Elephant sighted in Jim Corbett National Park
Nothing captures the imagination of a traveller more than a
safari; quietly exploring the jungle, binoculars in hand, as you search for a
rare sighting of a beautiful beast. Of course, the most elusive animal to sight
in India has to be the Bengal Tiger, and one of the best chances you have of
seeing this incredible animal is at Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. While tiger sighting is one of
the biggest draw-cards of this national park in India, there is so much more to
explore here, so make sure you take your time.
One of the biggest draw-cards of Corbett, the
Bengal Tiger
One of the biggest draw-cards of Corbett, the Bengal Tiger| Photo Credit: Sumeet Moghe/ Wikimedia
Located at the foot of the Himalayas and surrounded by
a breathtaking and diverse landscape of rivers, mountains and forests, Corbett
National Park has a wide variety of flora and fauna.
You can’t miss catching a glimpse of the imposing Asiatic
Elephant, but search deep
into the jungle and you will also find sloth bears, macaques, otters, deer,
jackals, crocodiles and if you are really lucky, a leopard high in the trees.
An ornithologist’s dream, there are over 600 species of birds in this wildlife
reserve.
Corbett National Park also has a rich history that is worth
exploring while you are here. It is the oldest National Park in Asia and
India’s first tiger reserve. Established by the naturalist Jim Corbett, you can
find out more about his experiences in the region at the museum that was once
his house in Kaladhungi, which is about 28 kilometres from the national park on
the road to Nainital.
Enter the
Jungle
There are quite a few options for you to see the park, and it is
well worth trying a few different things so that you can experience all that
the park has to offer, and of course increase your chances of seeing more
animals. Before you get started, why not see the Visitor Centre and Museum at
Dhangari Gate, so that you can learn more about the history of the park and its
environment, this will give you some context and prepare you for what you are
about to see. You can explore the library at Dhikala or watch wildlife films in
the evening, to learn more about the animals of the area.
Spot the gentle giant, the Asiatic Elephant
Hiring a Nature Guide
is a great idea as they are specially trained in spotting wildlife, and know
the region intimately; you will be amazed how a large tiger can camouflage its
golden coat amidst the verdant jungle. A jeep safari is a must-do; it is well
worth your time to wake up at dawn to spot animals as they rise before the heat
of the day sets in. You can arrange a safari through your resort or when you
arrive at the park.
One of the most thrilling experiences for kids and adults alike
is an elephant ride in the jungle. During the ride, you can enjoy
great views of the landscape and the possibility of seeing so much more
wildlife and possibly even getting close to a Bengal Tiger. You don’t want to
miss this experience, so be sure to book it in advance, and remember that
Monday is a rest day for the hard-working elephants. For a different view,
there are several watchtowers at Dhikala, Phulai and Jhirna where you can see
the wildlife.
Insider Tips
How to Reach Corbett National Park: The
headquarters for the tiger reserve is located in the town of Ramnagar, which is
well connected through North India. If you are coming by road, Ramnagar is
about 240 kilometres from Delhi, or 160 kilometres from Bareilly and is also
easy to reach from nearby Nainital.
Buses travel regularly from Delhi, Moradabad and Haldwani to
Ramnagar, with the trip all the way from Delhi taking about 6 hours. If you are
bringing your own car, just remember that you cannot use your own vehicle in
the park and will need to hire a jeep to take you in.
It is also quite comfortable to reach Corbett National Park by
train, with a direct line from New Delhi that will take between 4 and 6 hours,
depending on the train.
Where to Stay? The Monals Nest
Resort and Aahana the Corbett Wilderness (eco-friendly resort) are a
few hotels in Corbett.
No matter what you do at Corbett National Park, don’t forget to
take your camera because there will be something to click at every
turn! If you are planning to go over the busy Christmas and New Year period, it is
worthwhile to book your
Corbett holiday well in advance.
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Gmail: lksinghnaturalist@gmail.com/
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