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Answer the call of the wild - head for Corbett National Park where the magnificent tiger reigns supreme. Located in the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas, close to Ramnagar Corbett National Park was the first Reserve forest of its kind, established in 1936 through the efforts of Jim Corbett, the conservationist. Corbett National Park also makes for a memorable honeymoon destination. For couples on their honeymoon, what better way to get to know your life partner than while staking out, waiting for a tiger to appear? The dense forest cover and the call of the wild beasts and birds contribute to an intense and romantic atmosphere, ideal for honeymoon memories.

Stretching over 520 sq km with a core area of 330 sq km, the Corbett National Park consists of mixed deciduous and sal forests and stretches of Savannah grasslands where antelope, chital, hog deer and sambar graze. The Rhesus monkey and common langur are ubiquitous, while the long-snouted gharial, marsh crocodile, cobras and pythons can be seen on the mud banks of the Ramganga.

Just in case you were wondering, tiger attacks though extremely rare have happened in the past. Though tigers tend to keep their distance and attacks on humans are almost unheard of, in 2004 a man was attacked while sitting at a wayside tea stall on the edges of the park one evening. Don't ever take your surroundings for granted and it is a good idea to exercise caution when out in the wild.

Historically Speaking

The first Reserve forest of its kind, the park was established in 1936- when it was known as the Hailey National Park- mainly through the efforts of Jim Corbett, the conservationist. Corbett lived throughout his childhood in the area of Kaladhungi between Nainital and Ramnagar. He had a deep insight into the ecology of the area, and in later years he was called upon by the locals to shoot down man-eating leopards and tigers that stalked the villages. Locally referred to as "Carpet Sahib", he turned to photography and writing, authoring books on wildlife, like "My India", "Jungle Lore" and "Man-eaters of Kumaon".

Corbett National Park was the first to be designated a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973. Situated at a distance of 260 kms from Delhi and 128 kms from Nainital, the Corbett National Park is best known for its big cats, especially the tiger. Despite the efforts of conservationists, the tiger population of India is dwindling rapidly, and Corbett National Park is one of the few parks where the tiger can still be seen.