 Corbett National Park was established in 1936, as the Hailey National Park, but later it was renamed to Jim Corbett National Park after the hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett. It covers an area of 1300 sq.km (807.8 sq.miles). This majestic park is located at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna and is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards and Elephants.
The varied topography comprises of hilly and river areas, with temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines. The lower areas are almost completely populated by Sal trees. There are 110 tree species, 50 mammals’ species, 580 bird species and 25 reptile species. Other than a huge population of Tigers the park also includes four kinds of Deer, Wild Boars and some lesser-known animals. Leopards are mostly found in the hilly areas of the park. Some nocturnal cats found here are the Leopard Cats, Jungle Cats and Fishing Cats. Sloth Bear is found in the lower regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is seen in the higher hills only. The Dole or Wild Dogs can be seen in the southern areas of the park along with the Jackals.
How to Reach
Delhi, 300-kms is the nearest airport. Ramnagar is the nearest railhead at 51 kms.
Kanha National Park
Located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park cum Tiger Reserve extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. The major feature of this region's interesting topography is the horseshoe shaped valley and the spurs of the Mekal surrounding the whole park area. The Surpan River meanders through Kanha's central grasslands that cover the extensive plateau. Steep rocky escarpments along the edges offer breathtaking views of the valley.
Known for its Tiger population, Kanha National Park has a fascinating terrain. Bamboo forests flow into Sal forests and meadows. There are herds of Spotted Deer to be seen with smaller herds of beautiful Antelopes and the Black Bucks. With a little luck, you could also spot the timid Barking Deer. It's snapping warns other inhabitants of the forest that a predator is around. There is also a very strong possibility that you will see the rare Barasingha or even the Swamp Deer. Once there were only 66 of these in Kanha, but careful conservation and management raised their population to over 400.
How to Reach
Jabalpur (170km) is the nearest airport and railhead. Khajuraho (445km), Nagpur (266km), Mukki (25km) and Raipur (219km).
Bharatpur National Park
One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana National Park) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar.
More than 300 species of birds are found in this small wildlife park of 29-sq-kms of which 11-sq-kms are marshes and the rest scrubland and grassland. The major attractions of tourists visiting the park are the numerous migratory birds, which come from as far away as Siberia and Central Asia and spend their winters in Bharatpur, before returning to their breeding grounds. Migratory birds at Bharatpur bird sanctuary include, several species of Cranes, Pelicans, Geese, Ducks, Eagles, Hawks, Shanks, Stints, Wagtails, Warblers, Wheatears, Flycatchers, Buntings, Larks and Pipits, etc.
How to Reach
Agra (56km) is the nearest airport. Bharatpur owns a railway station. Agra (56km), Delhi (176km) and Jaipur (176km).
Bandhavgarh National Park
The thick forest of Bandhavgarh National Park sits in a bowl surrounded by rocky cliffs and woody Vindhyan Mountains. Its plains have a number of grass and reed covered wetlands where Kingfishers dive and Egrets sit poised, hunch-backed, in the shallows. Higher up, vultures nestle in holes in the steep cliffs.
Initially just 448-sq-kms in area, Bandhavgarh with 25 resident tigers, was noted for its high-density tiger population. Today, it has been extended to an area of 448-sq-kms. About half the Bandhavgarh park is covered with fine trees of Sal, while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. Stretches of bamboo and grasslands extend to the north. The main wildlife viewing is still done in the core of the park with its 32 picturesque, wooded hills. Wandering through the Bandhavgarh national park on an Elephant Back, the chances of seeing a tiger are high among other wild attractions including Nilgai, Chausingha, Chital, Chinkara, Wild Boar and sometimes a Fox or Jackal.
How to Reach
Khajuraho (230km) nearest airport. Umaria (30km), Satna (117km) – nearest railhead. Khajuraho (230km), Varanasi (340km), Umaria (30km), Kanha (250km).
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