Post by Trinetra Tours on Jul 11, 2014 18:05:34 GMT 5.5
The Jim Corbett National park is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Northern part of India. Lying in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Jim Corbett National Park covers an area of more than 520 sq km. After the inclusion of the Sonanadi wildlife sanctuary to the west, the park has grown from 520sq km to 1318 sq km. Wide variety of topography and vegetation bestows the park with a rich diversity in habitats and natural beauty. Flat valleys are followed by hilly ridges and the Park's rolling grasslands termed as Chaurs provide an excellent view of its wildlife. The Ramganga river meanders through the park where the thick cover of sal covers the higher ridges, mixed deciduous forests are found, over 110 varieties of trees are present, 51 species of shrubs and over 33 kinds of bamboos and grasses are also to be seen here. The park has been named after the famous British hunter, Jim Corbett who was instrumental in setting up the reserve and also wrote the famous book. Corbett National Park is one of India's most beautiful wildlife areas, and, has a tiger population of around 160, which makes this park as the last and the most important bastion of this endangered species in India. The lake in the park attracts a large number of species of water birds, both migrants and others, that frequent its water, mainly in the winter. Among the reptiles, the long snouted, fish eating gharial and mugger (Crocodiles) could be seen basking in the sun on the sand banks. Different species of trees, shrubs, bamboo and grass make up the lush vegetation of the park. The sanctuary is dominated by pure sal for which the park is known.