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. It is located in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand India and spans over 520 square km of hills, riverine belts, marshy depressions, grasslands, Sal forests and a big reservoir. Forest covers almost 73% of the park, while 10% of the area consists of grasslands. The elevation ranges from 1300 to 4000 feet.
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.
Uttarakhand State in India is endowed with a unique and diverse range of biodiversity. From the snowbound peaks of the Himalayas to the moist Alpine scrubs, The state possesses wide biodiversity that in return nurtures a large multiplicity of floral and faunal forms.
It has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife, birds and breathtaking landscapes. The natural uniqueness of the area was recognized long ago as a result of which in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction of becoming the first National Park to be established in mainland Asia. The park was then named as the 'Hailey National Park' and was later renamed as 'Corbett National Park' after James Edward Corbett the noted hunter turned conservationist of the area. The area came under 'Project Tiger' in 1971 when Gov. of India launched this ambitious conservation project.
There are 488 different species of plants & trees mainly Sal, Semal, Dhak, Kharpat, Sissoo, Khair, Khingan, Bakli, Bel, Ber, Bamboo, Rohini, Pula, Khingan and Kuthber.
This great floral diversity supports a wide variety of faunal forms too. It includes about 102 species of mammals, 623 species of birds, 124 species of fish, 69 species of reptiles and 19 species of amphibians. Highly endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Bharal, Himalayan Monal, Cheer Pheasant, King Cobra etc. find suitable habitat in the forests of Uttarakhand.
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.