G L Khajuria
Jim Corbett National Park is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. This park is one of the most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries in Asia. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park,It is the country’s oldest national park and was renamed in 1957 to honor Edward James Corbett, the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist whose efforts laid the foundation for modern conservation in India.
The land that became Corbett was once part of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal, later ceded to the British in the 19th century.Initially, the forests were exploited for timber and cleared for settlements. The Boksas tribe cultivated the land until they were evicted in the 1860s under British rule.Conservation efforts began under Major Ramsay in the mid-19th century, who restricted farming, cattle grazing, and timber exploitation to protect the fragile ecosystem.
The park is divided into zones such as Dhikala, Bijrani, and Jhirna, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife encounters. Jeep safaris remain the most popular way to explore, while birdwatching, trekking, and limited camping experiences provide visitors with deeper connections to nature.It is spread across more than 1,300 square kilometers, the park is a mosaic of dense sal forests, rolling grasslands, marshes, and riverine belts. The lifeline of this ecosystem is the Ramganga River, which sustains a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. It is world-renowned for its population of Bengal tigers, making it the launch site of Project Tiger in 1973, India’s flagship initiative to protect the endangered species. Alongside tigers, the park shelters leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a wide variety of deer. Bird enthusiasts are equally rewarded, with more than 600 species of resident and migratory birds painting the skies with color and song.
Almost three-quarters of the park is encompassed by deciduous forest including peepal, Rohini, and mango trees. There is a total of 110 species of trees making the forested area. Another 10% of the park is accounted for by grasslands. Altogether there are over 485 species of plants found within the boundaries of the park.
The varied vegetation of the park creates an excellent sanctuary for wildlife with around 50 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, and over 575 species of birds. The birds are complemented in the skies by 36 different species of dragonflies.
Tigers are one of the leading species of mammals that bring visitors to the parks with hopes of seeing these stunning creatures. Spotting tigers is a challenge because of the abundance of thick vegetation.
Other predator species include leopards, jungle cats, fishing cats, and the leopard cat. Popular mammalian species include elephants, water buffalo, barking deer, sambar deer, chital, black bears, mongoose, rhesus macaques, and hog deer.
Jim Corbett National Park is more than a tourist attraction-it is the birthplace of India’s conservation movement. Its success has inspired the creation of dozens of tiger reserves across the country, reinforcing the idea that protecting wildlife is inseparable from protecting human heritage.
Things To Do:
Embark on an Exciting Jungle Safari-No trip to Jim Corbett is complete without experiencing the thrill of a jungle safari. The park is divided into several zones, each offering a unique glimpse into the wild.
4Morning Safari: Begin your day at dawn-the best time to spot the elusive Bengal tiger. The forest awakens with birdsong and grazing animals, and you may encounter elephants, leopards, and herds of deer.
4Evening Safari: Prefer a slower pace? The evening safari is equally enchanting. The golden hues of sunset create a magical backdrop for photography and wildlife sightings.
Experience the Thrill of River Rafting
For adrenaline lovers, river rafting on the Kosi River is a must. Flowing along the park’s edge, the river combines scenic beauty with exciting rapids (Grade I to III), suitable for beginners and seasoned rafters alike. The rafting season runs from late September to June.
Explore Cultural Gems: Corbett Museum &Garjia Temple
4Corbett Museum: Located in Jim Corbett’s former bungalow, the museum showcases his life and conservation legacy through photographs, letters, and personal artifacts.
4Garjia Temple: Perched on a rock in the middle of the Kosi River, this temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati offers spiritual solace and panoramic views.
Go Bird Watching in a Paradise of Avian Wonders-With over 600 bird species, Corbett is a haven for bird watchers.
4Riverside Trails: Spot kingfishers, fish eagles, and migratory birds along the Kosi and Ramganga rivers.
4Forest Trails: Discover colorful woodpeckers and the rare Great Hornbill in the dense woods.
Don’ts in Corbett
4No Unauthorized Exploration: Do not venture into restricted areas. Follow designated routes to avoid potential dangers.
4Avoid Disturbing Wildlife: Do not chase or attempt to get too close to the animals. Maintain a safe distance for both your safety and theirs.
4No Smoking: Smoking is usually prohibited in wildlife areas due to the risk of forest fires. Follow the designated smoking areas, if any.
4Avoid Flash Photography: Flash photography can disturb wildlife, especially at night. Avoid using flash when taking photographs.
4No Loud Noises: Keep noise levels to a minimum. Loud noises can be stressful for animals and may disrupt their natural behavior.
4Keep noise levels to a minimum. Loud noises can be stressful for animals and may disrupt their natural behavior.
4Don’t Feed the Animals: Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural diet and behavior. It can also make them dependent on human food, which is not healthy for them.
4Respect Local Communities: Be respectful towards the local communities and their customs. Avoid any behavior that may offend or disturb them.
4Be respectful towards the local communities and their customs. Avoid any behavior that may offend or disturb them.
4Do not carry any kind of firearms within the Tiger Reserve, it is strictly prohibited
4Smoking and lighting any kind of fire is strictly prohibited within the Tiger Reserve
4Driving after the sunset is strictly prohibited inside the reserve
Conclusively, for nearly nine decades, this iconic park has stood as a living legacy, reminding the world that conservation is not a choice but a responsibility. With its breathtaking landscapes and thriving biodiversity, Jim Corbett continues to inspire awe, respect, and hope for future generations. Whether you seek adrenaline, tranquility, or a deeper connection with nature, Corbett offers it all-making it a destination that stays etched in your heart forever.
(The author is Former Dy. Conservator of Forest, J&K)
