Established as India’s first wildlife reserve, Jim Corbett National Park is a beautiful stretch of land comprising of sweeping grasslands. Located in the foothills of the gigantic and towering Himalayas, the national park offers a majestic view of the rich ecosystem it is a part of. Its popularity is highlighted by its status of being counted amongst the top 10 wildlife statuaries in the country. Spread out in a wide and sweeping area of more than 1300 square kilometres, the national park houses a wide variety of flora and fauna.

With its establishment credited to the British preservationist Edward James Jim Corbett, it was founded in 1936 as Hailey National Park; and serves as the principal and most important shelter for the Royal Bengal Tiger. With merely 160 tigers left in the sanctuary, the reserve plays an integral role in protecting the endangered species.

In addition to a massive species of animals the park boasts, as many as 488 varieties of trees are known to thrive in the area. These include Sal, Jamun, Chaurs, chur pine, and oak. A large number of shrubs, bamboos, grasses and herbs constitute the flora of the national park. More than 586 species of birds, both local and migratory, dwell in the national park. The exquisite biodiversity can be attributed to the national park’s reputation as an ideal site for bird enthusiasts, making it an important place for bird-watching. Several species of reptiles, amphibians and insects have been known to also reside here.

Home to Royal Bengal Tiger

The most significant and popular animal – attracting scores of tourists each year – is the Royal Bengal Tiger. With the initiation of the Project Tiger in 1973  , the park was established and has since served as a protective wildlife reserve for the species. A thick and dense forest cover, several species of animals that serve as prey, and the Ramganga River (dammed at the western end to form a water reservoir), make Jim Corbett an ideal habitat for tigers. In times of shortage of prey and when there is limited food, tigers here have been known to prey on larger animals like elephants and buffaloes.

Some other species of animals in the reserve include leopards, chital, barking deer, Indian grey mongoose, Himalayan goral, langur, and owls. A massive variety of species of amphibians, snakes and insects also inhabit the Jim Corbett National Park.

Places to visit/Jim Corbett tourism

While tourism has been restricted to only a few areas of the sanctuary, the last few years have witnessed an exponential increase in the number of tourists visiting the wildlife reserve. As many as 70,000 tourists have been recorded to have visited the park.

Garjiya Devi Temple, located on the bank of River Kosi, is dedicated to Garjiya Devi. Vacationers visit the scared religious site during the months of November and December when Kartik Poornima is observed. Owing to its close proximity to Jim Corbett National park, it has become one of the most visited temples in the Nainital district.

Ramganga Dam is regarded as one of the best and most ideal site for bird enthusiasts. Based within the national park’s premises, it is the embankment dam of the Ramnagar River. During winters, several migratory birds flock to this area; providing a delightful opportunity for travellers to indulge in bird watching.

Wildfire safaris are organisation by the national park. Wikpedia notes that jeep safaris are the easiest and most convenient way of exploring the park’s wide landscape. Offering an exquisite view of the diverse ecosystem the reserve houses, visitors and travellers can book and rent jeeps from Ramnagar.

How to reach

Visitors can reach the Jim Corbett National Park by rail, air or road. The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport, from where one can hire a cab to arrive at their destination. The closest railway station is in Ramnagar, with overnight trains plying from Delhi. One can also visit the city via rail from Varanasi and Allahabad. If one desires to take the roads, a well connected accessibility from some of the major cities in north India allows travellers to reach the national park.

Weather

Although the weather in the sanctuary remains moderate and pleasant, the best time of the year to travel here is between the months of November and June. This is because, during summer monsoons, the rainfall makes the roads difficult to drive on.

Where to live

A trip to Jim Corbett, one of the most popular tourist attractions for wildlife enthusiasts, warrants a stay in a naturally beautiful environment. Excellent hospitality, abundance of amenities and luxuriously welcoming, Sterling Holidays’ Corbett Treetop Riverview  is one of the premier resorts in Jim Corbett and an ideal vacation spot for locals and foreigners alike.

Members can choose between Studio Room, 1 Bedroom Apartment and 2 Bedroom Apartment, while guests can go for Classic Room, Premiere Suite or Privilege Suite. The resort offers facilities like swimming pool, multi cuisine restaurant and a round-the-clock front desk. Guests can sit beside the lovely pool area and admire the exquisite surroundings while sipping on their coffees, teas and drinks. Sports lovers can also indulge in outdoor games like badminton and cricket.