The enchanting forests of the Jim Corbett National Park host a plethora of wildlife, including Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Himalayan black bears, Asiatic jackals, Gaurs, Sambar deer, Hog deer and more. Situated in the state of Uttarakhand and fondly known as ‘the land of the roar and the trumpet’, Jim Corbett has had an eventful history!

From being the kingdom of the tribal kings to the hunting grounds of the British and subsequently being declared a protected area, this blog traces the history of Jim Corbett National Park from the days of yore to modern times!

Jim Corbett National Park - How it got its name

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest and biggest national park in Uttarakhand. It is one of India’s most prestigious forest reserves and the place where the crucial Project Tiger was launched in 1973.

This forest was first established as Hailey National Park in 1936. Subsequently in 1954-55, it was renamed Ramganga National Park in honour of the pristine river that runs through this forest. Finally, in 1955-56, the park got its present name after the renowned British author and hunter turned naturalist and conservationist, Jim Corbett.

Jim Corbett is most often remembered as the man who hunted a number of man-eater tigers and leopards in India. But, it was also him who became an avid photographer and spoke of the importance and need of protecting India’s wildlife from extermination.

The name of this national park has remained in honour of Jim Corbett and is one of India’s most coveted and popular wildlife destinations!

Which kings ruled these forests?

Before becoming a protected area, these forests were a part of the princely state of Tehri-Garhwal. Subsequently, the Raja of Tehri offered a part of his state to the East India Company to honour their favour of helping him and his state oust the Gurkhas from his domain!

A Tehri tribe called the Boksas settled near the forest areas and started growing their crops. But, they were shortly evicted by the British rule in the early 1860s.

Early conservation practices under British rule

It was under the British rule that the forest first rose to prominence. The first efforts to protect the forest were initiated under Major Ramsay. The latter was in charge of the area in the 19th century and in 1868 the British prohibited the cultivation and the operation of cattle stations in the forested areas. And in 1879, these forests were constituted into a reserve forest where only restricted felling was permitted.

In the first decade of the 20th century, many British officers suggested the establishment of a game reserve. And finally, in the 1930s the demarcation process of the forest reserve began.

About 325 square kilometres were dedicated to the project and this area was established as a forest reserve under the name of Hailey National Park as it was Malcolm Hailey who was the present Governor then. This was a momentous moment in history as Asia’s first national park came into existence.

Hunting of all animals was completely banned, but timber cutting was permitted for domestic purposes. The park thrived under the British administration in the 1930s but the advent of the Second World War resulted in rampant poaching and timber felling.

Modern History of Jim Corbett

After considerable decline and abuse not just in the forests of Uttarakhand, but across the country, finally, the crucial Project Tiger was launched in 1973. The first forest reserve that became a part of this project was undoubtedly the Jim Corbett National Park.

Over the years, the protected area has slowly increased and new buffer zones have been annexed to the core area of the National Park. Today, the Jim Corbett National Park is under the Terai Arc Landscape Programme of the World Wide Fund For Nature.

This program aims to protect three of the five terrestrial flagship species, namely, the Bengal Tiger, the Asian elephant and the great one-horned rhinoceros, by restoring forest corridors that help link 13 protected areas of India and Nepal which allow the free movement and migration of wildlife species!

Apart from being home to over 250 tigers, 600 plus elephants, the Jim Corbett National Park hosts close to 50 species of mammals, about 1000 species of birds and about 35 species of reptiles. Additionally, it provides refuge to several floral and ecological species which form a huge part of the sub-Himalayan ecosystem!

Conclusion

The Jim Corbett National Park has truly had a colourful history and it will always occupy a cherished spot in the heart of all wildlife lovers. It is a place of significant value, hosting stunning flagship species and an entire Himalayan ecosystem and will always be held in high regard as it is where Project Tiger was launched.

Over the years the Park has gone through several changes. The effort of the British officers and everyone who has dedicated their lives and contributed to the successful conservation of this forest reserve, must not go unnoticed.

The perennial beauty of the Jim Corbett National Park, with its innumerable breathtaking landscapes, is a treasure trove of opportunities for wildlifers, and a paradise for all nature lovers! It is a destination well worth putting at the very top of your holiday bucket list!

Witness the magic of Corbett's wildlife – Reserve your spot on our Corbett Photo Tour!

‍