Jun 22, 2005 11:55 AM
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(Updated Jun 22, 2005 12:06 PM)
Wildlife called and I headed out to the land of the tigers ''The Corbett National Park''.Named after the famous hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett is this park located at a distance of 290 kms from Delhi .
Corbett had the proud distinction of being chosen as the venue for the inauguration of Project Tiger in India.The Reserve area was named as ‘Hailey National Park’ in 1936. This was renamed in 1954-55 as ‘Ramganga National Park’ and again in 1955-56 as ‘Corbett National Park’. Its the oldest National Park of India. It was one of the nine Tiger Reserves created at the launch of the Project Tiger in 1973. The original area of the Park was 323 sq. km. to which 197 sq. km. was added later. An area of 797 sq. km. was added as buffer of the Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1991. This area includes the whole of Kalagarh Forest Division (including 301.18 sq. km. area of Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary), 96.70 sq. km. of Ramnagar Forest Division and 89 sq. km.
This national park has three entrances . The most famous one being near Dhikala . Overnightstay is compulsory in Dhikala as this happens to be the core area of the forest . The other entrance is one km away from Ramnagar and this entrance facilitates a day visit .Private cars (selected ones ) are allowed in the park also jeeps are available near the entrances . There are also government run safaris but prior booking is required for this .It is necessary for vehicle entering Corbett to have a guide with them (guides are available near the entrances).
The major fauna are as under:
Mammals: Tiger Panthera tigris, leopard Panthera pardus, elephant Elephas maximus, chital Axis axis, sambar Cervus unicolor, hog deer Azis percinus, barking deer Muntiacus muntjak, wild boar Sus scrofa, langur Presbytis entellus and Rhesus monkey Macaca mulatta;
Birds: Peacock, Jungle Fowl, partridge, Kaleej Pheasant, crow, vulture, parakeet, Laughing Thrush, oriole, kingfisher, drongo, dove, woodpecker, duck, teal, stork,
Reptile: Indian marsh crocodile or mugger Crocodilus palustris, gharial Gavialis gangeticus, King cobra Naja bungarus, common krait Bungarus caoruleus, cobra Naja naja, Russels viper Vipera ruselli and python Python molorus and monitor lizard;
Fish: Mahaseer Barbus tor, kalimuchi Barbus chilinoides, kalabasu Labeo calabasu, chilwa Oxygastro bacaila .
How to reach:Ramnagar is the nearest railway station.
Where to stay:Lodges are available in and around Corbett (for lodges in Dhikala prior booking may be required .
NB: Corbett is closed from end of May -September as this is the breeding season .
