Jim Corbett National Park - Fact File
Location : 50 kms from Ramnagar, Uttaranchal.
Area : 521 sq. kms
Major Attractions : Tigers, Leopards, Crocodiles, Elephants.
Climate : Hot climate, Summer temp : 40°C- 25°C, Winter temp : 25°C-5°C .
Ideal Time to Visit : February to May, the park remains closed between June 16 and November 14.

About Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is situated in the North India state of Uttaranchal 63 kms southwest of Nainital and 300 kms from Delhi. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Jim Corbett National Park is a part of Corbett Tiger Reserve which lies within the district of Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Almora and Bijnore. Corbett Tiger Reserve spreads over an area of 1,300 sq. kms including 500 sq. kms of core area and 800 sq. kms of buffer area. The core area forms the Jim Corbett National Park while the buffer area comprises the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and reserve forests.

Established in the year 1936, Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park of the country. The park was originally called the Hailey National Park, named after Sir Malcom Hailey, the then governor of United Province (Uttar Pradesh). After independence, in 1947 the park was renamed as Ramganga National Park. In 1957, the park was named as Jim Corbett National Park in the memory of Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter and conservationist. With the help of World Wildlife Fund, the Project Tiger was launched at Dhikala in Jim Corbett National Park in 1973. Jim Corbett National Park is one of the first Project Tiger Reserves in the country.

The park has varied topography comprises the hilly and riverine areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. The lower areas of the park are dominated by Sal trees and the rest is populated by Sheesham, thick grasses, Ber, Dhak, Jhingan, Khair and few species of Grewia and Rohini. Jim Corbett National Park houses 110 tree species, 50 Mammal species, 580 Avian species and 25 Reptile species.

Inhabitants of the Park
Animal Species : Corbett is known for Tigers, Leopards and some nocturnal cats like the Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Elephants are one of the main attractions of the Corbett National Park. The park provides shelter to a number of animal species that include - Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Dog, Jackal, Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose, Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare, Langur, Rhesus Monkeys and Porcupine. One can spot the long-snouted, Fish-eating Gharial Crocodile and the 'Mugger' Crocodile along the shores of Ramganga River. The Ghoral or Goat Antelopes can also be seen on the rocky hillsides. A few species of reptiles such as Turtles and Tortoises, Cobra, Viper and King Cobra are also found.

Avian Species : Jim Corbett National Park has more than 580 avian species. Most of the water birds include the migratory birds and a few resident birds. The resident birds include the Egrets, Cormorants, Darters, Herons and the Black-Necked Stork. The migratory birds are the Duck, Graylag, Bareheaded Goose, Grepe, Sandpiper, Gull Snipe and Wagtail.

Nearby attractions
Ramnagar : Ramnagar, 50 kms away from the Park is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park. Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, the busy market town of Ramnagar makes a fishing base camp.

Things To Do
Wildlife Viewing : Corbett National Park is the paradise for wildlife lovers, where one can see a number animal and bird species. You can see Chital, Sambar, various species of Deer and even Tigers looking for prey. One can also see bird species like Parakeets, Owls, Orioles, Drongos, Babblers, Cuckoos, Doves and several other species. You can also get the opportunity of watching some endangered species like Hog Deer.

Safari : Elephant Safari makes your visit more enjoyable and adds excitement. Jeep Safari is the most convenient way to travel deeper into the forests.

Accommodation
Accommodation is available at forest resorts, camps, lodges, hotels and forest rest houses in Jim Corbett National Park. The hotels and resorts provide a high standard of accommodation at a reasonable price. Plenty of accommodation facilities are also available at Ramnagar town.

How to reach Jim Corbett National Park
By Air : Phoolbagh airport in Pantnagar (50 kms) is the nearest airport from the Jim Corbett National Park.

By Rail : Ramnagar (50 kms) is the nearest railhead which is connected by rail with Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad etc.

By Road : Corbett is connected by good roads with Delhi (300 kms), Ramnagar (50 kms) and important place of Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi Transport Corporation operates deluxe and semi deluxe buses for Corbett National Park.