- Best Time to Visit Corbett National Park
Corbett offers excellent birding opportunities throughout the year, but certain periods are particularly rewarding. The winter months (November to February) are ideal for viewing migratory birds. The summer months (April to June) are good for observing resident species, especially those that are more active during the hotter part of the day.
Corbett National Park: A Birder's Paradise
Corbett National Park, India’s first national park, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, and its avian life is no exception. Home to over 600 bird species, this park offers an unparalleled birding experience.
Corbett’s diverse habitats, ranging from the Sal forests to the riverine plains, support a wide range of birdlife. The park’s proximity to the Himalayas and the Gangetic plains further enriches its avian diversity. From the colorful kingfishers to the majestic raptors, birdwatchers can expect to be captivated by the sheer variety.
Raptors Reign Supreme
Corbett is a birder’s dream when it comes to raptors. The park is home to a significant population of raptors, including several endangered species. The majestic Pallas’s Fish Eagle, a sight to behold, can often be spotted along the riverbanks. Other prominent raptors include the Crested Serpent Eagle, the Black-winged Kite, and various species of eagles, hawks, and owls.
Waterbirds and Wetlands
Corbett’s riverine ecosystem supports a rich diversity of waterbirds. The park’s wetlands, including the Ramganga River and its tributaries, are home to a variety of ducks, herons, egrets, and kingfishers. The elusive Ibisbill, a striking wader, can also be spotted in certain areas.
Forest Avians
The park’s dense Sal forests are teeming with birdlife. The melodious calls of the Malabar Pied Hornbill and the Great Hornbill echo through the woods. Other forest dwellers include woodpeckers, barbets, and various species of thrushes and babblers.
Corbett National Park which is most famous park for tiger safaris in india lies in the Terai Arc Landscape at the foot of the Himalayas, where Bhabhar forests, Riverine forests, Siwalik foothills and the Terai floodplains all intertwine in a biodiversity-rich area the growing Himalayan Mountains which transport their silt and rock down river fed by the Himalayan rivers.
The dominant trees of the area are the towering and gregarious “Sal”(Shorea robusta) which fill the landscape and provide the feeling of being in Tiger Country.
A rare sight of gigantic grasslands as far as the eye can see at Dhikala cut by the channels of the Ramganga River is a magical sight indeed, where herds of Elephants make their home and the Tiger hunts stealthily for the herbivores that inhabit the area – yes, Tigers are known to hunt elephants too at Corbett!
The bird count in the landscape reaches close to almost 600 species, due to the vegetation-rich area and the varied habitat, making for a charming birdwatching trip at Corbett.
Highlight Species in Corbett National Park
- Tawny Fish Owl
- Brown Fish Owl
- Himalayan Griffon
- Cinereous Vulture
- Rufous-bellied Eagle
- Eurasian Spoonbill
- White-capped Water Redstart
- Black-chinned Yuhina
- Blue-winged Minla
- Lesser Whitethroat
- Little Pied Flycatcher
- Fire-tailed Sunbird
- Great-Slaty Woodpecker
- Crested Kingfisher
- Spot-bellied Eagle Owl
- Long-tailed Broadbill
- Collared Falconet
- Ibisbill
- Spot-winged Starling
- Wallcreeper
- Hodgson’s Buschat
- White-tailed Rubythroat
- Black-headed Jay
- Golden-headed Cisticola
- Lesser Fish Eagle
- Pallas’ Fish Eagle
- Brown Dipper
- Great Hornbill
- Golden Bush Robin
- Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler
- Himalayan Goldenback Woodpecker
- Greater Goldenback Woodpecker
- Slaty-headed Parakeet
- Red-breasted Parakeet
- Dollarbird
- Rosy Minivet
Types of Safaris in Corbett National Park
Jeep Safaris : There are 05 primary zones of the park and the only way to access them is by hiring a 4×4 Jeep.
Walking Safaris : There are numerous walking trails in the Corbett Landscape, one is to be weary of Wild Elephants and a guide/Naturalist to accompany make for the best chances to see highlighted bird species.
How to reach Corbett National Park
By Air : 04 hour drive from Dehradun Airport – well connected by flights from New Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore.
By Train : 6.5 comfortable Air-conditioned train ride from New Delhi to Ramnagar Station – Corbett.
By Road : 07 hour drive from New Delhi International Airport – well connected worldwide.
