The Terai region of the state of Uttaranchal has always known for the wonderful wilderness that has been blessed on it by the Himalayas. In here are also located two of the most protected wild habitats, providing an unforgettable experience to wildlife lovers. First is Corbett, the first Tiger Reserve of India, giving a rich diversity to the natural environment and scenic beauty. Next comes another Project Tiger establishment, Dudhwa National Park, with fine Sal forests and extensive grasslands. This is the launch pad wildlife preserve of Project Tiger ad is blessed with some of the most unique and varied Himalayan wildlife. There are also opportunities of angling as the magnificent Mahaseer fish is found in plenty over here .The Corbett Tiger Reserve lies in the Nainital and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttaranchal, 19 km from Ramnager, on the road to Ranikhet. At the meeting-point of the temperate western Himalaya and the proportionately more luxuriant and tropical central Himalaya, and drained by many rivers, the park has a staggering number of species. The region once teemed with big game hunters until naturalist-shikaris convinced Sir Malcolm Hailey, the governor of the United Provinces, to assign a small area for special protection. India's first national park, Hailey, was established in 1936.

Post-independence, the park was renamed the Ramganga National Park after the scenic river that flows through, and later, in 1957, its name was changed to Corbett, in honour of the celebrated hunter-naturalist and writer, Jim Corbett, His winter home in Kaladhungi, just 40 km from Ramnagar, has been converted into an interesting museum. The park became part of a tiger reserve when Project Tiger was officially launched here on April 1, 1973 by the then union minister, Dr Karan Singh.

Corbett displays terrain typical of the biologically active Shivaliks (Himalayan foothills). This comprises the terai, or marshy alluvial plains, and the bhabar, densely forested fertile land rising from the terai to a height of 600m. The reserve has an elevation range of 400-1,200m. The hills, river valleys, open plateaus and ravines exhibit distinctive vegetation, making it the "land of trumpet, roar and song." Elephants, tigers, 1eopards, deer, crocodiles, over 500 bird species and an assortment of floral and insect wealth make this a naturalist's Shangri La. The 30 km drive between Dhangarhi, the main entrance to the park, and Dhikala, he tourist complex at its heart, is wildlife safari in itself. There are several other exciting routes for viewing wildlife, while rest-houses provide the experience of staying overnight in the untamed forest.

Walking is banned in most areas and wildlife can be viewed can be viewed as unobtrusively as possible from elephant-backs or open jeeps. Gharials, long-snouted crocodiles, bask log-like on river-banks and bands of gleaming otters play along the edge of the flowing waters. Fresh tiger pugmarks along a forest trail provide the thrill of tracking as they indicate that the predator walked by only a short while ago. 1n 1997, the tiger population was reported to be 138. The wild elephant population is over 150. The Asian Elephant can be easily distinguished from its African cousin by its smaller, more convex silhouette and its smaller ears. It is believed to have a longer life span.

The thunderous trumpet of the elephant, the roar of the tiger, the flutter of wood pigeons and the shrill whistle of the soaring Crested Serpent Eagle are all familiar sounds in this most hallowed of Indian wildlife reserves.

Wildlife Attraction
The sanctuary is home to many species of wild animals like Asian Elephant (above), Tiger, Leopard, Leopard-cat, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Wild Dog (Dhole), Gaur (Indian Bison), Sloth Bear, Himalayan Palm Civet, Smooth Indian Otter, Hog-deer, Goral, Indian Pangolin, Sambar, Spotted Deer (Chital), Barking Deer Mugger (Marsh Crocodile), Gharial, Indian Python

Species of birds: Osprey, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Hen Harrier, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Brown Fish Owl, Brown Hawk Owl, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl