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Corbett National Park

India's first and finest park spread over 520 sq. Kms. along the banks of the Ramganga river, just 300 Kms. northeast of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas is the Corbett National Park.

Established initially as Hailey National Park on August 8, 1936, in honour of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952. In 1957, it was finally named as Corbett National Park in honour and memory of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries.

The elevation of the Park ranges between 400 mts. and 1210 mts. The multipurpose hydel dam at kalagarh lies at the southwestern fringe of Corbett. the lake inside, with its scenic charm, has added to the beauty of the park. Many species of water birds, both migrant and non-migrant, frequent its water. Crocodiles and long snouted fish-eating gharial have found new homes here and their numbers have increased. They can often be seen sunbasking on the sand banks. For anglers too, the lake is a paradise. Fish, such as the mashseer, abound in the lake and river. The Park offers difference kinds of vegetation al along its varied topography which comprises hilly and riparian areas, temporary masshy depressions, plateaus and ravines.

110 Spices of trees, 51 species of shrubs and over 33 species of bamboo are found here. There are three distinct seasons in Corbett, Cold Nov. to feb., Hot- March to June, Rainy- July to Oct. Over 50 mammal, 580bird and 25 reptile species have been listed in the Corbett. Also astounding is the insect life here. Corbett is a known haven for tigers, largely owing to the success of WWF funded project-tiger that was launched on 1st April 1973. Other animals which add to its attraction are : Leopard, leopard cat, jungle cat, fishing cat,himalayan black bear, dhole, yellow-throated morten, elephant, porcupine, chital, barking deer etc. Some of the birds commonly seen here are osprey, crested serpent eagle, blackwinged kite, shikra, Pallas's fishing eagle, spotted eagle, minivets, shrikes, babblers etc.

The Gharials, descendants of the prehistoric reptilies, have made the park their home. The Indian python, viper, cobra, krait and king cobra, the largest of the poisonous snakes, also inhabit Corbett, as monitors and other lesser lizards.

General Information :
Area : 520.8sq.km. Altitude : Between 400mt and 1,100mt.

Temperature :
Summer : 46°C 19°C
Winter : 25°C 4°C

Main entry point :
Dhangarhi, Main Tourist Centre & Dhikala.

Tourist season :
Nov. 15 to June15


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