Corbett National Park
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett National Park is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and a jewel in the crown of India's national parks. Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, it holds the distinction of being the country's first national park and was later renamed in honor of the renowned naturalist and photographer Jim Corbett. It stretches over 520 square kilometers of forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats in the state of Uttarakhand.
Corbett National Park is a haven for Bengal tigers, and it was one of the first venues for Project Tiger, an initiative launched in 1973 to protect these majestic animals. Besides tigers, the park is home to a plethora of other species, including leopards, elephants, Himalayan black bears, and several species of deer and monkeys, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
The park's landscape is as diverse as its wildlife, with the Ramganga River meandering through it, numerous streams cutting across the terrain, and a mosaic of sal and teak forests providing a rich tapestry of ecosystems. This varied topography offers visitors an array of experiences, from jeep safaris that allow for wildlife spotting to tranquil walks through the verdant vegetation.
Corbett National Park also offers opportunities for bird watching, with over 650 species of birds residing or migrating here. Enthusiasts can revel in the sights and sounds of the Indian subcontinent's avian life, from the resident tawny fish owl to the dazzling plumage of the paradise flycatcher.
Best Time To Visit Corbett National Park
Learn when is the best time to travel to Corbett National Park weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Bengal tiger
The Bengal tiger, scientifically known as *Panthera tigris tigris*, is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. Regrettably, these majestic creatures face significant threats such as poaching, habitat loss, and fragmentation.
Mammals
Asiatic Black Bear
The Asian black bear, also known as the Asiatic black bear, moon bear, and white-chested bear, is a captivating medium-sized bear species native to Asia. These bears are highly adapted to an arboreal lifestyle, spending substantial time in trees.
Mammals
Egyptian vulture
The Egyptian vulture, also known as the white scavenger vulture or pharaoh's chicken, is a remarkable bird that stands out within the vulture family. It is the sole representative of the Neophron genus and boasts a vast range that extends from the Iberian Peninsula...
Birds
Sloth bear
The sloth bear, native to the Indian subcontinent, is a fascinating species known for its diet of fruits, ants, and termites. Sadly, it’s listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and degradation.
Mammals
Gharial
The gharial, often referred to as the gavial or fish-eating crocodile, is a unique species of crocodilian within the Gavialidae family. Notable for its impressive length, mature females typically range from 2.6 to 4.5 meters, while males can grow between 3 and 6 meters.
Reptiles
Uttarakhand