Corbett Tiger Reserve (Timings, Entry Fee, Safari Online Booking & How to Reach)
Located in the state of Uttarakhand, in the foothills of the Himalayas, Corbett Tiger Reserve is one of the most popular tiger reserves of the country offering nature enthusiasts with breathtaking natural beauty and exotic flora and fauna.
In 1936, the area was known with the name of ‘Hailey National Park. Later in the year of 1955, it was renamed as Ramganga National Park. However, later in 1955-56, it was again renamed as the Corbett National Park. The oldest National Park of India, Corbett was amongst the nine Tiger Reserves declared under the Project Tiger in the year of 1973.
Spread across an area of 797.72 sq. km, the reserve constitutes the Kalagarh Forest Division along with 301.18 sq. km. area of Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, 96.70 sq. km. of Ramnagar Forest Division and an area of 89 sq. km.
Once at the reserve, tourists can go for Elephant Safari, Jeep Safari, fishing, trekking in the forest reserves around the park and make their stay all the more exciting.
Flora @ Corbett Tiger Reserve
The main kinds of forests in the area are Northern Moist Deciduous, Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous and Himalayan Subtropical Pine Forests. It has close to 600 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, bamboos, grasses and ferns. Some of the prominent trees found here are Sal, Khair, Sissoo, Khingan, Kharpat, Rohini, Bakli, Pula, Bamboo, Ber, Kuthber, Bel, Chbilla, Dhak and Semal.
Fauna @ Corbett Tiger Reserve
The reserve along with boasting a rich density of tiger population, has other mammals like Leopard, Elephant, Cheetal , Sambar , Hog Deer, Barking Deer , Wildboar Langoor, Rhesus Monkey, Fishing Cats , Caracal Sloth Bear, Muntjac Bear and Ghoral. Reptiles like Indian Marsh Crocodiles, Gharials, King Cobra, Common Krait, Cobra, Russel, Python and Monitor Lizard are also found.
The place has close to 585 species of avian creatures making itself nothing less than paradise for bird watchers. Some of the species of birds that can be spotted here are migrant Gulls, Mynas, Kingfishers, Snipes, Harriers, Ospreys, Stone Curlews, Minivets, Babblers, Hornbills, Kalij Pheasants, Grebes, Grey Lags, Herons, Darters, Cormorants, Lapwings, Paradise Flycatchers, Munias, Weaver birds, Eagles, Black throated Payas, falcons, Peacock, Jungle Fowl, Parakeets, Laughing Thrush, Orioles, KingFishers, Drongo, Doves, Woodpeckers, Ducks, Teals, Storks, Seagulls, etc.
Best time to visit Corbett Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit the reserve is during the months of November to June. For bird watchers, the best time is to visit during winter months from December to February when the area is visited by many migratory birds as well. To spot the wildlife, it is best to go during summer as the animals come out in search of water more often.
The park usually opens from 6 to 11 in the morning and from 2.30 to 5.30 in the evening for tourists to visit. Tourists can enter the park after getting the permit from park administration in Ramnagar.
Reaching Corbett Tiger Reserve
- By air: The nearest airport is Phoolbagh or Pantnagar which is approximately 52 km away from the reserve.
- By rail: The nearest railway station is at Ramnagar. There is a direct train Corbett Link Express running between Delhi and Ramnagar.
- By road: There are various and frequent busses running from Delhi to Ramnagar via Muradabad. There are buses from cities like Haridwar and Dehradun as well.
Accommodation @ Corbett Tiger Reserve
For accommodation, tourists have various options in and around the reserve. Some of the luxury resorts around the reserve are Infinity Resort, Wood Castle Resort, Corbett Hideaway, Corbett Leela Vilas, Corbett Ramganga Resort, Manu Maharani Resort, etc. while Escape Corbett Resort, Corbett River View Retreat, The Wild Crest Resort, Corbett Jungle Club, Tiger Camp Resort, Corbett Suman Grand Resort, etc. are some of the deluxe resorts. For standard resorts, tourists have options like Camp Wild Adventure, RoseWood Resort, Corbett International Resort, Corbett Safari Park, Corbett Aroma Resort, etc.