JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

Jim Corbett National Park is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand state. The first national park in India, it was established in 1936 during the British Raj and named Hailey National Park after William Malcolm Hailey, a governor of the United Provinces. In 1956, nearly a decade after India's independence, it was renamed Corbett National Park in honor of legendary hunter turned conservationist and author "Jim Corbett". He played a leading role in its establishment; Jim Corbett National Park is the India's first park to come under Project Tiger initiative.

India's oldest national park is spread over the area of 520 sq kms, heaven for birdwatchers - around 600 species and subspecies are recorded in this area which is almost one-third of total species and subspecies present in our Indian subcontinent. The land of roar and trumpet - the varied topography and flora makes the park a rich diversity in habitats and natural beauty. It has numerous ravines, ridges, minor streams and small plateaus with varying aspects and degrees of slope. The park encompasses the Patli Dun valley formed by the river Ramganga. It protects parts of the Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests and Himalayan subtropical pine forests ecoregions.

This dense moist deciduous forest mainly consists of the sal tree, peepal, rohini and mango trees. The best part of this foothill himalayan national park is that you are allowed to stay inside the forest in the government managed rest houses - though accommodation is basic but has most of the facilities one requires for a night stay; each guest house are is located at strategic locations for best wildlife viewing. This broadleaved (Sal) forest comprises most sought-after Mammal species besides the highest density of - the Royal Bengal Tigers, Corbett also plays host to Asiatic Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Otters, Martins, Gharials and Crocodiles to name a few.

Mammals: Tiger, Leopard, Asiatic Elephant, Chital Deer, Sambar Deer, Hogg Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Langur, Wild pig, Rhesus Monkey, Jackal, Rabbit, Yellow Throated Martin, Otters etc.

Birds: Ultramarine Flycatcher, Long-tailed Broadbill and Blue-winged Minla, Little and Spotted Forktails, Brown Dipper and the Slaty, Long-billed Thrush, Common Green Magpie, Brown Fish Owl and the rare Tawny Fish Owl, Pallases and Osprey Fish Eagle, Great Thicknee, Ibisbill, Wall Creeper, Lineated Barbet, Bluethroated Barbet, Crimsonbreasted Barbet, Blacknaped Green Woodpecker, Lesser Goldenbacked Woodpecker, Golden Oriole, Storkbilled Kingfisher, Great Pied Hornbill, Hoopoe, Common Grey Hornbill, Broadbilled Roller, Indian Pied Hornbill and many more.

Bijrani Zone is a very popular tourist hub because of its bountiful natural beauty and open grasslands. The entry gate of the zone is located at only 1 Km from Ramnagar city.

Jhirna is another important tourist zone in the Jim Corbett National park which is open for tourists round the year. Jhirna Gate is located at a distance of 16 km from Ramnagar city.

Dhela is a new eco-tourism zone in the Corbett National Park which was included in the tiger reserve zone in November 2014. This is the only area in the reserve's buffer zone open for tourists in CTR. The Zone is retaining the attention of a large number of tourists because of its rich biodiversity and is open throughout the year. Also, it is located at an approximate distance of 13 Km from Ramnagar City.

Being the largest and the most diversified safari zone in Corbett, Dhikala is famous for its bountiful natural beauty as well as for offering the best sight for its exotic fauna. The Entry gate is 18 km away from Ramnagar city. Night stay inside the Dhikala Tourism Zone is highly recommended for the hardcore wildlife enthusiasts

Located at the north eastern boundary of the Jim Corbett National Park, Durga Devi zone is the heaven on planet earth for those who are fond of bird watching. The Entry gate is located at an approximate distance of 36 km from Ramnagar city.

Sitabani Zone doesn't fall under the Corbett Tiger Reserve area. But, if you are fond of the serene ambiance of the natural beauty, you must visit the Sitabani area.