Discover Corbett National Park in Its Indigenous Flora

Corbett National Park nestled amidst the Western Himalayas, is India’s foremost and finest national park. It was established in the year 1936. The topography of the park sets you in a state of trance with its beautiful hills and fantasy-like regions. The mountains are well diversified with exotic flora and fauna, and the vicinity of the Himalayas makes Corbett a must visit place for the wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The beauty of Corbett National Park could not be expressed in words; it is for one’s eye to relish. Figuratively speaking, Corbett has approximately more than 110 varieties of trees, 70 varieties of grass, 50 species of mammal, 600 species of birds, 25 species of reptiles and numerous shrubs having medicinal values. Truly, Corbett is a dream destination for all the nature and animal lovers. The park is also renowned as one of the top family holiday destinations that offer world class accommodation.

The Flora

The flora holds a very prominent spot in any national park. Apart from making the accommodation in Corbett luxurious and memorable, they also provide food, shelter, haven to the various fauna and avifauna residing in the park. It can be quite rightly said that without the trees, grass, and shrubs, a national park wouldn’t be what it is. They are responsible for the beautification of a park, along with the pristine rivers, lakes and waterfalls.

Trees

The majority of trees that dominate the Uttarakhand region are prominent in the Corbett too. Sal, Khair and Sissoo are found in abundance; Chir Pine is the only conifer of the Park. Although at the higher regions, one could also spot the Banj Oak. Date Palm or Khajur could be seen on open lands. Many trees like Amla and Jamun are found scattered throughout the lower areas.

There are several flowering trees that fill the park in hues of pink, yellow and red. The abundance of the Kachnaar facilitates the splendid pink and white blooms; Semal, Madaar and Dhak provide red, scarlet red and bright orange color flowers. It is for these flowering trees that really captivates the attention of the visitors to the park.

Don’t be surprised when you see Jakranda, Silver Oak, Teak, Eucalyptus and many more varieties that have been introduced successfully through a major research work. These artificial plants add to the magnificent vista of Corbett.

Shrubs, Herbs and Grass

The grasses are the main source of nutrition to many deers and other flocks of animals that love grazing all day long. Kansi, Baib, Tiger Grass, Khus Khus are the prominent varieties found in the park.

The mixed varieties of Pansy and Aster could be found tucked under the trees and many open areas. Bhilmora herb is used as seasoning and in the preparation of many sauces. Klip Dagga or Lion’s Ear is a medicinal plant and it is used as tea to cure fever and malaria.

There are many varieties of Bers, Karunda, Hisar shrubs that provide food to various birds and animals of the park.

The Fauna

Corbett is flooded with a lot of animal enthusiasts who want to witness the rich diversity of the animals in the park. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the gem of the park and it was also one of the first national parks to come under the ‘Project Tiger’. Apart from the tigers, there are approximately 50 other varieties of mammals, including Leopard Cat, Snow Leopard, Wild Cat, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Bear, Barking Deer, Elephants and many more.

Corbett is also a paradise for the bird watchers as it is replete with more than 600 species of birds. Brown Deeper, Brown Fish Owl, Great Pied Hornbill, Long-Tailed Broadbill, White-capped Water Redstarts, Plumbous are some of the kinds of birds few to name.

The Accommodation

The park has a diversity of everything, even when it comes to providing the best accommodation to the visitors. The guests can choose from many basic and luxury accommodation in Corbett National Park according to their needs and requirements. There are also many Machan accommodations along with varied cottages that are located in and around the premises of Corbett.

One cannot match the thrill and excitement of witnessing the wild animals in their natural habitat. The varied accommodation, diversified flora and fauna and the vicinity of the Himalayas makes the stay a delight and memorable.

The author is a travel fanatic, she loves to share her travel experience through her articles.