A national park contains much more than just its wild animals. The delicate balance of nature means that plants and animals should rely on each other in order to survive in this world. Disrupting the balance can have wide-reaching effects. Often an animal species become rare because it has been hunted by humans, or because its habitat – a rainforest, marsh or pond has been destroyed. But sometimes the animal is wiped out altogether – it becomes extinct and this affects all the plants and animals that depend on it for their own survival. That is why these national parks are formed so that these animals can be conserved. The magnificent park established way back in 1936, is one of the best-known sanctuaries in India. It is named after Jim Corbett, the famous hunter author, and conservator. The park covers a large forested area of over 520 sq. km, comprising of foothills of Shivalik ranges and the Patlidun Valley with swiftly flowing river Ramganga.

The varied topography thus provides a home to rich and diverse wildlife. The dense jungles of the park are famous for the tigers of Kumaon. It is also a heaven for the panther, wild bear, sloth bear, elephant, deer, python, cobra, crocodile, gharial, etc. The river Ramganga is full of mahseer, trout and grouch fishes. The park is also an “ornithologist’s paradise”, as over 538 species of birds have been recorded here. There’s another interesting thing that is an open Jeep Safari accompanied by an expert naturalist. Here, Royal Bengal Tiger can be spotted while roaming around. Various wildlife species are resting their habitats so they can be captured in the camera of the traveler. Due to the predictability of game concentrations, Jim Corbett is one of the most popular national parks in India. This fact offers visitors an excellent chance of witnessing thrilling confrontations between a tiger and other animals. In the evening, moving towards Kosi River (Kosi river available in Dhikuli Village Resort) and spending a few pleasant hours at the bank of the river would be a great idea.

The nearest airport is Pantnagar (130 km) and the railhead is at Ramnagar (50 km), which is an obligatory entrance of the park. Kaladhungi (81 km) is known for Corbett’s Museum, dedicated to the great hunter.

Park Entry: 06:30 am to 05:30 pm

Safari Timings: 06:30 am to 09:30 am and 01:30 pm to 05:30 pm

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Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park used to be just another Himalayan forest until in 1936 it was demarcated as a reserve area by the British Government. Jim Corbett Park is spread over 520 sq kms and is covered with huge stretches of Savannah type grasslands and Sal forests. In 1957 this place was renamed as Jim Corbett National Park from Hailey national Park. It was declared as an almost exclusive Tiger Reserve on 1st April 1973 with the help of World Wildlife Fund. Since the place is situated on the lower Himalayan belt of vegetation, it is an eco-tourism spot too.

Location
Jim Corbett National Park is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, near Ramnagar-Kashipur highway. The reserve takes in the Patli Dun valley formed by the Ramganga River.

Climate
The weather in the reserve is almost temperate and sunny, though it may be foggy in early mornings. The temperature varies from 5o C (4o F) to 30o C (86o F). Summer temperatures normally do not rise above 40o C (104o F). Rainfall ranges from light during the dry season to heavy during the monsoons. The average rainfall per year ranges from 1400mm – 2800mm.

Flora & Fauna
Prior to 1936, the Maharaja of Rewa exploited this place as his ‘shikar jungle’, largely due to its varied vegetation and animal population. The species of animals in Jim Corbett consists of the White Tiger, Throated Martem, Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Grey Mongoose, Para, Kakka, Ghoral, Bar-headed Goose, Duck, Grepe, Snipe, Turtles, Python, Common Otter, Porcupine, Clack-taped Hare, Chital, Spotted Deer, Viper, Cobra, Krait, King Cobra, Tortoise, Graylag, Sandpiper, Gull, Cormorants and Egrets. The 488 species of flora residents are Sal, Savannah Grass, Anogeissus-Acacia catechu forests, Mallotus philippensis, Jamun and Diospyros tomentosa.

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