Aptly called the 'Land of Roar and Trumpet', this forest of flowing rivers, blue waters and Sal-dappled glades, cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas was christened after the famous Major Jim Corbett.

As India's first and the finest of all National Parks, also known as the tiger and elephant country, where unexpected sights and sounds present themselves at almost every turn. Many of Jim Corbett's enthralling tales and thrilling, true life adventures, are mentioned in The Man-eaters of Kumaon and The Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag originated here in these famous Kumaon hills.

If you are feeling wild and you want to bring out the animal in you, don't waste time stalking the streets of your city trying to get to the longest dance party, instead head for tiger country. The forest trails of Corbett and the rush of the Ramganga river will give you a rush you'll never forget.

A six-hour drive from Delhi, the Corbett National Park is named after Jim Corbett, who is one of the first in the breed of hunters turned conservationists and the slayer of at least 10 man-eaters in the Kumaon and Garhwal hills.

Corbett is the first national park in the country, and because of its rich and diverse wildlife it is also among the finest. It is also known for its tigers because it provides the ideal habitat. You will have plenty of choices for places to stay. Apart from the guesthouses that are inside the park there are several hotels on the periphery. You'd be better off booking in advance; and try to reach before dark. You will probably want to do anything but get out of bed at the crack of dawn.

The park gates open at 6:30 am, and you can hire an open jeep. It's chilly, but that much more fun, driving through the mixed woodlands; take a guide along so that you don't miss out on exciting things on the way.

ANIMAL SAFARI
Flowing right across the park is the Ramganga river. It is considered the lifeline of Corbett as it supports a range of ecosystems. Being very shy creatures, the only way to spot Gharials is to park your vehicle and walk quietly up to a look-out point and you might even be lucky enough to find a whole family of them basking in the morning sun.

You will probably see so many Cheetal or spotted deer on your trip that you will soon stop paying much notice to them. Watch them closely and you will be drawn by their beauty. Cheetal have a very unstable herd system, without a defined breeding season, which explains why you see deer of all ages at all seasons. The idea of catching a glimpse of the wildlife is more energising than the best tea or coffee.

Gharials are highly endangered and their numbers are few. Being cold blooded, the sun is an essential source of energy for them and they lie motionless for several hours in the morning, soaking in the sunlight, unable to move very much let alone catch any fish. Equally lethargic are the large Mahasir fish, which can weigh up to 110 pounds.

Corbett is home to over 600 bird species, that is more than half the birds on the Indian subcontinent - the beautiful black necked stork is just one of them. It is a powerful bird of prey with a loud barking call, which can be heard at great distances.