Uttaranchal, June 19: Corbett wildlife reserve in India`s northern Uttaranchal state registers an increase in tourist inflow during the season ending June 2003. India`s Corbett National Park, famous for its tiger reserve, saw a jump in tourist arrivals during the season ending June 2003. The 1,000-square miles park in India`s northern Uttaranchal state, open to tourists from November to June, remains closed during the monsoon season. During the seven-month season, at least 83,000 tourists visited the national park. D.S.Khati, director of the park, said though the number of foreign tourists had decreased, but that was more or less compensated by the increase in domestic tourists. "Last year around 73,000 tourists came to the park, this year, the number has increased to 83,000. Although, the number of foreign tourists has decreased this year due to Iraq war and SARS fear, but that has been compensated by the domestic tourists," Khati said.
Khati said the revenue earnings crossed 12 million rupees in the season. Many tourists say the infrastructure in the park needs to be further developed to attract more tourists.


"I had last come here around 15 years back. The population of wildlife, specially spotted dear, has increased manifold over the years at this place. I feel the resting area inside the park is not very well maintained and more facilities can be provided inside the park," said Kulbir, a tourist.


Khati said the park authorities are laying emphasis on providing more facilities, specially with regards to the rest houses, to attract more tourists next season. He said they had also written to the federal government to increase the number of elephants for tourism purposes.


Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett Park, the country`s first national park, was established under "Project Tiger" in 1973.


Famous as tiger reserve with a count of 92 tigers, the park is also home to leopards, jungle cat, fishing cat, Himalayan Palm civet, tuskers, crocodiles and gharials.

Bureau Report