Wildlife of Kumaon

Corbett National Park
India's first and finest park spread over 520 sq. kms. along the banks of the Ramganga river, just 300 kms. northeast of Delhi in the foothills of the Himalayas is the Corbett National Park. Established initially as Hailey National Park on August 8, 1936, in honour of Sir Malcolm Hailey, then governor of the United Provinces, the name was changed to Ramganga National Park in 1952. In 1957, it was finally named as Corbett National Park in honour and memory of the latc Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned-author and photographer who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries. Corbett is regarded as one of the true bird parks of the world. Out of the 2,060 species and subspecies of birds recorded in the Indian subcontinent, over 600 species/subspecies of birds have been recorded from Corbett at one time or another. This number is greater than the total number of bird species found in Europe and represents around one fourth of the available diversity found in India. Out of the 69 species of raptors found in India, 49 can be seen in Corbett making it a striking element of the local avifauna. The reserve, which covers 520 sq. kms. is not less than a paradise for bird-watchers. European bird-watchers are some of the keenest visitors to the reserve during winters when the bird diversity is at its peak.Birds which can be spotted at the banks of River Ramganga on the outskirts of Corbett Park include Brown Fish Owl, Himalayan Kingfisher, Brown Dipper and Plumbeous/White-Capped Redstarts. One can also see Little/Staty backed Forktails and Mountain/Rufousbellied Hawk-Eagles here. Inside Corbett Park, Blue Whistling Thrush and Red Jungle Fowl are immediate possibilities. But with some efforts one can spot Oriental White-eye, Jungle Owlet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Lesser Fish-Eagle or even Great Thick-knee, Stork-billed Kingfisher and many more. Mammals include Tiger, Indian Elephant, Chital, Sambhar, Muntjack (Barking Deer), Hog Deer and Common Langur. A trip to these magnificent Sanctuaries will also take you through Jaipur (Pink City) and Agra (City of Taj) which will add the experience of Indian culture, heritage, history and hospitality to your memories.
With elevations in the Park ranging from 400m to 1210m there is a rich diversity in habitat. Animals of the Himalayas and those of peninsular India can both be seen here and over 50 mammal and 25 reptile species have been recorded at Corbett. Among the predators are the tiger, leopard, diverse species of lesser cats and the dhole - the wild dog.

General Information
Area : 520.8sq.km.
Altitude : Between 400mt and 1,100mt.
Temperature : Summer: 46°C 19°C & Winter: 25°C 4°C
Main entry point : Dhangarhi, Main Tourist Centre & Dhikala.
Tourist Season : Nov. 15 to June15

Nanda Devi National Park
Spread over an area of 630 sq. kms., just next to the Nanda Devi Peak (which is the second highest mountain in India -7816 mts.), is the Nanda Devi National Park. It was established in 1980. The first men on record to have reached this Sanctuary, while yet in its pristine form, were the the British Mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman. The area had largely remained undisturbed till then, except for Tilman's successful attempt on Nanda Devi in 1936. However, from 1950 onwards the increasing number of treks & climbing expeditions to the area has somewhat affected the virgin character of this place. A unique mix of flora and fauna is characteristic of this park. The fauna inlcudes the brown and Himalayan black bears, Himalayan thar, snow leopards, serow and chir pheasants.

General Information
Area : 630 sq. kms.
Altitude : Bewteen 2,400 mts. and 6,817 mts.

Raja Ji National Park
It is the biggest park of Uttaranchal Surrrounded by mountains, Dehradun endures as a perfect retreat with beautiful spots for picnic and excursions. Its pleasent climate adds further to its charm and makes it an attractive tourist destination. Established in 1996 on the edge of the Dehradun valley is Rajaji National Park, covering an area of approx 820sq.kms. The wildlife here includes elephant, tiger, panther, bear, chital, sambar, wild boar, kakar, python, monitor lizard and a large variety of avian fauna. You find many opportunities of viewing these animals in their natural habitat here.

General Information
Area : 820sq.km.
Altitude : 300 to 1350 mts.
Tourist Season : Nov.15 to june 15

Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttar Pradesh,was established in 1955. Spread over an area of 957,969 sq. kms., the altitude varies from 1300 mts.to 6323 mts. The entire area of the sanctuary is subjected to light-heavy snowfall. The snow leopard inhabits the inner Himalayas above the altitude of 3500 mts. To improve the protection of this rare animal, the upper reaches of the sanctuary were notified as a National Park which covers an area of 472.08 sq. kms.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Binsar wild life sanctuary encompasses an area of about 50 sq. Kms in the middle Himalaya near Almora. This tract is considered to be one of the most beautiful tracts in kumaon. The slopes vary from step to very step. The terrain has been shaped by the action of running water. The climatic conditions prevailing in the Binsar sanctuary range from temperate to sub-arctic. Winters are very cold and Heavy snowfall is received.
The main forests types found in this sanctuary are listed below :
• Oak and moist mixed deciduous forests.
• Temperate moist coniferous forests including deodar and blue pine.
• Sub-alpine birch, fir and spruce forests.
• Sub-alpine pasture and scrub.
This sanctuary is the home of many high altitude species of animals and birds which includes the leopard, civet cat, serow, gharial, musk deer, brown bear and khaliji pheasant.
Places Of Interest :

Jageshwar Temple
65 kms from the resort is Jageshwar, the temple town. It is situated in a beautiful narrow valley surrounded by magnificent Deodar trees. Most of the temples here are dedicated to the various manifestations of Lord Shiva.
Getting There :
Nearest Railhead : Kathgodam (75km from the resort)
Nearest Airport : Delhi : 383 kms (10 hrs from the resort)

Askot Sanctury
Pithoragarh, the picturesque hill district of Uttaranchal Pradesh, houses amidst its greens, the Askot Sanctuary, which adds more dazzle to its already splendid beauty. Lying in the lap of Kumaon Himalayas at a height of 5412 ft., snow-capped mountains peaks and fine temples are an integral part of Pithoragarh. The highlights of the sanctuary are snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, musk deers, snow cocks, tahra, bharals, monals, chirs, koklas,pheasants and chukors.

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By :  News Team