It was originally established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, making it the first national park in mainland Asia.
The reserve is named after Jim Corbett, a legendary hunter-turned-conservationist who helped track down man-eating tigers in the Kumaon region.
It contains the Dhikala grassland, which is one of the largest and most ecologically productive meadows within the park boundaries.
The park's geography includes the Ramganga Reservoir, which acts as a major water source for wildlife during the dry season.
Corbett is home to the critically endangered gharial and mugger crocodile, both found in the Ramganga river.
The reserve protects a specific microclimate that supports both Himalayan and sub-Himalayan species.
Corbett Tiger Reserve, located in Uttarakhand, is India's oldest national park and the site where Project Tiger was launched in 1973. It serves as a vital habitat for the Bengal tiger, sheltering a significant population within the Himalayan foothills. The ecosystem consists of a mosaic of sal forests, tall grasslands, and the Ramganga River catchment area. Visitors explore the reserve primarily through designated jeep and canter safaris that traverse various zones. The landscape ranges from an altitude of 360 to 1,040 meters, influencing the diverse distribution of flora and fauna. Beyond tigers, the reserve sustains herds of wild elephants, leopards, and over 600 species of birds. Its core, buffer, and tourism zones are strictly regulated to maintain conservation integrity. The park remains a primary destination for wildlife enthusiasts and naturalists studying the Terai-Duar savanna ecosystem.
The watchtower near the Dhikala forest rest house offers expansive panoramic views of the grasslands and river.
Book your safari permits online well in advance, as they are limited and sell out quickly.
Wear neutral-colored clothing that blends into the forest environment to avoid startling wildlife.
Keep binoculars and a high-zoom camera lens ready, as sightings often occur at a distance.
Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to mid-November) when many core zones are inaccessible due to heavy rainfall and damaged roads.
The core tourism zones (such as Dhikala) are closed during the monsoon season; specific zones like Jhirna and Dhela may remain open year-round depending on road conditions.
Maintain silence during safaris, do not litter, never step out of the safari vehicle, and refrain from using flash photography.
