Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett was a pioneer in wildlife education and conservation. Long before anyone could foresee the dreadful impact industrialization would have on modern and free INDIA, this man had started spreading awareness about the importance of wildlife and its need for conservation.

With the death of Jim Corbett we have definitely lost a vast treasure of knowledge.  The sort of knowledge the modern day re-searcher can only dream of having. The great man not only knew the flora and fauna of his surroundings but could also talk their language. He could predict the movement of Tigers and Leopards as if predicting the movements of his own kin. He was able to imitate the calls of most of the birds of Kumaon Region and knew almost everything about their habits and habitat. His knowledge of the Birds, Bees, Insects, and Reptiles was impeccable and I can’t think of anyone who learnt so much from Mother Nature.

Jim Corbett’s last and most important gift to his country was the formation of a Reserve in the Ramganga River Valley where all hunting was strictly prohibited.  The Reserve was named as Hailey National Park, after Sir Malcolm Hailey, the then Governor of United Provinces. It was with Hailey that Corbett formed this Reserve and later on the Indian government changed its name to Jim Corbett National Park.

Which brings us to the beautiful place itself. Nestled in Himalayan foothills with the Ramganga River flowing through its very heart, this place evokes emotions that hitherto you would feel incapable of expressing. Many a poets and writers have been at a loss of words after visiting this place.

The lush green Terai grassland  extends for miles before meeting the foothills of the mountains, with the grass gently swaying in the breeze, spotted deer congregating in a small patch of this vast grassland enjoying an afternoon siesta, a lone wild boar foraging for food, eagles circling the skies above your head, it is a picture of absolute tranquility.

You often see couple of Pallas fishing eagles sitting on a dry stump of tree, a lone grey headed fishing eagle sitting high atop a Sal tree overlooking the proceedings below.

Herds of elephants congregate on the banks of the Ramganga River during the dry season.  Guided by the knowledge passed on from generation to generation they undertake a local migration  to come to the shores of this river.

Corbett is one place where you can hear both the trumpets of the elephants and the roar of the tiger at the same time. There are many instances where you can see a tiger passing through the forest with the herd of elephants keeping a close eye on its movement, both the titans giving one other equal respect.

Corbett boasts of a variety of bird life. Lesser Fish Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, Egyptian vulture, Red Headed vulture, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Tawny Fish owl, Brown Fish Owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Ibisbill, Bright-headed Cisticola, Rosy Minivet, White-tailed Rubythroat, khalij pheasant, long tailed broadbill are just some of the species that are regularly seen in and around the park.   One of the smallest raptors, the collared falconet is also seen here. Parakeets, cuckoos, hornbills, barbets, orioles, thrushes are quite common here.   One can have a very good time just watching and observing these birds.

Come join us this summer to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth!!