Corbett

Editor's Note

Undoubtedly one of the greatest National Parks of Asia, the Corbett National Park is located in the foothills of the Himalayas. This is home to the majestic Cat, the tiger, sightings of which are as rare as it gets. Once a thriving tiger jungle, the count of tigers is rumoured to be less than 50! Though efforts are underway to protect this beast, difficulties spring up in the form of poachers, who are aided by locals. The actual Tiger Reserve is spread over an area of 1,319 sq km and includes the Corbett National Park, Kalagarh Reserve Forest and Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary. Of course, only close to 25% of the reserve is open to the public, the rest remaining out of reach to safeguard their natural habitat. What renders it an even more mysterious air is the fact that none of the roads have been laid down or repaired, so what you actually travel through is the real jungle! Common sightings here include barking deer, spotted deer, elephants, boars, leopards and kingfisher and serpent eagles. Named in honour of late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter-turned-naturalist, the park is essentially savannah grasslands. Roam on a jeep or atop an elephant and hire the services of a guide trained to hear and decipher the right sounds. An ideal weekend getaway from Delhi, carry your binoculars and your sense of adventure and you just might glimpse the elusive animal!