Introduction
The Corbett National Park, snuggled up in the foothills of the Himalayas, is frequented due to it wild population of tigers, leopards and elephants. Formerly known as the Hailey National Park, it has the eminence of being the first national park of the country and also the first to come under the scheme of Project Tiger, launched in the year 1973. The national park once serves as a famous hunting ground of the British. The park occupies an area of 201 sq miles and is named after the illustrious naturalist-turned-author Jim Corbett, who spent many years in the park.

Spotting The Wildlife
The popularity of the national park rests much on the varied vegetation which topography which comprises hilly terrain, marshes, riverines, plateaus and ravines. Sal trees dominate almost all of the low-lying areas. The jungle confines shelter around 110 tree species, 50 mammal species, 580 avian species and 25 species of reptiles.

Though tigers and leopards are the major attractions, the park has other inmates like wild boar, deer, leopard cat, jungle cat, fishing cat, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear (seen in high-altitude areas), jackal, sambhar, rhesus macaques, langur monkeys, wild dog etc.

Elephants are also a major draw for visitors to the national park. To watch various species of crocodiles, you need to head towards the Ramganga river shores. The fish eating Gharial crocodile and the Mugger crocodile are the main attractions here. Apart from these, you can spot smaller animal species like Indian gray mongoose, Common Otter, Himalayan Palm Civet, porcupine, Blacknaped hare etc.

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Adventure Safaris
The highlight of your visit to the national park is an elephant safari, penetrating the deeper jungle confines. You can start searching for tigers or a herd of elephants. The mahout is well-versed with the jungle paths and has quite a lot of knowledge of the wildlife species. Another option to explore the abundant wildlife of the park is by way of a Jeep Safari. Make sure that a guide accompanies you on your safari; so as to extract the maximum of your trip.

Other Activities
Good fishing/ angling options await the adventure seekers at Ramnagar. Here, you will come across with a number of anglers trying their luck to get hold of the legendary mahaseer, a river carp, to make their trip legendary as well.

Best Time To Visit
Wildlife lovers can make a trip to the Corbett National Park from November 15 to June 15. No visits are entertained from June 16 to November 14, as the park remains closed during this period. It is due to the monsoons that make the river beds overflow, resulting in the disconnection of fragile road links.

Getting There
Phoolbagh (Pantnagar), 50 km from the national park, is the closest airport. New Delhi's IGI Airport is at a distance of 300 km from here. Ramnagar, lying on the broad gauge track, is the nearest rail connection. Tourists, however, can change trains at Moradabad to avail of various super-fast and express trains reaching different parts of the country. Ramnagar has regular buses connecting to places like Nainital, Ranikhet and Delhi.

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