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About Corbett :
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 aroun d
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. |