History of Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. 1936 Corbett attained the distinction as the first national park to be established in mainland Asia.

Corbett National Park lies in two districts – Nainital and Pauri – in the hill state of Uttarakhand in northern India. It covers an area of 521 sq. km and together with the neighbouring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve over 1288 sq. km.

Its geographical location between the Himalayas and the Tarai, and the streams, rivers and ridges crisscrossing the terrain, present Corbett with a remarkable variety of landscapes. This vivid mosaic of habitats – wet and dry, plain and mountainous, gentle and rugged, forests and grasslands – supports numerous plant and animal species, representing Himalayan as well as plains kinds. The most famous of Corbett’s wild residents are the Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant, but with about 600 species of avifauna Corbett is one of the richest bird regions of India.

Corbett isn’t just about Nature. It is also a rich treasure of history and cultural heritage. The park has a long tradition of conservation. The fact that it is the oldest National Park of the Asia and India’s first Tiger Reserve itself symbolises that Corbett is a pioneer in efforts at preserving our natural heritage.

The great naturalist cum writer Jim Corbett does not needs introduction. His writings have fascinated generations of wildlife enthusiasts and he still commands no less appeal nowadays. The areas in and around the present day Corbett National Park were the stage for his exciting adventures in wilderness. Most of his man-eater hunting expeditions also took place in the same areas. Jim Corbett lived in Kaladhungi, where his house has been made into a Museum dedicated to his life and times. Besides being located at a bio-geographic confluence, Corbett National Park is situated at the junction of two distinct hill regions of Uttaranchal – Garhwal and Kumaon. Hence, the Park represents a synthesis of cultures of both these mountain areas.

Total Area of the Corbett Park: 1,288.32 sq. km
Corbett National Park : 520.82 sq. km
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary 301.18 sq. km
Reserve Forest at the Corbett Park: 466.32 sq. km 
Altitude of the Corbett Park: 400 mt. - 1200 mt. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT CORBETT

Every year Bijarani zone get operational from Mid of October and The core area of the national park Dhikala zone get operational from 15th of Nov. The main reason for closure of the Bijarani and Dhikala zone during the rest of the year is that during the monsoons most of the roads get washed away. Repair work starts after the rains end and it is only by October to November that roads to Bijarani and Dhikala are back in motorable condition. Corbett National Park remains open throughout the year for the visitors from Jhrina zone.

Seasons: There are three well defined seasons

Winter: November to February

Summer: March to June

Monsoon: July to October

However Corbett National Park remains open throughout the year for the visitors from Jhrina zone but the best time to visit Corbett is from 15th November to 15th June because during this period of time all the tourism zones of Corbett are open for visitors and one can visit the entire national park area.