From the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett National Park extends over an area of 1318 sq. kms. Varied topography and vegetation give Corbett a rich diversity in habitats and natural beauty. It was the first national Park to be established in India in the year 1936 and it was here that the prestigious "Project Tiger" was launched in 1973.

Corbett is avians paradise with around 600 species being recorded here and has numerous other mammalian species. Besides Tiger and Leopard, one can also see Jungle cat, Leopard cat, Himalayan black bear, Sloth bear. Four species of deer- Hog deer, Sambar, Chital and barking deer are found here. These herbivores can be seen in vast numbers in the chauds (vast grasslands with very high elephant grass). One can also see big herds of Indian elephants in these grasslands specially in summer. The Ramganga river flows through the park and a man made reservoir serves as the feeding ground for large number of birds. One can also see the Indian Marsh Crocodile along with the long snouted fish eating Gharials. Another species quite common in this area is the Common Indian Otter.

The vastness of the flora of this region indeed reflects the vastness of habitats that this region provides. The zoological diversity and constant biological evolution in this region is perhaps due to the intricate natural variations in the region.

Sal is the dominant tree species in Corbett with Jamun, Shisham, Khair, Mahua, Flame of the forest (Palash), Silk Cotton tree (Simal) etc. being the other tree species.

The Corbett National Park, where Project Tiger was launched in 1973, is India's finest national park and its major attractions are the Tiger, Indian Elephant and Leopard. Corbett national park is located besides the Ramganga river, the dam at Kalagarh forming a huge lake to the west of the national park. The park is essentially a large low valley.

A range of hills runs through the middle of the national park, roughly east to west. The forests are moist deciduous, with Sal as the dominant tree. Chir Pine trees are to be found on the higher ridges of the hills. On the low-lying areas riverine forests, with Shisham and Khair trees, are intermixed with grasslands known locally as 'Chaurs'.

The average area of the park was 520-sq-kms in 1986, and a proposed extension of 588-sq-kms is under consideration. Project Tiger, which was set up with the help of the World Wildlife Fund, was launched at Dhikala, in the Corbett National Park on April 1, 1973. This project was aimed at saving the Indian tiger from extinction. Over 50 mammals, 580 birds and 25 reptile species have been listed in the Corbett National Park. The insect life is also astounding, noticeably specially after the monsoons. But undoubtedly, the jewel of the Corbett is the Indian tiger. It was estimated that in 1984, the tiger population was 90 in this national park.

» Best time to Visit : November - June
» Accommodation : Dhikala Rest House and Tiger Camp
» Nearest Town : Ramnagar
» How to get there : Rail - Delhi to Ramnagar; Air - Delhi (7 hours drive).