Jim Corbett National Park

The National Park roars to signify its presence. Jim Corbett National Park is India’s oldest National Park in Nainital, Uttarakhand. It is inclusive of the well-known Corbett Tiger Reserve with an elevation ranging from 1300 ft to 4000 ft. It’s difficult for me to cover all in one day or maybe many days. I get tired quickly, hope you don’t! Named after hunter-turned-conservationist, James Edward Jim Corbett; It was initially called Hailey National Park. The park was renamed after his death in 1955 in his honor. What a man he was, oh, I meant a hunter who gradually started saving them! This National Park is known to give birth to a project named Project Tiger India to save all the tigers from being endangered! It was launched in 1973. The Park has been home to so many tigers since then and saved their species from being endangered.

This park is home to 488 species of plants and varieties of fauna. It is home to so many tree species, birds, reptiles and mammals. Almost 73% of the park is covered in forest and at least 10% is grasslands. Wow, I guess it would be a mini-world there with diverse flora and fauna in there! Jim Corbett National Park is the most sought after destination when wildlife buffs plan a trip. Ranging from ferns, mosses, lichens to exotic flowering plants like dodder, orchids, scarlet red flowers; The Park dwells a great range of flora. Other woody trees and climbers are glorifying the park and giving visitors the essence of being in heaven! Different shrubs, herbs, grasses, and bamboo plants are some most commonly found plant species in the park. The climate and the topography are so fit for plants they are in their best conditions without any artificial interference. The surrounding rivers or say water bodies add to the growth and nurturing of the plants, making the sceneries more beautiful and worth capturing! Imagine standing between the beds of colorful flowers beneath you and giving a twirl in your sun-kissed yellow dress! What bliss! When we talk about the park, the Tigers strike the mind first. However, let’s not be biased to other great creations like Indian Elephants and Himalayan Black Bear. Among others, there are species of deer, mongoose, otters, martens, Himalayan gorals, and many others. Phew…. I’ve forgotten names; You can just note it down when you visit! How can we forget birds and their beautiful self flying in the sky! Did you know the park is home to over 586 species of birds like parakeets, eagles, bee-eaters, and other migratory and local birds?

One can have a perfect trip planned to this National Park and have a never-felt-before experience. With so many birds in the park, bird lovers can make their day by watching them fly about! Fun, isn’t it? Watching birds brings me peace and a sense of calmness, and yes a smile on my face! It is one of the few wildlife reserves that allows night stay, very near to the creations of the world. Nature-viewing and wildlife tour is best experienced in an open jeep or on the back of the elephant. The fun and excitement just doubles! Traveling on jeep or elephant back not only takes you closer to nature but also allows you to travel to difficult-to-go-to areas within the park. Among so many options of Safari, the Jeep Safari is the most loved and enthralling one. It just causes one’s heart to pump blood faster! There are other ways you can have the Safari whether you are traveling in a group or solo.

The trip tranquilizes an individual with a serene ambiance in some areas of the National Park. One can experience the blissful moments with Mother Nature. There are heavenly spots where the stunning beauty of the area mesmerizes visitors like Jhirna Zone, Birjani Zone, Durga Devi Zone, Sitabani Buffer Zone, and much more. There are so many activities to do in Corbett National Park apart from all the Safari and learning about the Flora and Fauna. All camping enthusiasts are lucky to visit the place at least once in their lifetime. Worry not! The park is guarded by the hills along with rivers and greeneries as complements. I believe there is nothing more soothing than camping with your friends in the park, spending a night sleeping under the stars amidst the beauty of Nature. Corbett National Park offers River Rafting for the adventure lovers in need of an adrenaline rush! Kosi River is amid the thick forests with thriving wildlife surrounding it. The ridges in the river let you have twists and turn to make it more exciting and thrilling. It is one of my favorite outdoor recreational activities! (PS- Now I am hydrophobic :( ) Other outdoor activities to enjoy are Angling, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and Rappelling, Treks, River Crossing, and much more. Hmmm….. does reading this is making you think of planning with friends a trip to Park or maybe solo one! Well, if you’ve decided then you can also check out certain stays like Le Roi Resort, Ramganga Resort, Corbett Riverside Resort, Maya the Forest & Spa Resort, Wood Castle Resort, The Den Corbett, etc. All this accommodation provides you with great services and hospitality to make your stay and vacation memorable one. In a nutshell, Jim Corbett National Park is a must-visit place, and it’s a place suitable for everyone, whether we are a kid or an adult. I’d never leave another opportunity to visit the Park. (As I miss the poise, the place has to offer). An occasional trip to Corbett National Park is perfect for the adrenaline junkies seeking adventure. Hey romantic lovers out there, it is an ideal for you to plan a “date-trip” with your partner to watch the sunset. There is something for everyone! Children can learn so many things while adults can connect to nature. Get the much-needed escape from the daily grind!