Visit Corbett National Park for breathtaking scenery made up of verdant jungle, sprawling prairies and undulating hills. Here majestic animals roam freely in the foothills of the western Himalayas. Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as a means to protect the diminishing numbers of Bengal tigers in the region. It takes its name from Jim Corbett, a British naturalist and hunter of tigers and leopards.
The chance to spot tigers in their natural habitats is one big draw of the park more than 200 of the majestic animals live here. The best time to see them is from October to February. Besides seeing endangered big cats, observe buffalo, deer, elephants, Himalayan bears, primates and aquatic creatures such as otters. Travel to the Dhikala zone and Kalagarh Dam to watch eagles, wagtails and several more of the park’s 600 bird species.
Game drives in an open-top jeep are some of the best ways to experience the park’s natural riches and get fairly close to wild animals. Alternatively, join a guided hike and follow animal footprints deep into the jungle and across grasslands. Sit on the back of a pachyderm on an elephant safari in the Bijrani zone. Enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits such as mountain biking and river rafting.
Other attractions include the hilltop Garjiya Devi Temple, accessible via a river footbridge and encompassed by a pristine forest. Visit the Sitabani Temple and the ancient ruins of a temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Get an overview of the park’s history and its wildlife preservation projects at the Dhangarhi Museum.
Located in the state of Uttarakhand, the park is about a 5-hour drive from Delhi. The town of Ramnagar is the gateway to the park. Find amenities such as banks, hotels and tour operators here. Garjiya also has varied accommodations.
The entirety of the national park is open from mid November to mid June, with certain zones open year round. Visit Corbett National Park’s official website for information about opening times, ticket prices and tour fees.