Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett Tiger Reserve lies mainly in the districts of Nainital, Almora and Pauri Garhwal. The reserve, extending over the Terai and Bhabar tracts in Uttarakhand, coveres a total area of 1218.54 sq km and consitutes of Corbett National Park (520.82 sq km), Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary (301.18 sq km) and Kalagarh Reserve Forest (496.54 sq km).
This erstwhile hunting ground was first protected by Major Ramsey in 1858. He banned farming and cattle grazing in the lower Patlidun Valley, which now forms a large portion of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Finally, in 1936, Governor Malcolm Hailey declared it as a National Park, which was India's first and the world's third National Park. Hailey National Park, as it was then known, covered around 325 sq km, and Major James E. Corbett (popularly known as Jim Corbett) was one of the key consultants in defining its boundaries. Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist, was highly instumental in preservation of its unique wildlife and dense forests. In his honour, the park was renamed as Corbett National Park in 1957, two years after Jim Corbett's death. In 1973, the Government of India launched the Project Tiger and Corbett National Park was one of the first to be included under the project.
The terrain of the park is hilly, ranging from 600-1100 m above the sea level, and consisting of mixed deciduous forests of Sal (Shorea robusta) and Sheesham (Dalbergia sp) and open grassy patches known as chaurs. The park is famous for its amazing biodiversity consisting of 580+ sp of birds, around 50 sp of mammals, at least 25 sp of reptiles in addition to hundreds of species of insects and plants.
Some of its famous fauna include: (Mammals) Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Goral, Chital, Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Porcupine, Yellow-throated Marten, Hanuman Langur, (Reptiles) Mugger Crocodile, Gharial Crocodile, King Cobra, Rock Python, (Birds) Kingfishers, Wagtails, Forktails, Pheasants, Hornbills, Eagles, Vultures, migratory waterfowls, etc. BOOK NOW
other adventurous activities under the guidance of our experienced resort staff.
Angling
Enjoy a battle of strength and wits as you try to hook a Golden Mahseer. We allow "catch and release" of this magnificent endangered fish in this protected pool of the Kosi River.The Corbett Foundation, funded by the CCIPL, is working hard to protect Golden Mahseer. The funds raised through this programme goes into the conservation of this species.
Jeep safari
Experience the thrill and anticipation of tracking a tiger in an open top jeep. Our Naturalists will show you the flora and fauna of the park. Nothing is left to your imagination...every alarm call, or breaking of twigs is interpreted as they take you on a guided wildlife safari. Bird watchers will have a treat in Corbett as there are more than 580 species of birds here. Be sure to tell us that you are a bird lover and a check list will be provided. Our modified Tata Spacio and Gypsy vehicles will ensure that your drive is comfortable and secure.
Elephant Safari
Get up close and personal with the other wild denizens as the mahout takes you on our elephant. This is the most eco-friendly way of getting around the Corbett National Park without worrying about meeting a predator while on foot. Relax to the gentle rhythm of the elephant swaying from side to side and get lulled into a peaceful state of mind. All three tourism zones in Corbett National Park are great places to go exploring, as each boasts of different terrains and topography. Experience a night stay at Dhikala or take a jeep safari at Bijrani or Jirna. You will be amply rewarded with wonderful sightings of elephants, tigers, leopards, sambhar, spotted deer, nilgai, wild boars, rhesus macaques, mugger crocodiles and gharial crocodiles.