Friday, January 28, 2011

JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
India's first national park is cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas and spreads over an area of 520 sq. kms., along the bank of Ramganga river. The dense Sal forests of Himalayan foothills and the tall grassy meadows make it one of the richest areas of northern India for the habitation of big mammals.


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.

Following international appeal to save the world's most magnificent beasts, Project Tiger was launched with the help of World Wildlife Fund on April 1st 1973, making the Corbett Park a heaven for the tigers.

The lake in the park attracts a large number of species of water birds, both migrants and others, that frequent it's water, mainly in the winter. Among the reptiles, the long snouted, fish eating gharial and mugger (crocodiles) could be seen basking in the sun on the sand banks. Sporting fish such as mahseer and malee thrive in the lake and in the river, offering great fishing, sport to anglers.

Different species of trees, shrubs, bamboo and grass make up the lush vegetation of the park. The sanctuary is dominated by pure sal, for which the park is known. It is found in the lower hilly ridges and flat valleys while the soothing green shisham is in abundance in the revering area. The balky enriches the hues of park with its reddish leaves and pale bark and the the chaurs, the savannah grasslands are covered with a variety of grass. During the monsoon from June to October, the park remains closed to tourists and the animals move to the hilly areas of Corbett at this time.


The tiger is the bigger attraction of this park. Other carnivores include the leopard, elephant, bear, hog, sambar deer, muntjac and fox. The park has more than 300 species of birds. The common birds seen here are ducks snipe egrets, herons, spotted eagle, harrier, woodpecker, darter, cormorants and thrushes.

The Ramganga is the home of the prehistoric reptiles, gharial and the mugger. The gharial has been saved from extinction in the park through captive breeding. A few species of turtles and tortoises are also found in and around lake.



The chital and the well known spotted deer, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world congregate in large numbers in the vast grassland choirs of Corbett.

Wild Life

Deer 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 Elephant Herd In Corbettmeandering 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.

General Tips About The Park

Area 520.8 sq km.

Altitude Between 400 mt and 1,100 mt

Temperature Max 40 deg. cel. and Min 19 deg. cel. (summer)

Max 25 deg. cel. and Min 4 deg. cel. (winter)

Main Entry Dhangari Main Tourist Center Dhikala

Season Nov 15 to Jun 15


Local Transport Coaches and jeeps can be hired from the national park office at Ramnagar.

Elephants are available for wildlife viewing at Dhikala, Khinanauli and Bijrani. Elephant rides are conducted every morning and evening.

Elephant

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.

Crocodiles in Corbett 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.

JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK DETAILS

Fauna presents in the park: 135 Tigers
about 100 Leopards
about 800 Elephants
Sambar dear
Chital dear
Langur
Macaque
10 To 30 Sloth Bears
Otter
Python
Cobra
Gavial
Crocodile
Monitor lizard + of 280 species of birds

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