The Corbett park is first national park of India established in the year 1936 it was named Hailey National Park. In 1957 ,the park was rechristned as the Corbett National Park in the memory of Late Jim Corbett great naturalist, eminent conservationist. It is 118 Kms. from Nainital via Kaladhungi & Ramnagar.
The Corbett national park covering an area of 521 Sq. Kms. is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas. It spreads over parts of two districts , a major part of park with an area of 312.86 sq. Kms. falls in Pauri Garhwal district and the balance 208.14 sq. Kms. in Nainital district . The park occupies portions of Kalagarh and Ramnagar forest divisions .It falls within the trek of land known as Paltidun
The park embraces the picturesque broad flat valley consisting of vast Savannah and surrounded by hills drained by small rivers .Savannah woodland ,bamboo brakes dry deciduous forests and Sissu-Khair forests provide as variety of vegetation and consequently habitats for different species of wild life. The Ramganga river meandering its way through the park with some deep pools and foaming rapids forms the main water source.Good size patches of thick elephant grass growing along the river banks and moist localities provide ideal shelter to the tiger. The forests in the park mainly consists of Shisham,Sal & Chir.
The park is rich in wild life such as elephant ,tiger ,panther ,bear ,dear ,pig,jungle cats, porcupine ,hyena ,and jackal. Amongst the birds are the pea fowl,the jungle fowl ,grey and black partridge,pigeons,quails ,kingfisher ,kite ,lark and the woodpecker. The Ramganga is full of mahaseer fishes.
Amongst the reptiles are python,crocodile and many species of lizards and snakes. Tigers are fairly well distributed over the park and inhabit the large number of nalas , ravines and open glades The natural food of the tiger consists of Sambhar,Chital ,Kakar ,Para and wild boar is found in plenty all over the reserve .Sloth bears are confined mainly to hilly area .Several elephants live in the park ,but they keep moving to the adjoining forests in search of food.
How to Reach Corbett National Park:
The nearest rail head is Ramnagar which is the terminus of Delhi-Moradabad-Ramnagar broad gauge branch of North East Railway.Ramnagar is connected by road to Delhi as well as Lucknow.
Delhi is 240 Kms. away via Kashipur-Moradabad-Ghaziabad , while Lucknow is 432 Kms. via Kashipur-Rampur & Bareilly. Ramnagar is 60 Kms. from Nainital via Kaladhungi. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar about 80 Kms. from Ramnagar.
Dhangarhi is the main entrance to the park is located on Ramnagar-Ranikhet road 19 Kms. from Ramnagar.
Dhangarhi houses a museum of dead animals and is worth visiting.
South western boundry of park touches Kalagarh which can also be approached from Moradabad.
Dhikala 35 Kms. from Dhangarhi connected by forest road is the main tourist spot of the park.
There is one more entrance from Amdanda six Kms. from Ramnagar in Phooltal area.
