Very few know that the legendary Jim Corbett was born in Nainital in 1875 and spent most of his life in present-day Uttarakhand, before he retired. Later he moved to Kenya soon after India’s Independence, where he passed away in 1955.
Corbett’s fascination with forests and wildlife began at a very early age, leading him to become a tracker and hunter. In time, he deployed his skills to tracking and killing man-eating tigers, and became a passionate defender of India’s natural heritage and its need to conserve its forests and wildlife. With his friend Frederick Champion, Corbett was instrumental in establishing the country’s first-ever national park, named after Lord Malcolm Hailey. It was renamed after Corbett two years after his death.
Spread over an area of 520 sq. km., Corbett National Park is among the few tiger reserves in India where you can stay within the park’s boundaries. Safaris and wildlife spotting can be done either in an open-topped four-wheeler or on elephants, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.
But that’s not all. Within the park, or in close proximity to it, there are a number of places you can visit after you’re done tiger-spotting.
1. Dhikala tourism zone
Situated at the edge of the Patli Dun valley, from where the Ramganga swells in size with numerous channels joining the main river, Dhikala is famous for its forest lodge, the only one in a National Park where you can stay overnight, literally in the midst of nature. From the watchtower, you can get an outstanding view of the valley, the Ramganga river, and the Kanda ridge.
2. Garjiya temple
Garjiya Devi temple is perched atop a huge rock in the Kosi River. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, it is also home to the divinities of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati, and Baba Bhairon. The temple attracts thousands of devotees, especially during the fair held every year during Karthik Poornima. It is said that newly married couples visiting Corbett must seek the blessings of Garjiya Devi during their visit.
3. Sitabani forest reserve
Sitabani lies adjacent to (but isn’t part of) Corbett. A haven for bird watchers, it’s the only forest where visitors are permitted to walk unimpeded. Known for its temple, river, and a jungle ashram, this historic place has an association with the Ramayana. It is said that Sitabani is the place where Sita spent her days in exile during her agnipariksha. It’s also believed that the earth at the ancient Valmiki temple located within the forest absorbed Sita into its fold.
4. Corbett waterfall
This 66-foot waterfall is a sight to behold, especially on full moon nights. To reach it, visitors have to trek for over a mile through teak forests, before they emerge to a vision of water cascading through thick foliage into a lagoon-like pool. The water then flows over rocks and under a fallen tree trunk that spans the breadth of the stream. A swim in these cold, refreshing waters is a popular activity for day picnickers, while others can set up camp for the night at a designated location near the falls.
5. Kosi river
The Kosi river forms a large part of the eastern boundary of the Park, so you can be sure that the wildlife from Corbett will come to the river to quench their thirst, or to cool off during the hot summer months. The river is home to the Mahseer fish, and if you like angling, the catchment area has many camps set up for this very purpose. Migratory birds abound, so the place is a haven for birders and photographers. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, river rafting in the Kosi is a wonderful way to indulge.
6. Bijrani tourism
zone The area in and around Bijrani is drier and has more diverse flora than Dhikala. During a time when shikar was popular, the area was famous for game hunting. Today Bijrani is the most in-demand part of Corbett, and known for its exotic flora and dense population of fauna, primarily due to the open grasslands combined with dense forest.
7. Corbett museum
Corbett museum at Kaladhungi is a heritage bungalow that belonged to Jim Corbett, and where he lived. It showcases his personal belongings, a collection of letters written by him (as well as by his friends and well-wishers), antiques, and rare photographs. If you want to get a first-hand idea of what it was like to live and hunt over a century ago, this is the place to visit.
Jim Corbett National Park is truly a jewel in the crown of India’s conservation efforts. And Jim Corbett truly was a jewel in the crown of India’s fledgling efforts at conservation. Born British, he lived and died an Indian, deeply empathetic to the plight of the poor who lived in and around what was called Corbett village. The Corbett National Park is a fitting tribute to a giant, and one whose memory can only be enhanced by our appreciation of his efforts and passion.