Corbett National Park

A dense profusion of shapes, textures and hues that confound an unaccustomed human eye, where even things in view seem to vanish among the leaves, where even the slightest rustle makes your hackles rise, where a crackling water body abruptly breaks the deafening silence of the forest – you see a ripple, more like a wave or a gash slice diagonally through lake; something just below the surface of the water, shrouded by the darkness of a tree clump. You’ve never seen a crocodile from this close before. You’ve certainly never seen one that’s heading straight towards you – Don’t scream, just watch it in speechlessly; you’re safely tucked away in your safari vehicle…

And then you see a tiger – A dim orange glow slinking soundlessly into the shadows. She turns, sees the unwelcome intruders, and stares piercingly into your eyes before shaking the earth with a roar and charging off into the trees. The sight of that immense body, the rippling orange skin, that thundering stride will hold you in mortal terror perhaps, or just awe.

Perhaps you think I exaggerate, but this is as close as it gets at Corbett. But, you have to be very lucky to even be able to spot one.

Orientation

Situated in Uttaranchal, the reserve in its entirety is spread over an area of 1,319 sq. km, of which about 520 sq. km of the core area forms the Corbett National park – the oldest and the largest national park in the country. On an average, the altitude of the region ranges from 360 m to 1,040 m above sea level. The reserve is located partly in a valley between the Lesser Himalayas in the north and the Siwaliks in the south, and partly falls on the mountains themselves. It lies about 240 km Northwest of Delhi and about 60 km to the south west of Nainital.

Weather

Lying in the temperate zone, the weather in Corbett ranges from 5 °C to 30 °C; summers in Corbett are never too hot, but winters can be chill. It is prone to heavy rainfall during Monsoons.

Monsoons are definitely not the best time to visit the park. The most bird and animal sightings are likely between November and March – just after the rains, and before summer. If you don’t mind the heat, summer is a good time to visit too, as waterhole animal activities are on a buzz.

Getting there / Route Information

Distances from Major cities:

From Ramnagar (nearest Railway Station) – 15 km
From Phoolbagh/ Pantnagar (nearest Airport) – 50 km
From Delhi – 240 km
From Nainital – 63 km
From Lucknow – 145 km
From Mumbai – 1700 km approx.

By Road

Delhi – Gajroli – Muradabad – Kashipur – Ramnagar – Corbett

Lucknow – Bareilly – Kiccha – Rudrapur – Doraha – Kashipur – Ramnagar – Corbett

Buses are easily available from Nainital, Ranikhet, Lucknow and Delhi till Ramnagar, and from Ramnagar to Corbett.

By Rail

Ramnagar is the nearest railway station, connected to Lucknow, Kathgodam and Delhi.

From Lucknow: BSB DDN Express

From Delhi: Ranikhet Express

By Air

Phoolbagh is the nearest domestic airport and Delhi is the nearest international airport. There are flights from Delhi and Lucknow to Phoolbagh.

 

Pictures of Corbett National Park

 

Things To See

The Corbett national park and the surrounding reserves are a haven for tigers and their prey. You are most likely to see Chital, Sambar and several other species of deer. You may be lucky enough to spot bears as well – sloth bears in the lower regions, and Himalayan Black Bears at higher altitudes.

Corbett is a huge place, nearly 520 sq km. There are areas which are relatively safe and you can enjoy a quiet nature trail and spot some of the common residents of the park like monkeys, mongoose, Civets, Porcupines, otters and deer. However, towards the core of the park, and near the shores of the Ranganga River, it is wisest to explore in one of Corbett’s Safaris – as these are areas which have tigers, crocodiles, leopard cats and Jackals.

There is a Crocodile Point, at a height overlooking the river. Feast your eyes on crocodiles hunting, feeding and basking in the sun.

And make sure you don’t miss the elephant rides. It is an experience of a lifetime – feeling like a real old-time hunter as you move through the forest atop an elephant.

Vital Tourist Information

A few tips –

• Always abide by the rules of the National Park; they are for your own safety
• Wear dull colored clothing, carry mosquito repellant and wear good trekking shoes
• Always stick with your group or family
• Respect the nature and wildlife, maintain a distance from the animals, and be as quiet as you can.
• Above all, don’t be disheartened if you don’t see a tiger. Enjoy the rest all the same.

Contact Information

Corbett Tiger reserve. Tel: +91-5947-253977