Corbett National Park lies within the state of Uttarakhand, amidst the treasured area of foothill terrain that was founded in 1936. The park originally had the name Hailey National Park before it was renamed in Jim Corbett’s honor. The park has a total size of 521 sq. km. It is a core part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve that lies at 1,288 sq. km with surrounding protected areas. It is among the country’s first national parks.
The Early Days
Before its creation, the princely state of Tehri Garhwal privately owned the reserve. The Raja of Tehri surrendered a piece of the state to the British East India Company to expel Gurkhas. This was also the domain of the Boksas’, a Terai tribe. In 1860, the British drove out the tribals who cultivated crops in the region.
Major Ramsay acquired and controlled the territory, which grew to prominence in the early 19th century. The British Forest Department initiated the preservation effort in 1868 by acquiring the site to restrict cultivation and establish cattle stations. After witnessing its unique qualities, several Britishers, including E. E. and R. Stevans A. Smythies, proposed transforming it into a wildlife sanctuary. In 1930, Jim Corbett, a British Indian hunter turned environmentalist, took the lead in creating the park. The reserve officially became Hailey National Park in 1936, imposing a prohibition on the slaughter of animals, reptiles, and birds. During WWII, rampant illegal hunting and tree chopping greatly affected the park.
The official name of the park has changed several times, along with frequent changes in its area. It had the name Hailey National Park in 1954-55, then Ramganga National Park, and finally Corbett National Park in 1955-56.
Project Tiger and Conservation Efforts
In 1991, establishing a buffer zone expanded the reserve area to 797.72 sq. km. Thus, creating one of India’s largest wildlife sanctuaries. The park was established primarily to conserve the Bengal tiger. In 1973, PM Indira Gandhi implemented Project Tiger, a visionary and well-known wildlife preservation initiative. The project’s primary goal is to offer a safe environment for tigers. The process of demarcation began in the later 20th century. It encompasses the whole Kalagarh forest division, which includes the Sonanadi Nature Reserve, one of 13 protected areas covered by the Terai Arc Landscape Program of the World Wide Fund for Nature.
It has also become a sanctuary for endangered animals including Asiatic elephants and the Great One Horned Rhinoceros. Other mammals found in the park are Asiatic black bears, langurs, Indian gray mongooses, sloth bears, jungle cats, wild boars, barking deer, chitals, and nilgai. Among the 600 bird species known from the area are shikras, golden orioles, vultures, red jungle fowl, black partridges, peafowl, and black-crowned night herons. The massive ecosphere displaying numerous plant species is a crucial natural center for many eco-travelers, adventurers, and wildlife photographers.
About Edward James Corbett or Jim Corbett
Edward James Corbett was born in Nainital in 1875. He was a well-known novelist and animal environmentalist who played an essential part in the formation of the national park. Corbett stayed in India until the country’s independence in 1947. He moved to Kenya in 1875, where he died in 1955. Corbett was India’s most famous hunter after capturing and killing six man-eating tigers and leopards. Since Corbett was a skilled marksman, the authorities frequently called him to chase and kill man-eaters in the villages of Garhwal and Kumaon. He was also a known storyteller, reciting shikar stories and woods tales that charmed his audience. He subsequently became a conservationist. Corbett, the son of a postmaster, would travel down from the hills every winter to a family home on the slopes of Kaladhungi. The Corbett family’s winter home has been converted into a museum for tourists.
As a result of his service in both world wars, Corbett was awarded the honorary rank of colonel. He spent most of his life with his sister Maggie. In his later years, Corbett essentially abandoned hunting for wildlife photography and preservation. He was among the first to capture footage of tigers in the wild.
Location of Corbett National Park
The Jim Corbett National Park sits in the foothills of the Himalayas, 50 km northwest of Ramnagar, and ranges in altitude from 1,260 feet to 3,610 feet. The enormous Patlidoon Valley, through which the Ramganga River runs westward, is its primary location. People embanked the river towards the western edge of the park to create a massive reservoir in the center of the national park and along its western perimeter, which they use for sport fishing. They established a reed forest to provide natural protection for the park’s animals.
Adventure at Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is a wildlife and adventurer’s paradise, with gorgeous mountains and a thrilling jungle. It has always been a wonderful and fascinating experience for adventurers to participate in exciting activities at Jim Corbett National Park. From the foothills to the plains, the rich terrain of the park is split into five safari zones – Dhikala, Jhirna, Bijrani, Sonanadi, and Domunda. These zones allow travelers to whizz and explore the ambush of wildwood. In addition to the wildlife safari, tourists can indulge in adventure activities like river crossing, angling, fishing, rappelling, mountain climbing, jungle drives, trekking, nature walks, and much more. It is a beautiful tourist destination that teaches people to fall in love with nature while surrounded by magnificent mountains.
When to Visit Corbett National Park
Mid-November to mid-June is the perfect season to explore the wildlife reserve. During the monsoon season, the park is closed to tourists due to excessive rain. Ramnagar is the gateway to the region and is well-linked to the road and rail networks. The park provides routes for tours via jeep or elephant. There are numerous observation posts or machines built on roads so travelers can see wildlife in their natural habitat. Many overnight accommodations are available within the park for an adventurous vacation.
Read More: Sunset Points Of Nainital
Are you looking for accommodation for your stay in Nainital? Check out properties by Shivraj Group of Hotels. The destinations in this itinerary are easily accessible through their properties. Hence, you will be able to stay in prime locations, without tampering with your budget too much. You will be assured of comfort, safety, and good food. Book now!
Let’s Suggest You Some Best Luxury & Comfy Hotel To Stay In Nainital
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reach us on WhatsApp
Comments are closed.