Corbett National Park, located in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand, India, is a testament to the country's commitment to wildlife conservation and natural heritage. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it was later renamed in honor of Jim Corbett, a renowned conservationist and hunter-turned-protector of wildlife. Spanning an area of over 520 square kilometers, Corbett is not only India's oldest national park but also holds the distinction of being the first tiger reserve under Project Tiger, a pioneering initiative aimed at safeguarding the endangered Bengal tiger.

The park's landscape is a mesmerizing blend of diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense forests and grasslands to meandering rivers and rugged hills. These varied habitats provide a sanctuary for an impressive array of wildlife, making Corbett a biodiversity hotspot. The star attraction of the park is, undoubtedly, the Bengal tiger, whose population is carefully monitored and protected within its confines. Other prominent inhabitants include leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer species like sambar and spotted deer, as well as numerous avian species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Exploring Corbett is an adventure in itself, with options ranging from jeep safaris and elephant rides to guided nature walks and birdwatching excursions. The park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature while witnessing the drama of the wild unfold before their eyes. The sight of a majestic tiger prowling through the forest or a herd of elephants bathing in the river is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

Beyond its ecological significance, Corbett holds immense cultural and historical value. It served as the inspiration for many of Jim Corbett's iconic tales, immortalized in books such as "Man-Eaters of Kumaon." The park's rich biodiversity and scenic beauty have attracted travelers and nature enthusiasts from around the world, fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

In conclusion, Corbett National Park stands as a shining example of India's commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. Its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage make it a treasure trove waiting to be explored, offering visitors a glimpse into the marvels of the natural world and a chance to forge a deeper connection with the wilderness.

Flora

The floral composition of the habitat is given below: North Indian tropical moist deciduous forests: Moist Shivalik Sal, Moist Bhabar dhun sal, Moist mixed deciduous, alluvial savannah woodland. Northern tropical dry deciduous forests: Dry Shivalik sal, dry bamboo brakes, Shivalik chir pine
forests, Grasslands & old plantations. In general, the vegetation comprises of sal and mixed forests, interspersed with grasslands and riparian vegetation. There are more than 110 tree and 51 shrub species. The habitat is characterized by open meadows (chaurs) interspersed with sal and moist mixed deciduous forests. The grasslands are locally known as ‘Chaur’, which are an outcome of abandoned settlements or past clearings. There are several important chaurs abundant in wildlife: Dhikala, Phulai, Khinnanauli, Paterpani, Mohanpani, Bhadhai and Bijrani. Such grasslands constitute almost 20% of the old National Park area of the core. Owing to their anthropogenic origin, these meadows are gradually getting colonized by gregarious woody species. There are several old plantations of the sixties and seventies, which include species like teak, Eucalyptus, Ailanthus and sisso. However, such plantations are largely confined to the buffer area of the reserve. Several invasive weeds like Lantana and Cannabis are prevalent in the habitat.

Fauna

The faunal diversity is tremendous and around 40 threatened species have been documented (4 critical, 10 endangered and 26 vulnerable). Tiger and elephant are the charismatic mammals, besides a large array of co-predators (leopard, small carnivores), ungulates (sambar, hog deer, spotted deer), birds, reptiles (gharial, crocodile) and fishes.

Being in the proximity of the National Capital City of India, the park is easily accessible through the Railway and Roadway routes. Here, you will find the detailed information on how to reach Corbett National Park-

Road distance to Jim Corbett Park :
New Delhi Ramnagar (Jim Corbett Park) via Moradabad 260 Km
Lucknow Jim Corbett Park via Bareilly, Moradabad 435 Km
Kanpur Jim Corbett National Park via Farrukhabad, Bareilly, Rampur 460 Km
Moradabad Jim Corbett Park via Kashipur 95 Km
Kathgodam Jim Corbett Park via Kaladhungi 55 Km
Nainital Jim Corbett Park via Kaladhungi 60 Km
Almora Jim Corbett Park via Nainital 134 Km
Kausani Ramnagar via Bhikyasan 155 Km
Ranikhet Ramnagar via Bhikyasan 100 Km

By Rail: Delhi To Ramnagar :
The nearest railway station from Corbett is Ramnagar which is around 12 km from the park and the station is directly connected to the railway stations in Delhi. A direct train named Ranikhet Express runs from Delhi to Ramnagar which is the best train to reach Corbett from Delhi. You can catch the Ranikhet express at 10:50 pm at Delhi to reach Ramnagar at 04:35 am next day, and again return by catching the same train at Ramnagar at 09:05 pm to reach Delhi at 05:00 am next day. The train operates on a daily basis. However, Ramnagar station is the best option to reach Corbett but alternatively, you can also arrive at the Kathgodam station and visit Ramnagar by taxi or cab which will take around 3 and half hours by road.