174 Abode of Gods
Jim Corfoett Park
The Corbett National Park is situated in Path Doon, the valley
of river Ram Ganga. At the decline of the Moghal power in
India, Patli Doon was the meeting ground of the dashing interests
of the Rohiilas. This area of historical significance came into
importance in 1935 when Sir John Hewitt, Governor of U. P.
indicated that^ tigers were in plentiful in the area adjoining Patli
Doon. In 1935, the Government of United Provinces built the
Hailey National Park after the name of the Governor of United
Provinces of Agra and Oudh, Sir Malcolm Hailey. The park was
renamed Ramganga National Park in 1948 and in 1957, the name
of the park was changed, to Jim Corbett National Park. The park
covers an area of 528.8 sq. kilometres and lies at an altitude of
400 metres.
The route
The National Park can today be entered from any of the two
entrances, Dhangadi entrance to the east lying astride the main
Ramnagar-Ranikhet road and Kalagarh entrance to the west
which is astride the forest road joining Ramnagar and Kotdwar.
A complex hydro-electric project is located at Kalagarh on the
Ramganga. The major routes of entry to this sanctuary lie as
follows—
(z) Delhi-Garhmukteshwar—Moraddbad— Kashipur—Ramnagar—
Dhangadi :
This route is approximately two hundred and fortyfive
kilometres long. The last petrol pump is at Ramnagar.
(if) Bareilly—Rampur—Kashipur—Ramnagar—Dhangadi:
This route can be adopted by visitors from the east. From
Bareilly, it is 180 kms. just 5 kms. Short of Moradabad, the
road bifurcates for Ramnagar.
(if0 Nainital—Haldwani—Kaladhungi—Ramnagar—Dhangadi:
It is approximately one hundred and twenty kilometres. The
stretch between Kaladhungi and Ramnagar is a gravel road.
This road journey is fascinating because Jim Corbett frequen-
ted it during his stay in the Kaladhungi.