Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park, situated just 300 km from New Delhi in the Himalayan foothills, is one of India’s earliest and most esteemed national parks. Its roots trace back to a once-flourishing settlement along the Ramganga River, where ancient temples still echo the cultural legacy of the region. The local populace historically relied on thinning the forests of the duns for sustenance. Prior to British colonisation, the forest was pristine and densely wooded, but within a decade of colonial expansion, vast stretches suffered significant ecological damage.

Thanks to the vision of early conservationists and principled hunters who denounced tiger shikar as mindless killing, Sir Malcolm Hailey, then-Governor of the United Provinces, was persuaded to declare 256 sq km as protected land. He approved the proposal with conviction, leading to the establishment of India’s first national park on 8 August 1936. Post-independence, it was briefly named Ramganga National Park in 1952, but was renamed in 1957 as Corbett National Park to honour the celebrated hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett—an acclaimed wildlife photographer and author whose accounts of the region received international recognition.

Today, Corbett National Park ranks among India’s premier wildlife sanctuaries and is especially popular for Jim Corbett tiger safaris. Its close proximity to New Delhi makes it a preferred choice for travellers seeking an authentic wilderness encounter. For those looking further afield, Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan offers another well-connected and compelling alternative to the Corbett Tiger Reserve.