Corbett National Park has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. The natural uniqueness of the area was recognised long ago and so in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction as the first national park to be established in mainland Asia.

Corbett National Park lies in two districts – Nainital and Pauri – in the hill state of Uttaranchal in northern India. It covers an area of 521 sq. km and together with the neighbouring Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Reserve Forest areas, forms the Corbett Tiger Reserve over 1288 sq. km.

Its geographical location between the Himalayas and the terai, and the streams, rivers and ridges crisscrossing the terrain, present Corbett with a remarkable variety of landscapes. This vivid mosaic of habitats – wet and dry, plain and mountainous, gentle and rugged, forests and grasslands – supports numerous plant and animal species, representing Himalayan as well as plains kinds. The most famous of Corbett’s wild residents are the Bengal Tiger and the Asiatic Elephant, but with about 600 species of avifauna Corbett is one of the richest bird regions of India.

Corbett isn’t just about Nature. It is also a rich treasure of history and cultural heritage. The park has a long tradition of conservation. The fact that it is the oldest National Park of the Asia and India’s first Tiger Reserve itself symbolises that Corbett is a pioneer in efforts at preserving our natural heritage.

The great naturalist-writer Jim Corbett needs little introduction. His writings have fascinated generations of wildlife enthusiasts and he still commands no less appeal nowadays. The areas in and around the present day Corbett National Park were the stage for his exciting adventures in wilderness. Most of his man-eater hunting expeditions also took place in the same areas. Jim Corbett lived in Kaladhungi, where his house has been made into a Museum dedicated to his life and times.

Besides being located at a biogeographic confluence, Corbett National Park is situated at the junction of two distinct hill regions of Uttaranchal – Garhwal and Kumaon. Hence, the Park represents a synthesis of cultures of both these mountain areas. 

information FOR VISITORS 

Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and wildlife lovers for a long time. Tourism is allowed in selected areas of Corbett Tiger Reserve so that people get an opportunity to see its splendid landscape and the diverse wildlife living here. 

In recent years the number of people coming here has increased dramatically. Presently, every season more than 70,000 visitors come to the park from India and abroad.

General Information

• Altitude: 385-1100 m above mean sea level

• Annual rainfall: 1400-2800 mm.

• Temperature range: 4°C in winter to 42°C during summer.

When to Visit: 

Corbett remains open to tourists from 15th November to 15th June. The main reason for closure of the Park during the rest of the year is that during the monsoons most of the roads get washed away. Repair work starts after the rains end and it is only by November that roads are back in motorable condition.

Getting there: 

The town of Ramnagar forms the headquarters of Corbett Tiger Reserve. It is well connected to important places by road and rail.

By Road: Ramnagar is connected by road to Delhi, Moradabad, Bareilly and Naintial. State transport buses ply regularly from Delhi, Moradabad, Haldwani to Ramnagar. The approach routes are:

Delhi-Gajrola-Moradabad-Kashipur-Ramnagar       (240 km)

Bareilly-Kichha-Haldwani-Ramnagar                     (160 km)

By Rail: A direct train to Ramnagar runs from New Delhi. Alternatively, one can come upto Haldwani/Kashipur/Kathgodam and come to Ramnagar by road.

Tourism zones

For the convenience of visitors and streamlining tourism management Corbett Tiger Reserve has been divided into five mutually exclusive tourism zones, each having separate gate for entry.

GETTING PERMITS & RESERVATIONS FOR ACCOMMODATION

Permits are necessary for entering Corbett Tiger Reserve. For day visits permits are obtained at the respective Entry Gates. However permits for night halts are issued at the CTR Reception Office at Ramnagar.

Day visits to Dhikala Tourism zone are not permitted except in conducted safari organized by Corbett Tiger Reserve. Only visitors who have prior accommodation reserved can enter Dhikala Zone.

Accommodation

For night halts three tourist complexes located at Dhikala, Gairal and Bijrani offer a choice of accommodation type. Dhikala has the maximum bed capacity including a dormitory. Basic lodging is available for tourists at other Forest Rest Houses at Malani, Sultan, Gairal, Sarpduli, Khinanauli, Kanda and Jhirna. Visitors can also stay at the Forest Rest Houses at Lohachaur, Rathuadhab, Halduparao, Mundiapani, Morghatti, Sendhikhal and Dhela.

More on  Forest Rest Houses of Corbett

Prior reservation for accommodation can be made by remitting the necessary tariffs in advance. Once accommodation is reserved permits can be collected from Ramnagar Reception Office before entering the Park.

Advance reservations for night halts can be made through: 

The Director
Corbett Tiger Reserve
Ramnagar – 244 715
Distt. Nainital
(Uttaranchal)
Tel.: +91-5947-253977, Reception – 251489
Fax: +91-5947-251489 and 251376

The Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttaranchal
85, Rajpur Road
Dehradun-248001
(Uttaranchal)
Tel/Fax. : +91-135-2744225, 2741607

Uttaranchal Tourism
Indraprakash Building
Barakhamba Road
New Delhi - 110001
Tel. +91-11-23319835

Accommodation is reserved subject to receipt of full payment in advance. It is advisable to make bookings well in time.

Outside of Corbett visitors can also stay at nearby hotels and private lodges and make day-visits to the park.