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Information about Corbett National Park, jeep safaris & elephant safaris in Jim Corbett National Park India, maps of corbett national park, how to reach Corbett national park, train to Ramnagar, resort accommodation in Corbett National Park and hotels at Corbett National Park, food at Corbett National Park & what to wear at Corbett National Park

There are 41 tiger reserves in India which are governed by Project Tiger.[1][2][3] These 40,969 km2 (15,818 sq mi) of reserves are operated “to ensure maintenance of a viable population of the conservation dependent Bengal tigers in India for scientific, economic, aesthetic, cultural and ecological values and to preserve for all time areas of biological importance as a national heritage for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people.

Corbett National Park India: The primary purpose of the corbett national park is to save the animals and plants of the Ramganga river valley, particularly the tiger and the fish eating gharial crocodile. The 2003 census of jim corbett national park indicates that there are close to 150 tigers at corbett national park, a spectacular increase since 1976, when 44 tiger were estimated to live inside the corbett national park. Both the muggar (Indian marsh crocodile, also known as mugger) and gharial, a species of fish-eating crocodile, are present in the corbett national park. It is estimated that 16 muggar and 4 gharials were present in the corbett national park during 1974. Numbers are increasing with the release of 250 young gharial reared in captivity between 1982 and 1994, and now that the muggar population breeds in the Ramganga reservoir. A 1997 census counted 283 gharials and 301 muggars at corbett national park.

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corbett national park is famous for the richness and diversity of its wildlife which included over 50 species of mammals and over 580 species of birds. corbett national park is an important refuge for the tiger, Indian elephant, wild dog, leopard cat, Indian pangolin and hog deer. All of which were once common throughout the terai of Uttarakhand ( a newly formed state ) but are now rarely seen outside the corbett national park. The terai (moist land) is a belt of marshy jungle and grassland stretching between the foothills of the Himalayas and the Indian plains, a large part of the terai is in Nepal. corbett national park's avifauna is particularly interesting because of the overlap between the plains and high altitudes. The Ramganga river is a source of attraction to many winter migrant birds. A number of high altitude birds also visit the corbett national park during winter. With altitudes at corbett national park ranging from 400 meters to 1,200 meters above sea level, there is a rich variety of habitats. Nearly 73% of the park is covered by dense moist deciduous forest with a predominance of sal trees, accompanied by haldu, pipal, rohini and mango trees. While 10% of the core area is composed of grasslands in the valleys, which offer visitors a better view of corbett national park's wildlife.

Jeep Safari and elephant safari in Corbett National Park- Jeep Safari and elephant safari into the grasslands and jungles searching for tiger or a herd of wild elephants is the highlight of any visit to corbett national park. The best way to see wildlife at corbett national park is on jeep and elephant back. An elephant safari allows travel deeper into the wilderness and to get very close to wildlife without scaring the animals away. Commonly observed wildlife at corbett national park includes the spotted deer, wild boars, sambar, barking deer, rhesus macaques, langur monkeys, peacocks and herds of wild elephants. corbett national park in India is a paradise for birdwatcher's, containing over 580 different species of birds. on request one can also obtained commonly found list of the birds and mammals in corbett national park, India.

Location of Corbett National Park- corbett national park is located in the state of Uttarakhand (a new state, formed in 2000, from the northern part of Uttar Pradesh state), India. corbett national park is part of the corbett national park which lies in the foothills of the Himalayas within the districts of Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Almora and Bijnore. corbett national park covers an area of about 1,300 sq. km including about 500 sq. km of core area and 800 sq. km of buffer area. The core area forms the corbett national park while the buffer area contains the Sonanadi wildlife sanctuary and reserve forests.

corbett national park forms the catchments area of the Ramganga, a tributary of the river Ganga. Corbett national park is the oldest national park on the Indian subcontinent, established in August 1936. It was originally called the Hailey national park after the then governor of United Province (Uttar Pradesh), Sir Malcolm Hailey. After independence, in 1947, the park was renamed the Ramganga national park. In 1957, the park was named the Corbett national park in memory of the legendary hunter and conservationist, who was largely responsible for marking out the park boundaries and helped in setting up the Corbett national park. Dhikala in Corbett national park has the distinction of being the venue, during 1974, for the inauguration of Project Tiger, India's ambitious conservation program to save the tiger and its habitat. The creation of 9 tiger reserves, including Corbett national park, was announced. In 1972, India's tiger population had fallen to an all time low of 1,800. A 1993 census suggests that India's tiger population stands at 3,750.

Corbett national park in India is a serious project, where the rules of conservation are to be strictly followed by visitor, park employee and the Kumaoni villagers who live just outside the Corbett national park. And this is made easy because it is a park beloved of all who visit. Corbett national park is named after Sir Jim Corbett, who lived in the region, knew the language of the jungle, and who metamorphosed from hunter to ardent conservationist. The topography of the Corbett national park is varied and interesting with ravines, plateaus, marshy depressions and grasslands. The sparkling river ramganga is the life source of the Corbett national park. The vegetation at Corbett national park is dense mixed deciduous with a wide variety of trees including the stately sal, and creepers, shrubs, bamboos and grasses. It is a beautiful pristine park, the air full of tangy fragrances - and expectation. You enter it with humility. Knowing that you are in someone else's home. Corbett national park is a wonderful lesson in biodiversity. You see the world as it ought to have been. Morning mists over the river azure skies with lazy clouds birdsong dappled sunlight sharp scents a rustle in the grass.

History of Corbett national park India

Jim Corbett made his mark in his early life as a soldier and a hunter but subsequently, dedicated himself to the preservation of life - human and wild. Whenever a man-eater threatened a village, 'Carpet Sahib' was summoned. Moving on foot for days and weeks, often on steep winding trails, Jim Corbett became the savior of the simple hill folk of Kumaon and Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

Jim Corbett could read the jungle signs like an open book. He could decipher a ripple in the dust of a dry stream bed. A blade of grass caught in the act of springing back from a crushed position. When stalking, Jim Corbett could use the wind like predators do, to either conceal or reveal his presence. Jim Corbett could freeze stock-still in mid stride for any amount of time, just like an animal. Jim Corbett could easily read the sounds of the animals and could imitate them to perfection. Even the call of a tiger! With no assistance apart from his vocal chords, Jim Corbett could lure the animal to a face to face meeting. Two man-eaters shot by him were cornered using this awesome ability.

And yet Jim Corbett was a modest man. The legend lives at Kaladhungi on the edge of the Corbett national park is a place called Kaladhungi, where Jim Corbett lived and learnt to use the gun. Jim's house is now a museum. Surrounding this modest dwelling is a tiny village called 'Chhoti Haldwani'. Part of the village land was bought by Jim Corbett out of his own savings and gifted to the villagers. If you happen to meet the older residents, they will tell you tall tales about the man who became a legend in his lifetime.

Freedom of the forests Jim corbett was convinced that "the tiger is a gentleman" and no jungle beast was dangerous while he lived in his natural habitat. For his outstanding contribution to conservation and natural history the Government of India bestowed on him the honour of "The Freedom of the Forests". No bars, no boundaries, for a soul born free. The corbett national park is an excellent and largely inviolate specimen of the rich sal and mixed woodland that spans the outer Himalayas. Because of its rich biogeography diversity, the Corbett national park is a natural haven for the flora and fauna of the plains, the sub mountainous regions and high altitude areas.

At the lower level of corbett national park are winding strips of alluvial grasslands or chaurs (beloved to many species of deer) crossed by numerous water courses. The lifeline of the corbett national park is the sparkling Ramganga river which provides safe harbour to mahaseer fish, crocodile and otter. Stately stands of sal and diverse mixed forest cover hills and valleys, fodder and foliage for large herds of elephants. Sharp spurs in the terrain make Corbett national park an idyllic habitat for shy species like the tiger.

The incredible variety of mammals, birds and vegetation at corbett national park reveals one of the healthiest 'food chains' this side of the world. Almost all the major groups of animals known to exist in the Himalayan Terai and the Bhabar foothills region are found at corbett national park. The abundance of the prey species determines the presence and survival of the predators at Corbett national park. As the abundance of diverse vegetation supports myriad species, from avian to mammal. Corbett national park is a delightful example of nature in a superabundant, undisturbed state. An image of a vanishing world.

Home for vanishing species The protective environment at Corbett national park has kept some endangered species safe and thriving, like the hog deer which has been virtually saved from extinction. At last count, the numbers had increased substantially. Corbett national park is also the only home of the rare Indian pagolin. Consider yourself supremely blessed if you spot one! The rare fish eating, long snouted gharial is a common sight on the banks of the river Ramganga. Several species on the world hit list have been seen to be breeding happily in the Corbett national park, at ease in Corbett's rich, life supporting biodiversity.

Birds at Corbett national park is a birdwatcher's dream come true. Corbett national park with its rich biogeography diversity, is home to more than 600 species of birds - about half of the total species found in the entire Indian subcontinent! You can see parakeets, owls, orioles, drongos, thrushes, babblers, bulbuls, cuckoos, doves, bee eaters, rollers, flycatchers, warblers, robins, chats, finches, forktails, hornbills, kingfishers and many many more. It is also possibly one of the best places in the world for observing birds of prey. About 50 species out of the total 70 odd species found in South East Asia live in the Corbett national park. The numerous water bodies in Corbett national park provide an ideal habitat for ducks and waders.

Many of these birds are migratory: the Corbett national park forms a natural crossroad and meeting ground for avian species from high altitude areas, plains and eastern and western regions. Because of this unique location, the bird population is pretty high throughout the year, with winter visitors, summer visitors, altitudinal migrants, passage migrants and local migrants. Even the fringes of the Corbett national park are eminently rewarding. All you need is a pair of binoculars for hours - and even days - of fascinated bird watching.

Wild Asiatic Elephant What warns you is the sharp tang of freshly crushed vegetation and the sound of leaves being torn. But the herd smells you before you can see it. A baby elephant begins to squeal in fright. Adults immediately cordon the baby. They continue this protection till you are safely past. Way up the jungle path, a lonely tusker in 'mast' condition looms large. Sweat breaks out. Will he charge?

Seeing elephants in the wild is a raw, exhilarating experience. The Corbett national park is the best place in Northern India to observe wild elephants at fairly close quarters. About 300 - 350 Asiatic elephants roam around the Corbett national park & corbett national park in herds, along the river Ramganga or foraging in the grasslands. The forests at corbett national park & Corbett national park provide the elephants enough food. The elephant's daily diet is perked up with wild berries and fruits which are available aplenty at Corbett national park. A great delicacy is the plant rohini (mallotus phlippensis) which is favored by elephants when they are in the 'mast' condition. It cools them down!

Mahaseer Fish One of the fascinating narration's of Jim Corbett in his book "Man Eaters of Kumaon" is about his fishing holidays for Mahseer (barbus tour), in a river which flowed through a beautiful wooded valley. When Jim Corbett was fishing, the air was filled with the fragrance of flora and songs of a multitude of birds. Jim Corbett opined that angling in such an atmosphere is a sport fit for kings. After catching a 50 lb. mahaseer, he concluded that the sublime surroundings in which he had caught the fish will not be forgotten, and will draw him back to this valley, which to date still unspoiled by the hand of man. His descriptions fit well with the Ramganga valley.

The Mahaseer is a fresh water scaly fish, which can attain a huge size, and shows more sport for its size than a Salmon and therefore is considered the best sport fish in the world Mahaseer quite avidly takes to bait such as spoon, plug, fly and live fish, are omnivorous in feeding habits - eating snails, crabs and weeds like algae, etc. Etymology of Mahaseer suggests the word could mean a fish with "lion's gameness" and "fish par excellence". Experts have identified about six species in India, but no detailed information on the present status and distribution of these species is available. Though fisherman consider consider the Golden or Himalayan Mahaseer (tor putitora) as the main species available on the Ramganga / Kosi rivers, besides the Silver and Black Mahaseer. Goonch (bagaraus bagarius), a fresh water scavenger is also another species that thrives in these rivers.

Travel information for visitors ( how to reach to Corbett national park/ corbett national park)

Every year more than 01 lac people visit Corbett national park from India and abroad. The accommodation ( forest rest houses & Lodges ) inside Corbett national park is only open from mid November to mid June because monsoon rains wash away the roads during the other times of year, while the day visits depend on the road conditions. It is only by November that the roads are repaired and can be used again. The reservation headquarters of Corbett national park is at the town of Ramnagar. The major accommodation inside Corbett national park is located at dhikala forest lodge and dhikala forest rest house at corbett national park/ Corbett national park .

Location of Corbett national park: Corbett is situated about 260 km northeast of Delhi, in Uttarakhand province. The nearest railway station and bus station is at the town of Ramnagar. Most of the accommodation within Corbett is at Dhikala, located about 40 km northwest of Ramnagar.

How to reach Corbett national park: Morning and overnight trains and buses are connect Delhi to the town of Ramnagar, trains also connect Varanasi via Lucknow to Ramnagar. Visitors can hire jeeps at Ramnagar to transport them into the park and Dhikala. Corbett national park is well connected by road and train services from the major cities. One can reach here by train from Delhi and at the same time there is regular bus services from Jaipur, Agra, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar apart from Delhi, Lucknow and other major cities.

What to wear (Clothing) while coming to Corbett national park: The clothes you should carry with you to Corbett national Park are totally opposite depending on the season in which you are visiting it. The summers at Corbett national park are blisteringly hot and don't expect any let up while you are there. You should expect unrelenting heat day after day if you are there between the months of April and June. With temperatures soaring between 30 and 39 degrees centigrade most of the day, even the lightest of T-shirts feel like warm jackets. Take along your lightest clothes in the summers with the definite inclusion of a cap and dark glasses. In the winter months, specially November to beginning February, the weather is just the opposite.

Morning drives into the corbett national park are freezing cold and how many ever layers you wear sometimes feel insufficient. The days however are extremely pleasant and a light sweatshirt can more than suffice. Evenings and night once again get very chilly. Carrying along a pair of gloves and a muffler is advisable. For those who intend to take photographs in the wee hours of the morning without pressing all the wrong buttons on their cameras, take along a pair of gloves that are thin yet warm and provide for sufficient movement of the hands.

* Wear clothes in shades of brown and green, as they are less disturbing to the environment at corbett national park.
* While inside the Corbett national park, avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.
* On trek and walks at corbett national park, comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones
* For winter travel to Corbett National Park, heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months
 

Wildlife Safaris at Corbett National Park- Jeep Safaris are the ideal way of exploring the Indian land. In fact, jungle jeep & elephant safari tours have added excitement and fun to the journey. There are number of ways to cover the Corbett national park. The Corbett national park endorses Jeep Safari, Horse Safari, Bird Safari, Elephant Safari, Fishing safari and the Nature walk. You can explore the richness of flora and fauna with the wildlife jungle safari that unfolds the beauty of the Jim Corbett National Park in India. Wildlife Safari at Corbett national park is a delight for adventure lovers and wildlife photographers. Away from the confines of mundane life, the corbett wildlife jeep safari and elephant safaris are journey into the world that is still untouched by mechanization. The Indian wildlife safari explores the basic wilderness still alive in the Corbett national park. Several species of deer, sloth bear, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, leopard, the marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles, over 450 species of birds and the elusive, nocturnal Royal Bengal tiger…you can find them at the verdant Corbett national park.
 

Jim Corbett National Park Safari Timings Corbett national park normally opens for the visitors at 0600 hrs in the morning and is open till about 1100 hrs in the morning. However tourists who are booked for full day safari spend the time from 1130 Hrs – 1300 Hrs at any of the rest houses inside the forest and do bird watching. In the afternoon the park timings usually are from 1430 to 1730. However depending on the season the timings change locally which the forest authorities of Corbett national park notify.

Best time to come at Corbett national park

Winter (September - March): During this months days are clear and pleasant, Nights get cold. Great time for bird-watching and Tiger sighting.

Summer (April to June): Hot days with pleasant nights. Ideal time for sighting animals, especially elephants and Tigers.

Monsoon (July - August): Humid days and nights. Great time for walks and trekking. Because of less crowd and rush high probability of sighting animals. Good for observing flora.

How to book accommodation and safari at Corbett national park: All the accommodations at dhikala forest rest houses, jeep safari and elephant safari’s are booked by the forest department from Government forest Office. And it is completely at the discretion of the forest department. There is No private hotels, lodges and resort inside the Corbett national park and corbett national park, however some website and travel agents claims that they are inside the Corbett national park and corbett national park, please get this confirm from the concern and the office of the director corbett national park, India. There are restriction of number of vehicles which can enter in each zone and it is strictly followed . The vehicle restrictions are

Advance Booking of Jeep Safari   If you are not getting accommodation at dhikala forest rest house don't loose heart you can stay at jungle resort just on vicinity of the park and go for jeep safari to bijrani , dhikala. Advance booking of jeep safari in Corbett national park is available for morning jeep safari’s in bijrani ( amdanda gate ), jhirna ( khara gate) and durgadevi zones. The booking for jeep safari is on first apply first get basis and a non refundable advance need to be deposited with complete details for all the members going for jeep safari. To get safari booking send details well in advance for avoiding the hassle of visit into the Corbett national park as there is a limitation of number of vehicles permitted. You have to carry the given id at the time of jeep safari. For advance booking of jeep safari, a photo id for Indian nationals and passport details of non-indian is mandatory. However in terms of density and sighting of tigers and other animals bijrani area is best compare to jhirna and durgadevi. 

Photo Id requirement for advance jeep safari-Driving License/ Voter Id / Pan card is required. One can send the id number, date of birth, full name and gender, date of expiry of the ID for booking .While traveling the guest will have to carry the same ID. For advance bookings of morning jeep safari and full day jeep safari ( only 05 jeeps are permitted in a day for full day jeep safari).

Passport Details required for advance jeep safari-Passport Number , Full Name & Gender, Date of Issue and expiry, date of Birth, Nationality is required for advance bookings of morning jeep safari and full day jeep safari ( only 05 jeeps are permitted in a day for full day jeep safari).

Advance booking of jeep safari can be done one month in advance for foreign national and Indian Nationals. However it is advisable to place the application to the forest department the moment you decide about the safari for better chances of confirmation. To explore the Corbett national park and corbett national park to fullest to go atleast for once for full day jeep safari to bijrani.

Booking of Afternoon Jeep Safari It cannot be booked in advance and permits are issued same day to the guests only It is strictly on first come first serve basis and guest has to personally travel to Ramnagar Forest Office to book the safari.

Various Zones of The Corbett national park for Jeep Safari

If you are unable to get accommodation at dhikala forest rest house don't loose heart you can stay at jungle resort just on vicinity of the park and go for jeep safari to bijrani , dhikala. Advance booking of jeep safari in Corbett national park is available for morning jeep safari’s in bijrani ( amdanda gate ), jhirna ( khara gate) and durgadevi zones.

Lohachaur:  Durga Devi is a tourism zone on the buffer side of  the Corbett national park. Some time ago, till when Corbett national park has not become a tourist destination, there was free entry ( number of vehicle) for this area. The Durgadevi tourism zone is open from the 15th November to 15th June. During monsoon it is closed because of the poor roads in the forest. This is on the north-eastern boundary of the Park. The entrance gate is about 30 Km away from Ramnagar. The Mandal range of Corbett national park through Durgadevi entrance involve good birding species to lookout for include the grey headed fishing eagle, crested laughing thrush, black chinned Yuhina, maroon orile, slaty blue flycatcher, long tailed broadbill, little forktail, and bar tailed tree creeper. There are 04 forest rest house at durgadevi area, they are primarily used by the forest officials during their inspection visit to that area, now also used to accommodate to the guest, who are unable to get accommodation at dhikala guest house . The names are Lohachaur forest rest house, rathuadhab forest rest house,  mundiapani forest rest house and halduparao forest rest house. There is No electricity in these rest houses. Even now for the jeep safari this is the least preferred area for the tiger sighting during jeep safari compared to bijrani and dhikala.      
 

Bijrani Zone For Bijrani Zone entry is through Amdanda Gate which is 4 Kms from Corbett Wild. Corbett Wild & Bijrani has mixed topography with thick sal forests interspersed with grasslands. There are a large number of stream beds which are mainly boulder strewn paths. Along the side of the streams there are riparian forests and thick lantana bushes due to which tiger sighting chances as compared to other tourism zones is higher in this area. Once you reach the bijrani guest house you can avail the elephant ride also, its available on first reach-get basis. From the machans set up visitors can view wild animals in their natural habitat. Vast stream beds and steep cliff edges provides good opportunity for bird watching. The bijrani tourism zone is open from the 15th October to 30th June. During monsoon it is closed because of the poor roads in the forest. There is No electricity in these rest houses. The jeep safari for bijrani is the most preferred area for the tiger sighting during jeep safari compared to jhirna and durgadevi area.

Jhirna Zone For Jhirna Zone entry is through Dhela Gate which appx is 20 Kms from bijrani zone entry gate. Jhirna tourism zone falls within the southern part of the Corbett national park. It is the only tourism zone of the Corbett national park which remains open throughout the year. Its topography is mainly dry deciduous and secondary forest with large open grasslands. Jhirna Zone is open throughout year

Sitavani Safari Sitavani is located about 25 km. from bijrani zone entry gate and within the forest area of Ramnagar Forest Division. It boasts of beautiful dense forests of sal and mixed vegetation with open grasslands and riverbeds. The safari takes one to the ancient temple of Goddess Sita. According to a legend, this is the place where Goddess Sita disappeared into the earth. Sitavani Zone is open throughout year. Sitavani is a part of Corbett buffer zone and there is a gated entrance but does not require any special permits to venture inside. The forest offers ample birding opportunities in the surrounding thick sal and mixed forest. Preferably early morning drive is the best to view wildlife like tiger, sambar, barking deer, porcupine, King cobra and lots more. Sitavani is well known to have visiting wild elephants and tiger all round the year as both the animals frequently visit river kosi for water and get across to raid the crops and lift the domestic animals from the village

Canter Safari to Dhikala Zone It is a picturesque location at the edge of a grassy plateau perched high above the Ramganga reservoir and set into a bend in the river. The famous grasslands of the Dhikala chaur disappear into the dense sal forests at the foot hills in the region. This is indisputably rated as a favorite viewing area to the visitors here. The dhikala tourism zone is open from 15th November to 15th June. This is an area with very high restrictions as far as tourism is concerned. Day visits to Dhikala are only through Canter (an open bus with gallery seating) which are arranged by the forest department. For overnight stays visitors can take their own vehicles. The Vehicle Timings are 0600 Hrs – 1200 Hrs and 1100 Hrs – 1700 Hrs. There are two canters each of 14 seats in during both morning and afternoon.

Safari to Bhownkhal Located in the foothills of the lower Himalayas, Bhowankhal falls on the border of the Kumaon and Garhwal region. The safari goes around the periphery of Corbett national park and takes one through the dense forests, picturesque landscapes and river beds. It is situated at a distance of around 30 km. from the retreat. The safari provides a very scenic drive dotted along the way by typical Kumaoni/Garhwali villages. From a place called ‘Kaath Ki Nau’ one can view the breathtakingly beautiful Himalayan ranges.

Elephant Safaris Journey on the elephant back is the most exclusive safari through the Corbett national park, India's first and one of its finest tiger reserve. These safaris not only make it possible to view wildlife from the back of an elephant, but perhaps more importantly, provide the unique opportunity to share a day in the life of the elephant. Whether it's game viewing from their backs, picnicking with them in the bush, grooming, feeding or swimming with them, or simply experiencing the pleasure of being close to such magnificent animals, the encounter is truly unforgettable. The Safari starts from the Northeastern side of the reserve from the Durgadevi gate and continuous along the northern boundary ending at Halduparao on the northwestern boundary. Besides traveling on the elephant the tour plan includes various activities including game drives into the national park and bird watching hikes, village visits, visits to various tribes in the area, learning to ride the elephant, elephant baths to name a few.

Angling Safaris Right outside and flowing into Corbett national park, the Western Ramganga is a classic spring fed mahaseer river. This is one of the few rivers where a grand slam of Mahaseer, Indian Trout and Goonch is possible in the same day- you just need to get away from the pet fish and resort side pools. Combine a trip to the park to complete the Indian jungle experience- it's not unusual to fish alongside tigers sometimes. Best fishing, early February till early June and then October till mid-November.
Eastern Ramganga Big, fast mahaseer. Not fishable without a planned expedition, the righteous Eastern Ramganga itinerary takes one along pools fished maybe twice a year. The fishing is preserved by lack of habitation and its ills. This trip is not for the slight of constitution or the short of time. Best fishing, March till early June and then in end September till late October, depending on the rains.

Bird Safaris Birds occupy a very significant place in Indian culture and tradition. The steed of lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, is a giant bird. The epic Ramayana tells of a bird injured trying to rescue the kidnapped wife of Lord Ram. The bird song of the koel signifies the end of winter. The cawing of a crow indicates the arrival of guests - the inclusion of birds in myths and superstitions is endless. And no wonder - there are more than 1200 species of birds in nearly 2100 forms native to India with a large number of migratory birds visiting during the winter months. No wonder ancient love songs tell of birds carrying messages to the distant beloved! There are a number of wildlife sanctuaries in the country where the bird enthusiast can see the wonder of Indian avian life. For instance, the Bharatpur bird sanctuary whose marshes provide a huge breeding area for native water birds and a temporary home to a large number of migratory birds, including the Siberian crane in the winter months. The adjoining Thar desert boasts of the Great Indian bustard while the Corbett national park in the foothills of the Himalayas houses 585 species of birds, greater than the total number of bird species found in Europe, in an area of just about 520 sq km. In Andaman and Nicobar’s six national parks and over ninety wildlife sanctuaries, about 250 species and sub-species of birds can be seen. Some of the wildlife sanctuaries a keen birdwatcher should visit and the birds which can be seen there are described below.

Night Safaris No vehicle is allowed to run in the park after dawn ( after 17:30 hours). Generally you are taken for ride on the periphery of the Corbett national park, in the name of night safari at Corbett national park.

ACTIVITIES if you are staying on the outskirt of the reserve area of the Corbett National Park boundary. Should you decide to stretch your legs - Go for nature walks on the Garjia Dhikala Road OR on Bijrani Road, Trek into the forest across river kosi, visit the local village to share the simple joys of the native folk, Walk to the Kosi river side with a packed picnic lunch or just dip your feet in the pond in the Camp. The Safari is the main stay of the Corbett experience but there are many other attractions around the place - the Sitavani Ashram in the virgin forest area, the Corbett Museum which houses memorabilia of the legendary Jim Corbett, the Garjia temple by the river, the Kaladungi falls and many more. Longer drives would get you to the Lake District of Nainital and Or Queen of hills like Ranikhet, Almora and Kausani. Nainital is just an hour and half away from Retreat and can be looked as a day trip. Ranikhet with its awesome views of the snow capped Himalayas is three hours away. No where else would one get to experience the mysterious Forest, the tranquil lakes and the majestic Himalayas in one vacation - all just a couple of hours away.
 

EXCURSIONS around the reserve area of the Corbett National Park is the nature lover's ultimate reward - wild and dense, the forest treks start from right outside the reserve area of the park. The natural and man-made trails will take you as deep inside as you may dare to go.
Tumeria Dam 45 minutes drive from ramnagar lies the remount training School near hempur and a short distance through the RTS, lies the Tumeria Dam. The structure in itself is a fun place to visit and educational for all, be it children or serious bird watchers. It is a rich attraction for migratory as well as domestic feathers.
Garjia temple and Dhangadi museum En-route to Dhikala at about 03 Kms. from Corbett Wilds there is a huge rock perching out of the Kosi river bed and on the pinnacle is a beautiful temple of Durga Devi named as Garjia. A place good for bathing, basking, worship has an enchanting view of river Kosi from the top of the rock. This place has been named Garjia Devi after the deity. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees from different parts of the state. A large fair is held here on kartik Poornima.
Corbett museum and fall Corbett’s home at Kaladungi, around 32 Kms from Ramnagar on Nainital Road, is now a museum which houses memorabilia of the legendry hunter.
En-route to Kaladungi are Corbett Falls, which is an ideal place for day picnics.Today this unique home is a comprehensive museum housing souvenirs, relics, mementos related to Jim Corbett.

Activities around Corbett national park- River Rafting River rafting trips run through some of the most beautiful terrains that the Himalayas have to offer - from sandy white beaches, boulder-studded rapids, confluences of rivers, deep gorges and some of the most revered Indian temple towns. Whitewater rafting is a sport almost everyone, of any age, can enjoy. With expert guides and up-to-date equipment, it's quick and easy to learn the few rules that keep you safe, river-smart and ready for a "wild ride" of your own.
Angling The Angling Experience is not about someone sitting by your shoulder telling you what to do. It is ALL to do with a very enjoyable weekend of fishing, shared with new and old friends on Ramganga River.
Back Packing The scale of the Himalayas makes them the ultimate backpacking destination in the world. Nowhere else is such exalted beauty matched with such overwhelming remoteness.
Mountain Biking Mountain Biking is not about being easy. The head is the strength of a biker. A biker with good head and weak legs has a better chance to win than the opposite. A good head is often question of concentration, and when you are concentrated you don't feel pain so much. Here bicycles are outsource ( subject to avaiability) and an accompanying guide takes you through the forest trail and the village trail in the Sitavani reserve forest area.
Parasailing Parasailing is a popular sport in which the rider hitched to a parachute like canopy, known as a Parasail, is set aloft in the air. The Parasail is attached to a long towrope, which is pulled along, by a speeding form of transportation.
Rock Climbing Up is never easy. But you face the rock. You let every finger and all your toes help find the way. Feel every muscle quake and quiver in battle with gravity. Find faith in ropes, in teammates, in yourself. There’s no time for distraction, no room for your mind to wander. It’s you and a route. In rappelling one comes down the rocks, again with the help of ropes and karabiners. These are very good activities to help overcome height phobias. Come conquer the ROCK !
Abseiling/Slithering In this activity, one wears a harness and slides from a bridge with a help of a rope into the river.
River Crossing & Traversing Here, a rope is tied from one end of the river to the other and one crosses the river while hanging on to the rope. From the other set of parallel ropes, one comes back (traversing) standing on one rope and holding on to the other rope.
 

Accommodation and hotels at Corbett national park  There is only government owned accommodations are inside the reserve area of the Corbett national park, they are called forest rest houses and their costs and tariffs towards each lodge range between INR 1800- INR 6000 with/without entry fee, road permit and Taxes. However on the outskirts of the Corbett national park offers all types of wildlife resorts, hotels, lodges and cottages for travelers coming to Corbett national park. Enjoy your Corbett national park tour by choosing the right accommodation for you. All these privately owned accommodations are outside the reserve area of the park. You can email your query at corbettpark@gmail.com for related information to Corbett national park.

Food at Corbett national park  There are limited options when it comes to food at Corbett national park. You can have food either at Dhikala Forest Lodge OR Gairal, ( only they have the functional restaurant for the guests ) other than Ramnagar town. The food is simple and tasty.

Hotels at Corbett National Park / Corbett National Park  There is only government owned accommodations are available inside the reserve area of the Corbett National Park, and their costs and tariffs towards each lodge range between INR 1500- INR 2200 without all entry fee and Taxes. However on the outskirts of the Corbett National Park offers all types of wildlife resorts, hotels, lodges and cottages for travelers coming to Corbett National Park. Enjoy your Corbett National Park tour by choosing the right accommodation for you. So we are offering the list of quality accommodations (resorts, hotels, forest lodges) with the facilities available in the resorts or hotels in and around Corbett National Park. All these privately owned accommodations are outside the reserve area of the park. You can email your query at corbettpark@gmail.com for the accommodation and the safari related information to Corbett National Park.

Food at Corbett National Park  There are limited options when it comes to food at Corbett National Park. You can have food either at Dhikala Forest Lodge OR Gairal, ( only they have the functional restaurant for the guests ) other than Ramnagar town. The food is simple and tasty.

No public buses were running from Ramnagar to Dhikala and Bijrani so one has to make own arrangements. There was a conducted bus trip from Ramnagar to Dhikala, leaving at 7am in the morning. But the prices for the bus trip was very high so no one was using the service other than the tourists, so closed down. Much better value are the Jeeps for hire at Ramnagar. Visitors can rent a Jeep for one full day for Rs 2500, the cost shared between the number of guests sharing it, six passengers are allowed to sit on one jeep. There were many tourists at Dhikala so an elephant safari may not be possible on the first day of arrival at Dhikala.

Books Published on Sir Jim Corbett :Jim Corbett Books ( Man-Eaters of Kumaon, The Temple Tiger and More Man-Eaters of Kumaon, Jungle Lore, The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag)

Man-Eaters of Kumaon : Jim Corbett's book on man-eating tigers are not only established classics, but also almost in a separate literary category by themselves. Man-Eaters of Kumaon is the best known of Colonel Corbett's books, and contains ten fascinating stories of tracking and shooting man-eaters in the Indian Himalaya during the early years of this century. The stories also contain incidental information on flora, fauna and village life, making this book altogether delightful reading.

The Temple Tiger and More Man-Eaters of Kumaon : ( The Last of Colonel Jim Corbetts' books on his unique and enthralling hunting experiences in India) :This is the last of Jim Corbett's books on his unique and thrilling hunting experiences in the Indian Himalaya. Concluding the narrative begun in the famous Man-Eaters of Kumaon, Colonel Corbett here recounts five stories of skill and endurance. As always, he writes with an acute awareness of all the jungle sights and sounds, his words charged with a great love of the human beings in the villages that lay within his hunting terrain. Together with the modesty, calm and precision of his prose, these qualities make these stories very much a part of the classic Corbett corpus.

Jungle Lore : Jungle Lore is the closest Jim Corbett ever came to an autobiography. It is in this book that one sees the real soul of the man and his love affair with the people, jungle and animals of the Kumaon hills. Much of Corbett's childhood is here - his first forays with catapult and gun and his first adventures. Also present is his obsession with the ways of the jungle, about which he was continually striving to learn more. But at the heart of the book is a cry for sensitivity to the fragility of nature and a lament to mankind's divorce from his environment. In this concern, many years before the issues of conservation became widely understood, Corbett was well ahead of his time. Today the import of Jungle Lore is as vibrant as it ever was, the morality even more seminal.

The Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag : Most of Jim Corbett's books contain collections of stories that recount adventures tracking and shooting man-eaters in the Indian Himalaya. This volume, however, consists of a single story, often considered the most exciting of all Corbett's jungle tales. He gives a carefully-detailed account of a notorious leopard that terrorized life in the hills of the colonial United Provinces. This story represents Corbett's most sustained and unique effort.

Ecotourism: The United Nations has designated 2002 as the "International Year of Ecotourism" and rightly so. Today only highly responsible tourism will help the world preserve and sustain its environmental and cultural heritage.

What is Ecotourism Fundamentally, ecotourism means making as little environmental impact as possible and helping to sustain the indigenous populace, thereby encouraging the preservation of wildlife and habitats when visiting a place. This is responsible form of tourism and tourism development, which encourages going back to natural products in every aspect of life. It is also the key to sustainable ecological development. Today the "Green Laws" of conservation are making people aware of how man and the environment can live symbiotically for more time to come and ecotourisim is the only way maximize the economic, environmental and social benefits of tourism. Everyone is a stakeholder in the process and we clearly need to avoid our past shortcomings and negative impact that they have had. In India too the movement is gathering momentum with more and more travel and travel related organisation's are addressing the needs of the eco-tourists and promoting eco-tourism in the country.

Good Points about Corbett National Park

• Beautiful location with rich variety of wildlife, including tiger and elephant.

• Jeep safari and Elephant safaris allow wildlife to be seen from close up and are great fun.

• Relatively easy to travel to Corbett because of the morning and overnight train between Delhi and Ramnagar.

Bad Points about Corbett National Park

• Very popular with tourists, so demand for jeep safari and elephant safaris often exceeds availability.

• Corbett Forest Rest House and Hotel in Corbett National Park are limited, advisable to make booking, before you go Corbett National Park.