Fifty years ago, India had just five national parks, but today, the count exceeds 100. Stretching from the towering Himalayas and the central plains to the Western Ghats and the world’s largest mangrove forests in the east, these wildlife sanctuaries have been established to safeguard a diverse array of wildlife, much of which is both unique to India and endangered.
The statistics are impressive: India is the habitat for 70% of the world’s tiger population, 60% of its Asian elephants, as well as over 1,360 bird species, 600 reptile species, and 400 mammal species, many of which are found nowhere else. Managed exclusively by government and forest authorities, these national parks serve as refuges for vulnerable species like snow leopards, lions, and one-horned rhinos. For tourists, embarking on a safari is an incredible opportunity to witness these creatures in their natural habitats. When planning your trip to India, consider including visits to these remarkable national parks.
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, is one such noteworthy destination. Named somewhat controversially after British hunter and naturalist Jim Corbett, it stands as India’s oldest national park, established in 1936. Encompassing 520.8 sq km of dense deciduous forests in the Himalayan foothills, the park enchants nature enthusiasts with its rolling hills, ridges, ravines, and vast expanses of savannah, open grasslands, swamps, and marshes.
The park’s groves of sal and sacred fig trees are indigenous to the subcontinent and provide shelter to over 600 bird species. In addition to 50 mammal species, the park is also home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, langur monkeys, and gharials (fish-eating crocodiles). While tiger sightings are infrequent, you can often spot elephant herds grazing in the lush grasslands and near water sources.Jim Corbett National Park offers an array of outdoor adventures, including river rafting and mountain biking, which you can arrange through your hotel or tour operator. For insights into Jim Corbett himself, visit the Corbett Museum within the park.
If you’re planning a visit, note that the closest town to Jim Corbett National Park is Ramnagar, about 260km northeast of Delhi and just 15km away. Accommodations are available within the park through online bookings, and private resorts outside the park can assist with safari reservations. It’s advisable to book full-day trips and 4WD safaris in advance to make the most of your visit.
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