Named after the famous hunter, naturalist and author Jim Corbett who played a key role in its establishment, Corbett was the first national park in India. Corbett is located in the foothills of the Himalayas and has very diverse flora and fauna.

The park is divided into three distinct geographical areas, with hilly areas of deciduous mixed forests, as well as low lying grassland with ravines and vast dense forests of sal trees* The Ramganga River bisects the park. Due to its location Corbett is the only Indian national park where the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan palm civet and the Himalayan ghoral are found, but they are rarely seen.

Two of the most interesting reptiles are the gharial (fish eating crocodile) and the mugger crocodile, found on the Ramganga River and reservoir. Corbett Tiger Reserve has a significant tiger population, thought to be around two hundred, but due to the dense vegetation they are difficult to spot. The birding in this park is also exceptionally good.

In common with other parks the tourist area is divided into zones all with their own exclusive entry gate.

Activities in Corbett National Park

4 x 4 jeep safaris and elephant back safaris in the Dhikhala and Birjani zones.

Species found in Corbett National Park

Bengal tiger, leopard, Asian elephant, sloth bear, barking deer, sambar, wild boar, black buck, chital, sloth and Himalayan black bears, Indian grey mongoose, jungle cat, Himalayan palm civet, fishing cat, leopard cat, otters, ghoral (goat-antelopes), Indian pangolins, langur monkeys, gharial and mugger crocodile.

Best Time to Visit Corbett

Open 15th November to 15th June, best game viewing from April to June when forest cover is lower
Chance of seeing a tiger – fair
Location – Uttarakhand

Tours Visiting Corbett

Northern Highlights
Himalayan Shadows

*Sal forest – a tropical deciduous forest, where the valuable timber tree sal is the dominant species.