1st National Park of India?
VerifiedAnswer: Corbett National Park
Explanation:
Corbett National Park holds the special distinction of being India's first national park, established in 1936. Located in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, this park was initially named Hailey National Park after Sir Malcolm Hailey, who was the Governor of the United Provinces at that time.
The park was later renamed in honor of Jim Corbett, a legendary British-Indian hunter, tracker, and conservationist who played a crucial role in its establishment. Jim Corbett was famous for hunting man-eating tigers and leopards in the region, but he later became a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and photography.
Spanning across an area of approximately 520 square kilometers, Corbett National Park is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. The park covers parts of Nainital and Pauri districts in Uttarakhand and is famous for its diverse landscapes, including grasslands, riverine belts, marshy depressions, and dense forests.
The park is particularly renowned for being home to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger and was the first location where Project Tiger was launched in 1973. This ambitious conservation project aimed to protect the declining tiger population in India. Today, Corbett National Park remains one of the best places in India to spot tigers in their natural habitat.
Besides tigers, the park is home to a rich variety of wildlife including Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 600 species of birds. The Ramganga River flows through the park, providing a vital water source for the diverse flora and fauna that call this place home.
The establishment of Corbett National Park marked the beginning of India's serious commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental protection. It set the precedent for the creation of numerous other national parks and wildlife sanctuaries across the country, making it a cornerstone in India's conservation history.
