Travel India Info

Uttaranchal Wildlife

Corbett National Park

This park is said to be the first National Park in India and was established in 1936. Corbett national park is approximately 290 kilometers from Delhi in Uttaranchal province. It is one of the most visited wildlife parks in India. The Corbett national park spreads over 520 square kilometers and is said to have over 40 mammalian species, over 300 bird species and many reptile species. The famous Indian Tiger still is said to be the center of attraction. Elephant herds are also here as well as leopards, jackals and bears. Many nocturnal and diurnal species are also found at this national park. Some nocturnal cats found here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Leopards are mostly found in the hilly areas of the park. Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only. The Dole or Wild Dog is also seen in the southern areas of the park along with the Jackal. The best time to visit Corbett National Park is from November 14th to June 15th. The park is closed to visitors from June 16th to November 14th. During this period rains flood the river beds and several road links are inaccessible. Hence the park is closed to visitors. How to get there The nearest airport is 50 kilometers away in Phoolbagh, Pantnagar. The nearest railway station is Ramnagar. Ranikhet Express leaves Delhi railway station around 10 pm and reaches Ramnagar at 5 AM. Sleeper class reservations are available on this train. Many tour operators will arrange to meet passengers on arrival at the station. Tourists can also hire jeeps on arrival at Ramnagar station. Many touring companies offer various packages for visitors to Corbett national park. Three days/two night packages per couple cost about Rs 9500, approximately $200. This would include your accommodation as well as entrance fees. Prices of course vary considerably and visitors should shop around for the tour package they are comfortable with. Make sure you arrange accommodations before arriving at the park. This will save you a lot of hassles and give you an opportunity to enjoy your visit. Foreigners are charged more than Indian citizens to visit the park. Here is a sample of some of the entrance fees to Corbett national park. Entry fee to Corbett National Park (Dhikala Zone) Per person for first three days and two nights Indians Rupees 50/- Foreigners Rupees 450/- For each additional day Indians Rupees 30/- Foreigners Rupees 200/- Elephant Ride (No fee below 5 year of age) Per person (for two hours) for Indians Rupees 150/- For Foreigners The charge is Rupees 250/- Make sure you take your camera along. This is one super place to visit in India and every year thousands of Indians as well as foreigners visit Corbett national park.