The Call of Corbett
One of the oldest national parks in the subcontinent, Corbett National Park attracts thousands of wildlife lovers from around the world …
In the din of urban chaos and the hurried pace of everyday existence, have you forgotten to look at the sun as it languorously slides down the horizon? Have you forgotten the smell of wet earth slating rain meets dry earth? Do you remember waking up early ever and hopping into the wooden howdah on an elephant to scour the jungle for a glimpse of the elusive striped big cat? When did you last dip your feet into the placid water of the river and waited with bated breath for the mahaseer to get hooked? How many times have you vowed to take that much-needed break to slough off urban malice and then got caught in the rat race one more time? And how many times have you blamed it on paucity of time?
Take that break now
Well, this June, take a break. And no, you do not need to apply for a long leave. All you need is a couple of days – go to Corbett National Park. One of the oldest national parks in subcontinent, it was established in 1936 and named Hailey National Park after the then governor of the United Provinces. Sir Malcolm Hailey. It was renamed Jim Corbett Nationa Park in 1957.
Did you know ?
Jim Corbett, the Nainital born hunter turned conservationist, shot his first leopard when he was just nine. He is well known for his books The Maneates Of Kumaon and My India. He is remembered for his contribution to the welfare of the locals in kumaon, who fondly called him ‘Carpet Sahib’.
Go on a Safari
The park sprawls over 1,300 square km of forests, hills and grasslands and is fed by the frisky Ramganga River: The best way to get a feel of the unspoilt, untouched and spectacular lush green forest is go on an elephant safari that takes you through rugged trails and deep valleys. Well, the tiger might elude you, but the experience is something you will cherish forever: If the elephant safari seems daunting, take a jeep safari.
Many more options
However; these are not the only options. If you are a bird lover; wear your boots, pull out your binoculars and head out to catch the orioles and the wobblers. You can also tag along with wildlife experts who would guide you through the experience.
The park is also an angler’s delight. The river ramganga, which cut through the belly of the park, are natural habitats of the mahaseer – one the world’s biggest game fish. In certain sections, you will find the goonch, malee, rohu and trout as well.
If you are lucky, you would catch a glimpse of otters, gharials and crocodiles in the ramganga.
For avid wildlife lovers, there are nature trails that were probably created by Jim Corbett himself. If you spot a tiger’s pug marks, you can go on a trail. Just make sure you don’t head too deep into the jungles and forget your way back home!
Hungry for more explore the flora and spend a moonlit night gazing at the stars and soaking you in the fragrance of exotic flowers.
Fact File
Getting There
By road: its 280 km from New Delhi. The drive takes 5 and half hours.
By rail: the closest railhead is Ramnagar (11 km) and is connected to New Delhi and Lucknow. The Corbett Link Ranikhet Express departs from Old Delhi railway station at 10.45 pm and reaches Ramnagar at 5 am and kathgodam at 8 am.
What to Do
Elephant or jeep safaris
Bird watching: Corbett is a haven for bird lovers
Village walk: Explore the local culture of Kumaon.
Nature walks and treks
Fishing in Kosi and Ramganga Rivers: Catch the fish of all fishes, the mahaseer. The biggest mahaseer catch weighed 65 pounds.
Source - TIMES NEWS NETWORK, Friday, June 08, 2007