About Corbett

Corbett National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parks in North & Central India. It is also India's first National Park. The Park was established in August 8, 1936, and named after the Governor of the United Provinces, Sir Malcolm Hailey, as Hailey National Park. In 1952, the Park's name was changed to Ramganga National Park. In 1957, the Park was renamed yet again, this time after Jim Corbett, the famed hunter-author-photographer-naturalist. Corbett National Park is also the venue from where Project Tiger was launched on April 1, 1973.

The Park is situated in the Himalayan foothills, amidst forested mountains that range from 400m (1,312ft) to 1,210m (3,970ft) in height. Through most of the Park flows the Ramganga River, on the banks of which lived a community in ancient times. It is believed that these people cleared away a tiny part of the forest, and made the area their home. Evidence in the form of terracotta figurines and ruined temples further corroborate the fact that the Ramganga valley was the home of an ancient civilization.

Total Area

1,288.32 sq. km
Corbett National Park : 520.82 sq. km
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary 301.18 sq. km

Reserve Forest: 466.32 sq. km

Altitude: 400 mt. - 1200 mt.

Main flora

Sal, khair, ber, kuthber, bel, chbilla, dhak, semal, khingan, kharpat, rohini, bakli, pula, bamboo.

Main fauna

Mammals:
Tiger, leopard, elephant, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, ghural, langur and rhesus monkey.

Birds:
Peacock, pheasant, pigeon, owl, hornbill, barbet, lark, myna, magpie, minivet, patridge, thrush, tit, nuthatch, wagtail, sunbird, bunting, oriole, kingfisher, drongo, dove, woodpecker, duck, teal, eagle, stork, cormorant, falcon, bulbul, flycatcher, red start and gull.

Reptiles:
Indian marsh crocodile or mugger, gharial, king cobra, common krait, cobra, Russels viper, python and monitor lizard.

History

Till 1820	Private property of local rulers before being taken over by the British Raj.
1820	Ownership passed into British hands.
1820-1850	Forests mercilessly felled for timber by British rulers.
1858	Plan drawn up for protecting the forests.
1879	Declared as reserved forests.
1884	Jim Corbett shoots his first leopard at the age of eight and gets addicted to hunting.
1900-1910	Jim Corbett leads shikar parties and kills two man-eaters.
1910	Jim Corbett gives up killing as mere sport and becomes the savior of the villagers, defending them from man-eaters.
1934	The Park is declared a National Park and Corbett helps define the boundaries.
1935-1936	It was set up as the first authentic National Park under United Provinces National Parks Act. It was named the Hailey National Park, after Sir Malcom Hailey, the Governor of United Provinces.
1954	With independence it was renamed as the Ramganga National Park.
19 April 1955	Jim Corbett died at Nyeri.
1957	After the death of Jim Corbett, the park is renamed in honour of his memory.
1 April 1973	The Park becomes the first Tiger Reserve of India under Project Tiger.
1 Feb. 1974	Inauguration of Tiger Project.
1986	Corbett National park celebrates its Golden Jubilee.
1996	Celebrated Diamond Jubilee of its existence as Corbett national park.
1998	‘Silver Jubilee’ year of Project Tiger.
9 Nov. 2000	Became part of Uttarakhand and now Uttarakhand state.

RESPECT THE FORESTS AS PLACES OF WORSHIP FOR THE SURVIVAL AND WELL BEING OF THE GENERATIONS TO COME.

Do's and Don'ts in the Corbett National Park

1.Walking or trekking inside the national park is strictly prohibited.
1.Avoid perfumes and bright clothes, wear clothes of colour which merge with the natural surroundings.
1.Carry a litter bag while entering the Tiger Reserve and bring back non-biodegradable litter.
1.Do not make noises/talk loudly inside the forest.
1.Do not smoke in the forest.
1.Do not collect plants or pluck flowers.
1.While taking photographs or shooting videos, do not disturb the wild animals. ( For eg. Use of flash guns)
1.Shouting, teasing or chasing animals or attempts to feed them are prohibited.
1.Respect local traditions, customs and religions.