Corbett National park has long been referred to as the ‘land of trumpet and roar’ and is undoubtedly the most spectacular wild life destinations in India. Expansive grasslands, rivers, verdant Sal forests, this landscape is home to the tiger and the elephant along with many other species of wild animals.    Corbett National park established in 1936 as India’s first national park covering a total area of 1318 sq. km. The park also incorporates the protected areas of Sonanadi Wild life Sanctuary and Kalagarh Tiger reserve. The Ramganga River flows through the park and forms a reservoir within the park that attracts over 600 species of migratory birds. Besides the big cats like Tigers and Leopards, commonly seen are the wild elephants, sloth bears, monkeys like the macaques and Langurs, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, hog deer, Monitor lizard, Wild Boar, Gharials and crocodiles. Between them, Corbett and Rajaji national park together hold India’s northwestern most population of tigers and one of the most significant populations of the Asiatic elephant. Corbett has something for everyone from the serious birder to the one scanning the forest for that one sighting of a tiger. It is magical in all seasons. Though the best time to visit is between mid-November and April. Winters are cold but great for bird watching; summers are hot but ideal for spotting the big animals that come to the water holes. The park closes during the monsoons.

Corbett is nature in its pristine undisturbed form the way the entire planet must have been before the interfering hand of man. Rich in its biodiversity it is a fine example of India’s natural heritage. Forests like this are not only home to our apex species like tigers but are the source of water, that very component necessary for all life on earth. This should be enough reason to protect Corbett and other forests like it in India. One trip here and you are sure to be hooked for life.

With a string of Forest Rest houses within the park you can opt to stay at Dhikala, Lohachaur, Sarpaidhuli or Bijrani. In case reservations are not available there are plenty of resorts located in the buffer zone of the park to choose from. Though the true magnificence of this place can only be experienced by staying in the forest.  

An Elephant safari is a must do, elephants carry you to places not accessible by jeep. If you decide to stay at Marchuli in the buffer zone next to the river try some angling for Golden Mahseer in the Ramganga River. It’s allowed and legal though after claiming your prized snap shot you have to return the fish back to the river.

Visit the museum at Dhangari gate that has old memorabilia from Jim Corbett’s time.

Corbett has easy accessibility from Delhi to Moradabad is by NH24 via Hapur and Gajraula, take the state highway to Kashipur and NH121to Ramnagar. The nearest rail head is Ramnagar and connects to Delhi by Ranikhet express.