The rivers of Jim Corbett are magnificent ornaments to the majestic forests. As a lifeline to the forest life, these water bodies serve as an integral source. There are many resorts in Jim Corbett that offer a river view stay to their guests to enhance their overall experience of the jungle vacation. There are Jim Corbett packages during particular seasons that one can avail to witness the rivers in their season when they are in their fuller fiercer sight.
A couple of rivers of the place are:
1. Ramganga River
Known as the river of existential importance of the Jim Corbett, Ramganga River is the largest river streaming through the terrain of the forestlands. In the year of 1954 to 1955, the park was named after the river Ramganga as ‘Ramganga National Park’ before being changed into ‘Corbett National Park’ in 1956.
The river initiates its journey form the Gairsain region of the lesser Himalayas and flows to a stretch of 100 kilometers before entering into the forestland of the Corbett National Park. It flows through the eastern section to the western section of the park for a distance of about 40 kilometers till Kalagarh. From Kalagarh, the river enters into the plains. A dam on the Ramganga River was built in the year 1970’s as a reservoir that is spread over an area of 80 kms. The backwaters of this dam reach the Dhikala Zone of the park.
Many species of Kingfishers, Storks, Fish Eagles and Terns can be found in the region where the river flows. During the winter season many migratory birds are lured towards the river. The river contains some rare aquatic species including turtles, otters, crocodiles, gharials and the rare species of mahaseer.
2. Sonanadi
The name Sonandi depicts ‘the river of gold’. In the trivial times, the river contained muddy deposits of gold that trickled down from the upper regions. The deposits were obtained from the riverbed henceforth. A tributary to the major river of Corbett- Ramganaga, Sonandi River is the major inspiration for naming an adjacent wildlife sanctuary to Jim Corbett - Sonandi Wildlife Sanctuary.
As an integral part of the Corbett’s water resource, Sonanadi flows from the northwest side of the park and bumps into the Ramganga River, at its reservoir. One must book a resort in Jim Corbett that is near a river to absorb the magical experience of living next to a river within the jungles.
3. Kosi
Kosi river is one of the very important water bodies of the jungles. It makes for the major thirst quenching source for the wild animals. The river flows alongside the eastern periphery of the park, from Mohan till Ramnagar via Dhikuli. With an unpredictable course, the river is known to change its direction pretty often.
4. Mandal and Palain
The Mandal River is a stretch of 32 kms that flows along the eastern elevations in Chamoli. The river meets Ramganga at Domunda. The river sees it’s gushing potential in the months of monsoon while the summers make it more of a light water body. The river also stands as an important breeding ground for the Mahaseer fish that is rare to the region of Corbett National Park.
Palain makes for the third integral tributary of the Ramganga River. Palain River joins Ramganga almost 3 kilometers north of the Boxar settlement at the reservoir of the Ramganga.
5. Sots - Seasonal Streams
Sots are seasonal streams found in the park and are important to the wild animals as it makes for a quintessential drinking water resource. There are quite a few sots in the park that are vital such as Jhirna, Garjia, Paterpani, Dhara, Kothirao and Laldhang. These sots are responsible for closing of the park in the monsoon season as they wash away all the paths whereas some animals use these as guides to their pathways. These sots are surrounded by bamboo clumps and evergreen bushes and shrubs contributing to the ecosystem of the jungle.
These rivers are a divine source for the natural park that contributes to the successful existence of the ecosystem. These sources make for the best fishing and angling spots for the tourists. However, one must have proper permits while planning such activities. These rivers lure out the wildlife and play a major role in animal sightseeing for the safari tourists. A tourist must seek a suitable time and book a Jim Corbett package to save on the cost and get the most of the jungle experience.
