Corbett National Park was established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park and was India's first national park. Once a popular hunting ground of the British, this 201 square mile park was later renamed in honor of Jim Corbett who spent most of his years in this area and contributed in setting up the park. With the help of the World Wildlife Foundation, Project Tiger was launched in Corbett National Park in 1973 and this park was the first sanctuary in India to come under Project Tiger.
Corbett National Park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. In the park there are found 100 tree species, 50 mammals species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. Corbett is a haven for Tigers as well as its prey, which includes four kinds of Deer, Wild Boar and some lesser known animals. Leopards are mostly found in the hilly areas of the park. Among the nocturnal cats found in the park are Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear are found in the lower regions of the park, while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only.
Elephants are among one of the main attractions of Corbett Park. Along the Ramganga River shores, one can spot the long-snouted, fish eating Gharial Crocodile and the Mugger Crocodile. The Langur and Rhesus Monkeys are well distributed throughout the park.
In the Savannah grasslands Tigers are occasionally drawn in looking for prey. A two hour elephant ride explore this sea of grass, rarely penetrating far into the jungles beyond. Tiger-sightings are few and far between, but you may be rewarded with fresh pug marks.
