Corbett is regarded as one of the true bird parks of the world. Out of the 2,060 species and subspecies of birds recorded in the Indian subcontinent.
Over 600 species/subspecies of birds have been recorded from Corbett at one time or another.
This number is greater than the total number of bird species found in Europe and represents around one fourth of the available diversity found in India.
Out of the 69 species of raptors found in India,
49 can be seen in Corbett making it a striking element of the local avifauna.
The reserve, which covers 520 sq. kms. is not less than a paradise for
bird-watchers.
European bird-watchers are some of the keenest visitors to the reserve during winters when the bird diversity is at its peak.
India's first and finest park spread over 520 sq. kms. along the banks of the Ramganga river.
just 300 kms. northeast of Delhi in the foothills
of the Himalayas is the Corbett National Park.
Established initially as Hailey National Park on August 8, 1936, in honour
of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United Provinces.
The name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952. In 1957, it was finally named as Corbett National Park in honour and memory of the latc Jim Corbett.
The legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had
helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries.
Birds
which can be spotted at the banks of River Ramganga on the outskirts of
Corbett Park include Brown Fish Owl, Himalayan Kingfisher, Brown Dipper
and Plumbeous/White-Capped Redstarts. One can also see Little/Staty backed
Forktails and Mountain/Rufousbellied Hawk-Eagles here. Inside Corbett
Park, Blue Whistling Thrush and Red Jungle Fowl are immediate possibilities.
But with some efforts one can spot Oriental White-eye, Jungle Owlet, Alexandrine
Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Lesser Fish-Eagle or even Great Thick-knee,
Stork-billed Kingfisher and many more. Mammals include Tiger, Indian Elephant,
Chital, Sambhar, Muntjack (Barking Deer), Hog Deer and Common Langur.
A trip to these magnificent Sanctuaries will also take you through Jaipur
(Pink City) and Agra (City of Taj) which will add the experience of Indian
culture, heritage, history and hospitality to your memories.
With elevations in the Park ranging from 400m to 1210m there is a rich
diversity in habitat. Animals of the Himalayas and those of peninsular
India can both be seen here and over 50 mammal and 25 reptile species
have been recorded at Corbett. Among the predators are the tiger, leopard,
diverse species of lesser cats and the dhole - the wild dog.
There are antelopes (nilgai and ghoral) varieties of deer (hog deer, sambhar,
chital or spotted deer and barking deer), the primates (rhesus and langur)
and other animals like jackals, foxes, civets, wild boar, sloth bear,
black bear and a range of reptiles including the cobra, python and two
species of crocodile.
The
rare fish eating, long snouted gharial and the more robust mugger can
be seen basking along the sand banks and pools of the Ramganga. The river
which is also noted for its sporting fish, the mighty mahaseer and the
malee is popular with anglers. Corbett is the home of 580 species of birds
including water fowl, 17 types of woodpecker, raptors like the Pallas
fishing eagle, harriers and kites, peafowl, kalij pheasant, the rare chir
pheasant, red jungle fowl, minivets, shrikes, cuckoos, drongos and barbets.
A fine reservoir on the river formed with the building of a dam at Kalagarh
now attracts diverse species of water birds - both local and migratory.
With its avian variety Corbett is a marvellous location for bird watchers
also.
Nanda Devi National Park:
The nanda Devi National Park, spread over 630 sq. kms. of area in the
vicinity of nanda Devi Peak (25, 675 ft./7816 mts), India's second highest
mountain. Has a unique combination of flora and fauna. The park was
established in 1980 and inclues some of the hightest mountain peaks
of the western Himalayas. The faunal species here include snow leopard,
brown and Himalayan black bear, bharal, Himalayan thahr, nonal and chir
pheasants.
Kedarnath Sanctuary:
Kedarnath Sanctuary was established in 1972 on 967 sq. km. Of the Garhwasl
Himlaya. The fascinating garhwal Himalyas present a spectacular viewing
of mountains and valleys, forests and grasslands, butterfles and flowes,
Snow leopard, leopard, thr, serow, snow cock and musk deer have made
their habitation in this beautiful sactuary. Kaleej and monal pheasants
are among the many birds to be seen here.
Rajaji
National Park:
Situated on the edge of the Dehradun valley, the Rajaji national Park
was established in 1966 and covers an area of about 820 sq. kms. nestling
in a side and thckly wooded valley of the Shivalik ranges, Dehradun
has many picnic spots, excursions and is an ideal holiday resort. Scenic
surroundings, pleasant climate and beautiful setting has made Dehradun
and attractive tourish destination. The Sanctury offers exciting opportunities
of viewing the wild in their natural habitat. The wildlife here includes
elephant, tiger, panther, bear chital, sambar, wild boar, kakar, python,
monitor lizard and a large variety of avifauna.
Chilla Sanctuary:
Established in 1977 on the east bank of the Ganga, the sanctury is a
paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Wildllife here
includes elephants, tigers, bear & gorals.













