Sanctuary/Biosphere Reserve

The natural uniqueness of the area was recognized long ago as a result of which in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction of becoming the first National Park to be established in mainland Asia.

The park was then named as the 'Hailey National Park' and was later renamed as 'Corbett National Park' after James Edward Corbett the noted hunter turned conservationist of the area. The area came under 'Project Tiger' in 1973 when Govt. of India launched this ambitious conservation project.

Today after addition of areas into the originally declared National Park, the total area of Tiger Reserve extends 1288.31 sq. kms spreading over three districts of Uttarakhand viz., Pauri, Nainital and Almora. Corbett National Park covers an area of 521 sq. km.

Corbett is the first national park of India, established in 1936. It was named Hailey National Park then. In 1957, the park was rechristened Corbett National Park in memory of the late Jim Corbett, a great naturalist and eminent conservationist. After the addition of areas to the originally declared National Park, the total area of Tiger Reserve extends to 1288.31 sq. km.

The natural uniqueness of the area was recognized long ago as a result of which in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction of becoming the first National Park to be established in mainland Asia. The park was then named as the 'Hailey National Park' and was later renamed as 'Corbett National Park' after James Edward Corbett the noted hunter turned conservationist of the area.

The area came under 'Project Tiger' in 1973 when Gov. of India launched this ambitious conservation project. Today after addition of areas into the originally declared National Park, the total area of Tiger Reserve extends 1288.31 sq. kms spreading over three districts of Uttarakhand viz., Pauri, Nainital and Almora. Corbett National Park covers an area of 521 sq. km.

The natural uniqueness of the area was recognized long ago as a result of which in 1936 Corbett attained the distinction of becoming the first National Park to be established in mainland Asia. The park was then named as the 'Hailey National Park' and was later renamed as 'Corbett National Park' after James Edward Corbett the noted hunter turned conservationist of the area.

The area came under 'Project Tiger' in 1973 when Gov. of India launched this ambitious conservation project. Today after addition of areas into the originally declared National Park, the total area of Tiger Reserve extends 1288.31 sq. kms spreading over three districts of Uttarakhand viz., Pauri, Nainital and Almora. Corbett National Park covers an area of 521 sq. km.

• It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and was upgraded into a national park in 1988. It was declared as the 37th Tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1999.
• The Park lies in the Western Ghats and is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• The Nagarahole River flows through the park, which joins the Kabini River which also is a boundary between Nagarahole and Bandipur Ntional Park.
• Flora: The vegetation consists mainly of moist deciduous forests with predominating trees of teak and rosewood.
• Fauna: Asian elephants, chital (spotted deer), Indian mouse deer, gaur, stripe-necked and ruddy mongooses, grey langur, bonnet macaque, Asian wild dog, leopard, tiger, sloth bear among others.

Waterfalls and hot springs may be found throughout the park. There are also two ancient forts known as Palamu Forts, one of which is located near Betla - at 400 feet (120 metres) - and was built as the seat of Chero Kings in the 16th century. Although it is now deep into the forest, the original fort's main sentinel can be seen high on the hill, with three major entrances. Betla has waterfalls and natural hot springs on the one side, while on the other, there are historical relics such as the Chero kings' fort from the 16th century.

The Gir Forests forms a unique habitat for many mammals, reptiles, birds and insect species along with a rich variety of flora.Gir is often linked with "Maldharis" who have survived through the ages by having symbiotic relationship with the lion. Maldharis are religious pastoral communities living in Gir. Their settlements are called "nesses".

The name literally stands for 'ten villages', which could be in memory of the ten villages that were relocated in order to create the park. It was initially established to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to Srinagar city. A protected area since 1910, it was declared a national park in 1981. The park is situated at altitudes ranging from 5500 ft to 14,000 ft. The park is best known as the home of the Hangul, or Kashmir stag. It holds the last viable population of the vulnerable hangul in the world.

Terrain: Ranges from gently sloping grasslands to cliffs and sharp rocky outcrops.

Flora: Includes wild cherry, apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, chestnut, willow, walnut, oak, pine, birch, poplar, chinar, and elm.

Fauna:

• Besides Hangul, Dachigam is also famous for its populations of musk deer, leopard, Himalayan
• Grey Langur, leopard cat, Himalayan Black Bear, yellow-throated marten, among others.
• It is the residence of raptors such as the Eurasian eagle owl, Lammergeier, Eurasian griffon and white-rumped vulture.