Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett National Park extends over an area of 520.82sq.km.Varied topography and vegetation gives Corbett a rich diversity in habitats and natural beauty. Flat valleys are interspread with hilly ridges and the Park's rolling grasslands known as the Chaurs provide visitors with an excellent view of its inhabitants. The magnificent Ramganga River flows through the entire length of the park and little forest streams tumble through the ravines. While dense stands of sal cloak the higher ridges,mixed deciduous forest are found throughout the Park and over 110 varietiesof trees, 51 species of shrubs and over 33 kinds of bamboos and grasses are seen here.
Corbett has the highest density of tiger in the country - approximately one every 5 sq.km. and it was here that the prestigious "Project Tiger"was launched in 1973. Four speices of deer -hog deer, sambar, chital and barking deer and other prey like the wild boar, support the predator.
Besides the tiger, Corbett is a haven for 50 mammals , 580 kinds of birds and 25 reptile species. The park has elephants, the Himalayan black bear in the higher elevations, sloth bear, varieties of lesser known cats, dhole-the wild dog and an entire spectrum of colourful birds including waterbirds, pheasants, jungle fowl and the Indian hornbill. Basking along thebanks of Ramganga are the slender snouted gharial and the mugger or marshcrocodile. The river fine sporting fish prized by anglers, though angling isnot permitted inside the National Park.
Excellent facilities for staying and viewing wildlife make Corbett one of the finest reserves in India.
General Information :
» Best time to Visit - Nov-May (closed mid June to mid Nov)
» Accommodation - Forest Rest Houses, Log Huts etc.
» Nearest town - Ramnagar (51Km)
» How to get there ? Rail - Ramnagar (5-6 Kms), Air- Pantnagar (50 kms)
Located very close to Srinagar (22 Kms) ,Dachigam National Park with its splendid forests and magnificent scenery, is easily accessible. The two sectors of the park - Upper and Lower Dachigamare spread over an area of 141 sq. Km and altitudes vary between 1700 and 4300 metres. Two steep ridges enclose the park with its great topographical variety -deep ravines, rocky outcrops, steep wooded slopes and rollingalpine pastures. Tumbling down form the Masrar Lake (4300m) , up in the highranges, the Dachigam river winds through Lower Dachigam.
The park is the habitat of the endangered hangul of the Kashmir stag - the only species of red deer to be found in India. Winter is the best time to view the hangul, when they congregate in the shelter of the lower valleys.Other inhabitants include the Himalayan black bear, species of wild goat like the markhor and ibex and varieties of exotic Himalayan birds.
Colourful pheasants include the crimson tragopan, the iridescent monalpheasant with its glittering plumage , the blood pheasant and the koklasspheasant. The golden eagle and the bearded vulture or lammergeier are seen circling the brilliant blue skies. The leopard which is the only predator in this paradise is rarely seen as also the elusive snow leopard which is found in the higher altitudes. Other animals include the rare musk deer and the Himalayan marmot. A metal road takes visitors from Srinagar into Lower Dachigam. Upper Dachigam can only be explored on foot.
General Information : » Best time to Visit - May-Aug, Upper Dachigam,Sep-Dec Lower Dachigam.
» Accommodation - Lodges and Rest Houses or hotels in Srinagar.
» Nearest town - Srinagar (22 km)
» How to get there ? Air- Srinagar (22 Kms) Rail-Jammu (200 Km)
