Established initially as Hailey National Park on August 8, 1936 in honor 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 honor and memory of the late Jim Corbett, the legendary hunter, naturalist-turned author and photographer who had helped in setting up the park and demarcating its boundaries.
The elevation of the park ranges between 400 meters and 1210 meters. The multipurpose shydel dam at Kalagarh lies at the southwestern fringe of Corbett. The lake inside, with its scenic charm, has added to the beauty of the park. Many species of water birds, both migrant and non-migrant, frequent its waters. Crocodiles and the long snouted fish-eating Gharial have found new homes here and their numbers have increased. They can often be seen sun basking on the sand banks. For anglers too, the lake is a paradise. Fish, such as the Mahaseer, abound in the lake and river.
The park offers different kinds of vegetation all along its varied topography which comprises hilly and riparian areas, temporary marshy depressions, plateaus and ravines.
110 species of trees, 51 species of shrubs and over 33 species of bamboo are found here. There are three distinct seasons in Corbett, Cold-Nov. to Feb., Hot-March to June, and Rainy-July to Oct. Over 50 mammal, 580 bird and 25 reptile species have been listed in the Corbett. Also astounding is the insect life here. Corbett is a known haven for tigers, largely owing to the success of WWF funded project-tiger that was launched on 1st April 1973. Other animals which add to its attraction are: Leopard, leopard cat, jungle cat, fishing cat, Himalayan black bear, dhole, yellow-throated morten, elephant, porcupine, chital, barking deer etc. Some of the birds commonly seen here are osprey, crested serpent eagle, black winged kite, shikra, Pallas’s fishing eagle, spotted eagle, minivets, shrikes, babblers etc.
The Gharials, descendants of the prehistoric reptiles, have made the park their home. The Indian python, viper, cobra, krait and king cobra, the largest of the poisonous snakes, also inhabit Corbett, as do monitors and other lesser lizards.
General Information:
Area: 520.8 sq.km.
Altitude: Between 400 mt and 1,100 mt.
Temperature:
Max. Min.
Summer: 46o 19o
Winter: 25o 04o
Tourist season: Nov. 15 to June 15
How to Reach:
Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar,133 Kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Ramnagar, 50 Kms. from Dhikala.
Road: Dhikala is connected by a road to Dhikala-Ramnagar and from there to other parts of the state. Other centers within the park are connected by fair-weather tracks. From Dhikala: Delhi is 290 Kms. Lucknow 503 Kms., Ranikhet 107 Kms. Nainital 114 km.
For Accommodation, Reservation & Assistance Contact:
Himadri Tour Trek & Adventure Gears
E-Mail – [email protected]
Web – http://[email protected]
Kedarnath Sanctuary : In the land of God’s Garhwal. Lays the sprawling 967 sq. Kms. Kedarnath Sanctuary, established in the year 1972. Garhwal Himalayas offer a breathtakingly spectacular view of snow-clad mountains, valleys and forests. The Garhwal Himalayas also houses the Char Dhams, namely, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. In the wilderness of this sanctuary animals like snow leopard, snow cock, Thar, musk deer, leopard and Serow can be seen along with many species of birds. To study the details of the musk deer a project funded by WWF was undertaken in between 1978-1980.
General Information:
Area: 967 sq.Kms.
How to Reach:
Rail: The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 335 Kms.
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 252 Kms.
Road: The road to Kedarnath diverts from Rudraprayag and goes along Mandakini valley. The road distances from Kedarnath are:- Rambara 7 Kms. (Trek) Gaurikund 14 Kms. (Trek) Sonprayag 19 Kms, Guptakashi 47 Kms, Kund 56 Kms., Tilwara 84 Kms., Rudraprayag 93 Kms., Chopta 87 Kms. Mandal 113 Kms. And Chamoli 136 Kms. Ponies, dandies and porters are available at Gaurikund, the starting point of the 14 Kms. trek to Kedarnath. Gaurikund is connected by direct bus services to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.
For Accommodation, Reservation & Assistance Contact:
Himadri Tour Trek & Adventure Gears
E-Mail – [email protected]
Web – http://[email protected]
Govind Wildlife Sanctuary : In the beautiful & captivating environs of the Uttarkashi district is Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The Govind Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1955, covering an area of 953 sq. Kms. includes mountains like Swarg Rohini, Black peak and Bandarpunch. Apart from the Sanctuary, the place is a popular tourist destination, mainly because of the beauty of its snow-clad peaks and glaciers.
Attracting many trekkers and famous for its lush green beauty is Hari-ki-Dun. The wide variety of animal species that lives here includes Himalayan Black Bears, Thar, Serow, Monal, Snow Leopard, Brown Bears, Trogopan, Chirr, Bharal, Musk Deer, Koklas, Kaleej Pheasants And Chukor.
General Information:
Area: 953 sq. km.
Altitude: Between 1,300 mt. and 6,315 mt.
How to Reach:
Air: The nearest airport is jolly Grant Dehradun, 231 Kms.
Road: Accessible by road via Rishikesh-Uttarkashi or via Mussoorie-Purola-Saur. Bus services are available from Uttarkashi, Barkot, Dehradun, and Naitwar to Saur-Sankri.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Dehradun, 207 Kms.
For Accommodation, Reservation & Assistance Contact:
Himadri Tour Trek & Adventure Gears
E-Mail – [email protected]
Web – http://[email protected]
Valley Of Flowers : While on an expedition to Mt. Kamet, Frank S.Smith, an English mountaineer explorer and Botanist, discovered the valley of flowers. Bustling with beautiful, lively and vibrant colors, this park spread over an area of 87.5 sq. Kms. has the largest collection of wild flower species. Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this valley had been known to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar valley. Legend associates this valley with the area from where hanuman ji of Ramayana collected ‘Sanjeevani’ herb to revive Lakshman. As though created by nature itself, the beauty of the park is enhanced by the Pushpawati River flowing in the vicinity overlooked by the towering Rataban peak in the background. More than 300 species of wild flowers like the Himalayan blue poppy, daisy, dianthus, calendula, white and yellow anemones bloom & swing with life during the monsoons.
Also inhabiting the place are the Himalayan black bears, musk deer, brown bears, snow leopards, Thar, Bharal, Serow and an amazing variety of butterflies. A large number of nature lovers, environmentalists and tourists descend upon the valley every year. The valley can be visited only during the day and overnight stay is prohibited.
General Information:
Area: 87 sq.Kms.
Altitude: Between 3,352 mt. and 3,962 mt.
How to Reach:
Rail: The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 302 Kms.
Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 319 Kms.
Road: Off the Rishikesh-Badrinath road, 17 Kms. from Govindghat. (25 Kms. from Badrinath). From Govindghat the distance has to be trekked. Bus services are available to Govindghat. Porters are also available at Govindghat and Ghangharia.
For Accommodation, Reservation & Assistance Contact:
Himadri Tour Trek & Adventure Gears
E-Mail – [email protected]
Web – http://[email protected]
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 British mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill Tillman. The area had largely remained undisturbed till then, except for Tillman’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 includes the brown and Himalayan black bears. Himalayan Thar, snow leopards, Serow, and chirr peasants.
General Information:
Area: 630 sq.Kms.
Altitude: Between 2400 mt. and 6817 mt.
How to Reach:
Road: Nearest road head is Lata, 30 Kms. from Joshimath which is also connected by bus services. Joshimath is linked by road to Rishikesh and other centers in the region.
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 315 km
For Accommodation, Reservation & Assistance Contact :
Himadri Tour Trek & Adventure Gears
E-Mail – [email protected]
Web – http://[email protected]
Rajaji National Park : Surrounded by mountains, Dehradun endures as a perfect retreat with beautiful spots for picnics and excursions. Its pleasant climate adds further to its charm and makes it an attractive tourist destination. Established in 1966 on the edge of the Dehradun valley is Rajaji National Park, covering an area of approx 820 sq. Kms. The wildlife here includes Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Bear, Chital, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Kakar, Python, Monitor Lizard and a large variety of avian fauna. You fond many opportunities of viewing these animals in their natural habitat here.
General Information:
Area: 820 sq. km.
Altitude: 300 to 1350 Mts.
Temperature:
Summer: Max. 42o
Winter: Min 0o
Main Tourist Centers: Chilla, Motichur & Dholkhand
Tourist Season: Nov. 15 to June 15
How to Reach:
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 33 Kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Haridwar (8 Kms.0 and Dehradun (24 Kms.)
Road: The National Park is 220 Kms. from Delhi & from Lucknow it is at a distance of 510 Kms.
Elephants are available for wildlife viewing at Chilla and Dholkhand.
Elephant rides are conducted morning and evening.
For Accommodation, Reservation & Assistance Contact:
Himadri Tour Trek & Adventure Gears
E-Mail – [email protected]
Web – http://[email protected]
Askot Wildlife Sanctuary : Pithoragarh, the picturesque hill district of Uttar 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 mountain 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, Tahrs, Bharals, Monals, Chirs, Koklas, Peasants and Chukors.
How to Reach:
Air: The nearest airport is Pant Nagar, Nainital, (305 Kms.)
Road: Askot is accessible by road via Tanakpur-Pithoragarh or via Haldwani-Almora. Askot is 54 Kms. from Pithoragarh.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Tanakpur, 204 Kms.
For Accommodation, Reservation & Assistance Contact:
Himadri Tour Trek & Adventure Gears
E-Mail – [email protected]
Web – http://[email protected]