Jim Corbett National Park, which is a part of the largerCorbett Tiger Reserve, lies in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The magical landscape of Corbett is well known and is fairy-tale for its tiger richness. Established in the year 1936 asHailey National Park, Corbett has the glory of being India's oldest and most prestigious National Park. It is also being honoured as the place where project Tiger was first launched in 1973.
Total tourist area spreads over an extent of 520 square kilometres, its whole area comprises of hills, revering belts, grasslands and large lake. It is among the few tiger reserves in India that allow overnight stays in the lap of the National Park. Wildlife viewing in the park is done in an open four wheeler Jeep and on canter during morning and evening safaris in its various zones. The national park is one of the most sought-after destinations for the wildlife lovers.
If you love bird watching then Corbett is virtual haven for such tourists. Corbett and its adjoining area is a home to more than 650 species of residents and migratory birds. In a nutshell, this finest national park of India is well known for rich and varied wildlife including royal Bengal tiger, elephant, four to five species of deer and rich birdlife.
The Tourist Zones: In order to promote tourism in the region Corbett National Park has been divided into five different zones. These are the marked buffer or core area of the park where visitors can be part of wildlife safari and can enjoy the intriguing behaviour of the animals with bare eyes at proximity.
Bijrani,
Jhirna,
Dhela,
Dhikala,
Durgadevi
Sitabani,
Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve
Pawalgarh Conservation Reserveis the 3rd conservation reserve of Uttarakhand, notified in 2012, due to its importance for wildlife conservation. The region is drained by the Kosi and Dabka rivers, while the Baur River flows to the east.
The habitat of Pawalgarh consists of a combination of hills and plains, with a mixed habitat comprising of moist and dry Sal and mixed forests, grasslands and reversing forest. This varied ecosystem hosts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including tiger, elephant and over 350 species of birds, including the iconic Great Salty Woodpecker.T he ‘Bachelor of Powlgarh‘ was shot in this area byJim Corbett.
Nawalgarh Conservation ReserveThe area had been the home turf ofJim Corbettand many of his writings are set in this area. Sandani Gaja–a beautiful, large grassland in proximity of revering forests is located 5 km south-east of Pawalgarh Forest Rest House. According to Jim Corbett, Sandani Gaja ‘in addition to being the most beautiful spot for a hundred miles round is noted for its birdlife’. The area is primarily drained by Dabka River and has prime forests of Sal and other species. Baur River flows to the east of the area. The area is already attracting a large number of birding visitors on account of its diverse birdlife, estimated to be over 350 bird species.
Pawalgarh, home to some marvellous forests, become famous after the publication of the story“Bachelor of Pawalgarh”in the book”My India”published by the legendary hunter turned conservationist, Jim Corbett.
Sighting a Tiger is something of ‘Luck by chance’ at this tiger conservation reserve, but nonetheless, the virgin forest is worth exploring
The sprawling FRH of Powalgarh built in 1912, is 4 km from IRIS Spa & Resort.
Home of Jim Corbett, actually a heritage bungalow is the magnificent museum which brings the memory of the life and activities of the spectacular and distinguished person in the jungle of the Kumaon hills. A visit to the Corbett Museum is more meaningful and knowledgeable since one can learn the importance of wildlife while roaming around the vast and majestic vicinity of the Corbett Reserve.
By visiting the heritage museum one can surely imagine how majestic these man-eaters are and the close encounter of such species is really worthwhile. Since the museum beholds many attractive belongings of Jim Corbett including personal articles, paintings, sketches, manuscripts and last hunt of its own. The whole museum has glorifying attractions that catch attention of all the tourists. It is the place where the animal lovers can also make some good purchase of handmade rural items and handicraft items that reflect the images of tiger and other wild animals.
Dhikal Zone is popular among the visitors for rare species of Hog deers and can be accessed through Dhangari gate, and located 18 kilometers away from Ramnagar.
Brijarani Zone is popular among the birdwatchers, with its habitat of hundreds of rare species of birds. The zone can be accessed through Aamdanda Gate.
Jhirna zone is the best spot for jeep safari as visitors and can be accessed through Dhela Gate, The zone is located at the distance of 20 Kms from Ramnagar.
Durgadevi is known for its river belt and wild animals and is situated at the North-Eastern side of the reserve.
Sonanadi literally means the river of gold. The zone offers beautiful landscape dense forest area and waterfalls.
Dhela zone was opened in 2013 and has mixed forest and large grasslands rich wildlife with leopards, tigers and elephants and hundreds of rare species of birds.