The Big Cats and Corbett

Location : Ramganga valley in Himalayan foothills Go there for : Tiger, Angling Area : 1200 sq. km Climate : 8°-25°C (Win); 15°-38°C (Sum) Best Sightings : Mar-Jun Park Closed : mid June-mid Nov STD Code : +91 - 5947

Nestled in the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas in Uttaranchal, and just a stone throw away from the verdant summer-retreat Nainital is one of the safest havens of Indian wildlife - the Corbett National Park. The legendary hunter-naturalist turned author Jim Corbett spent the most eventful chunk of his life here and two years after his death, the once Hailey National Park, was rechristened in 1957. Other than frequent, but sudden sighting of the Big Cats amongst its mammoth Sal trees, Corbett National Park boasts of being the progenitor of the Project Tiger (1973) in India - the magna carta of tiger conservation.

Buy one of the Jim Corbett novels from the book-stores at the resorts to read during those frosty nights and feel your spine tingle at the thought of a man eater lurking right outside your window. Incase, you are frightened, please remember Jim Corbett's man eaters belong to the 1940s when this area was "where man must walk timorously, in awe and with a strong sense of his own insignificance".

Attractions Wildlife Attractions: Corbett is kneaded with about 110 species of tree, 50 species of mammal, 580 species of bird and 25 species of reptile. Wildlife sightings are maximum between March and June. Between September and November, the weather is good, but suitable only if you are not keen on spotting wildlife. The lifeline of the Park is the sparkling Ramganga river which provides safe harbor to mahaseer fish.


The terrain is just perfect for the majestic Big Cats (1 tiger in every 5 acres) and their victim, which including deer, wild boar and some lesser-known animals. Starting from tigers, elephants, pangolins, leopards/ panthers, chital (spotted deer), fishing cats, Himalayan black bears, jackals, dholes, jungle cats, civets, otters, martens, porcupines, sambar deer, hares, leopard cats, wild boars, macaques, sloth bears, langurs, mongooses, hog deer, blue bulls (Nilgais), ghorals and barking deer are some of the species which are found here. Along the Ramganga River shoreline, one can spot the gharial crocodile and the 'Mugger' crocodile eating fish.

A fine reservoir on the river formed with the building of a dam at Kalagarh attracts diverse species of birds, both local and migratory. They include the Great Hornbill, Jungle Owlet, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Lesser Fish-Eagle and even Great Thick-knee, Stork-billed Kingfisher and White-tailed Rubythroat.
Active Pursuits: Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the main administrative center Ramnagar makes a fine Angling base camp. Permits have to be sought from the Project Tiger Office in Ramnagar for fishing expeditions in Ramganga, Kosi, Mandal and Kothri rivers. The reserve forest around the Tiger Reserve is an enticing trekking terrain.

Safaris Jeep Safari, Horse Safari, Bird Safari, Elephant Safari, Fishing safari and the Nature walk - all can be enjoyed here. Opt for jeep safaris that can converge more of the jungle in lesser time. Accompanied by guides and mahouts who decipher the warning calls of the jungle well, your trip is sure to be eventful. All visitors to Corbett National Park have to obtain permits from the park administration center at Ramnagar. Bring binoculars, remain quiet, and avoid wearing bright colors or strong perfumes.
Travel Info ¤ 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. Dhikala is 50 km NW of Ramnagar.

¤ 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.

¤ Approximate park charges: Entry Fee : Rs. 50 (Indians) & Rs. 400 (foreigners, 450 for overnight), Vehicle Entry : Rs. 750/day (heavy vehicles), Rs. 150/day (light) & Rs. 400/day (mini bus), Elephant Ride : Rs. 150 (Indians) & Rs. 250 (foreigners), Guide : Rs. 125/day/vehicle (Dhikala) & Rs. 100 (4 hr trip, Bijrani), Camera : Still free, Rs. 100 (video).

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

¤ It gets quite chilly in winters, so it is best to stuff your bags with loads of woolens.

Getaways Corbett Museum (at Kaladhungi, 32 km): This once bungalow of Jim Corbett houses some of his memorabilia that includes include personal letters, photographs, period furniture and of course the feel of a raw rendezvous of an Indian jungle through the eyes of Corbett. The Entry fee is nominal. A stroll in the quiet lanes of Kaladhungi with the backdrop of rolling hills of Kumaon and thick forests is recommended for instant replenishment.


Nainital (105 km): A hill station and a summer retreat popular since the days of the British. The very route from Corbett to Nainital is one of the world's most spectacular mountain roads as one scales the Kumaon Hills to reach this delightful "lake city" at 6,350 ft.


Hop next to: Delhi (105 km), Almora, Dehradun, Haridwar, Mussorie, Rishikesh