Corbett, one of the India’s oldest national parks is perched on the western Himalayas at an altitude of 600 to 1100 m above sea level. This park belongs to Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal) state in northern India. Corbett covers an area of 318 sq. km, with the river Ramganga flowing through it.

History:
On August 8th 1936, under the United Provinces National Parks Act of India, Corbett was first established with the name Hailey National Park. It was named after Sir Malcolm Hailey, the then Governor of the United Provinces. Five years after Independence (1952) it was renamed as Ramganga National Park as the river flows throughout its length. Later it was named as Corbett National Park in 1957 in honor of Col. Jim Corbett. Corbett was a famous hunter of maneating tigers in this region in 1920s. Later he became a conserver of animals.

Corbett National Park:
Being a major sightseeing spot, it houses several animals like elephants, chital, sambar, nilgai, king cobra, muntjac, wild boar, flying fox and nearly 600 bird species. This park attracts thousands of tourists. There are necessary facilities for tourists inside and outside the park.

Nature lovers can come across more than 110 types of trees, 51 varieties of shrubs and nearly 33 species of bamboos and grasses in Corbett National Park. Also the river Ramganga and small forest streams whirl through the ravines. All sorts of tourist’s right from kids to adults can have a fun-filled experience in this national park.

Wildlife buffs, photographers and anglers can have a good time in this sanctuary. Elephant rides are available in the mornings and evenings. Tourists can book for this ride in the Dhikala complex.

Dhikala:
This is one of the popular sightseeing spots in Corbett. It is situated at the edge of the broad Patli Dun valley. The river Ramganga flows in several channels through this valley. Tourists can enjoy watching a panoramic view of this valley with the Kanda Ridge as the backdrop. Tourists can have better overview from a watchtower near Dhikala. This place is the core of Corbett National Park.

Dhikala also has partial residential accommodation at one end of a lush green plateau, perched on the edge of a cliff which borders the river Ramganga reservoir.
 
Corbett Museum:
Tourists must visit the Corbett museum situated within this park. It is located in Dhangarhi. It exhibits a collection of Jim Corbett’s belongings and his life history. This museum is worth visiting.

Garjia Temple:

This temple is located in the Ramnagar – Ranikhet route, 14 km away from Ramnagar. It is named after the Hindu deity Garjia Devi. Thousands of devotees visit this temple during Karthik Poornima. Ramnagar is the bus terminus to reach this temple.

The nearest airport for Corbett is at Pant Nagar 50 km away. The nearest broad gauge railway is in Ramnagar, 51 km away. From here tourists can hire vehicles to reach the Corbett National Park. Corbett is also well connected by road to Ramnagar from where the tourists are linked with major cities of India.