not litter and maintain cleanliness in the region.
- Do not disturb the local flora and fauna and avoid plucking flowers or disturbing wildlife.
- Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicating substances in public places.
- Do not indulge in any illegal activities and respect the laws of the land.
- Do not harm the natural beauty of the place by scribbling or damaging rocks or trees.
- Do not travel alone on trekking trails without a licensed guide.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Munsiyari and also help in preserving the natural beauty and local culture of the region.