Jim Corbett National Park

The history of Jim Corbett National Park is deeply rooted in India’s early wildlife conservation movement. During the British colonial era, the forests of present-day Corbett were rich in wildlife but heavily affected by hunting, deforestation, and human encroachment.

In 1936, the area was officially declared Hailey National Park, making it the first national park in India. The initiative to protect this forest region was strongly supported by Edward James Corbett, famously known as Jim Corbett. He was a legendary hunter, tracker, naturalist, and author who later became a strong advocate of wildlife conservation.

Jim Corbett gained fame for eliminating several man-eating tigers and leopards in the Kumaon region, but over time, he developed a deep respect for wildlife and forests. His writings and conservation efforts played a crucial role in changing public attitudes toward wildlife protection.

After India gained independence, the park was renamed Ramganga National Park in 1954. In 1957, it was finally renamed Jim Corbett National Park to honor Jim Corbett’s contribution to forest conservation and wildlife awareness in India.

A major turning point in Corbett’s history came in 1973, when it became the first national park to be included under Project Tiger, a revolutionary wildlife conservation program launched by the Government of India. This marked the beginning of structured tiger conservation in the country and elevated Corbett to global importance.

With the establishment of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, stricter protection laws, scientific wildlife monitoring, and sustainable tourism practices were introduced. Over the decades, Corbett has become a global model for tiger conservation and habitat management.

Today, Jim Corbett National Park stands as a living legacy of India’s conservation success, balancing tourism with ecological preservation and continuing to protect its rich natural heritage for future generations.