READING- JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK - A PLACE FOR TOURISM (CLASS 9 AND 10)

Jim Corbett National Park is the first national park in India. It was established in 1956 during the British Raj and named Hailey National Park after William Malcom Hailey, a governor of the United Province in which it was then located. In 1956 it was renamed Jim Corbett National Park after the hunter and naturalist Jim Corbett who had played a leading role in its establishment and died year before. The park was the first to come under the project tiger initiative.

It is a dense deciduous forest mainly consists of the Sal tree, peepal tree, mango tree, Rohini tree also called Kumkum tree or kamala tree. Forest covers almost 73 percent of the park while 10 percent of the area consists of grasslands. It houses around 110 tree species, 50 species of mammals,580 bird species and 25 reptile species. It is an ecotourism destination, the increase in tourist activities, continues to present a serious challenge to the park’s ecological balance.

The reserve forest covers 1,288 sq km, out of which 822 sq km is the core zone that forms the Jim Corbett national Park while buffer are of 466 sq km contains reserve forest as Sonanadi wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve is located partly along Doon Valley between the Lesser Himalaya in the north and the Shivaliks in the south, has a Sub-Himalayan belt structure. Winter nights are cold but the days are bright and sunny. It rains from July to September. The weather in the park is temperate compared to most other protected areas in India. The temperature varies from 5 degree centigrade to 30 degree centigrade during winter and normally does not raise above 40 degree centigrade during summer.

TOURISM IN JIM CORBETT NATIONAL PARK

1.River rafting in the Kosi River at Corbett National Park is one of the most beautiful ways to enjoy its speedy waters, taking you through Class II & III rapids. This activity is meant for all - beginners or professionals. River rafting in Jim Corbett can be done only during the monsoons.The best time for river rafting in Kosi river is from July to September. Other adventure water sports like fishing, angling and rappelling are also organized on the river.

2. Corbett Falls is a beautiful waterfall, located 25 km away from Ramnagar in Kaladhungi. Surrounded by dense forests and offering a very serene environment, this 66 ft. high waterfall is a sight to witness, especially on full-moon nights. Nature lovers often camp and come on a picnic near this waterfall. A short 2km trek leads to Corbett Waterfalls.

3. The jungle safaris at Jim Corbett are organised once in the morning and in the evening. Divided into five tourism zones, each zone has a restriction on the number of vehicles allowed within at a given point in time. There are two types of safaris at Jim Corbett National Park - Jeep Safari and Canter Safari.

The Canter Safari is only available for the Dhikala zone, the core area of the park. The likelihood of spotting the famed Bengal tiger is highest in this region. Apart from the canter safari, only those visitors staying at the forest lodge in the Dhikala zone are permitted to explore the area through a jeep safari. The Jeep Safari is the most popular safari choice at the park and is an available option to explore four out of the five zones at the reserve, with the exception being the Dhikala zone. There is a maximum of 6 people allowed per jeep, and the number of jeeps in each zone cannot cross a certain limit at any given point in time. This limit varies from region to region.

Jhirna safari zone in Corbett National Park is one of the five tourism zones open to the public. It is popular for tiger and sloth bear sightings. Characterised by dry deciduous forest, animals like deer, nilgai, chital and elephants can also be spotted here. It is popular amongst bird watchers for housing some migratory and rare birds.

An entry permit for the safari needs to be obtained to entry the Jhirna zone. A safari jeep and a guide are also mandatory to enter the zone. During the monsoon, from July to September, advance booking of safari cannot be done because safari can get cancelled if there is heavy rain or bad weather on any day.

Durga Devi Zone at Jim Corbett is famous for its safari through dense forestation and hilly terrain. Other than regional flora and fauna, the enchanting zone houses a number of exotic birds and, therefore, is a favourite amongst bird watchers. Wild Elephants, Spotted and Barking Deer, Sambar, Jackals and the Black Faced Monkey can also be spotted here.

Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is not only home to dense greenery and a variety of animals but also to a multitude of birds. It is an excellent place to go bird watching and take pictures of the different kinds of birds that are found here, many of which are rare and endangered.

5. Corbett National Park is known to be home to about 600 species of birds, something which makes it a paradise for nature lovers, environmentalists and ornithologists. Local authorities as well as private travel agencies organise safaris in a jeep or canter to enable tourists to catch glimpses of birds and animals. Some of the species one might see include the Black-Crowned Night Heron, Cinnamon Bittern, Kingfisher, Great White Pelican and Greater Cormorants, amongst others. Furthermore, there are 6 main trails that tourists can explore in order to see birds; one would spot different bird species on different trails. These trails are Haati Dangar, Kyari to Powalgarh, Kosi Barrage and Sitabani, Mohaan to Kumariya, Garjiya Temple with Kosi River and Bhakrakot to Marchula.

6. Located at Kaladhungi, Corbett Museum is a bungalow that earlier belonged to Jim Corbett- the well -known tiger conservationist. The museum displays his memoirs, his personal belongings, letters written by him as well as his friends and well-wishers, antiques and rare photographs.