Corbett Rivers

Rivers Around Corbett National Park

Water is essential for the survival of the spectacular avifaunal diversity present in the Corbett National Park. Such a remarkable gamut of flora and fauna species in the park is seen just because of the mighty rivers flowing through the park that plays a crucial role in shaping the biodiversity. The Ramganga river (West) along with its significant tributaries Sonanadi, Palain and Mandal forms the prominent hydrological resource for the Corbett. The river Kosi also flows by national park and serves as the significant water resources for the nearby area. The major portion of the Corbett wild is situated on the bank of River Kosi. These water bodies shape the wide and varied aquatic life of the region. The precious wildlife of the Corbett is dependent on rivers as they provide drinking water for them especially in dry season. The river that flows in and around the Jim Corbett National Park are as follows.

Ramganga River

Ramganga River is the Lifeline for Corbett National Park. We cannot imagine the existence of Corbett without Ramganga. It is the largest of all the precious water bodies in the park. We can imagine the importance of this river with evidence that it was named Ramganga National Park for a brief period from 1954-1957 before it was named Corbett National Park. The river is fed by rain and originates from the Gairsain region in Lesser Himalayas. The river flows around a stretch of near about 100 kilometers before you get inside the park near Marchula. Approximately, it flows 40 Kms east to west inside the park till Kalagarh where it meets plains. It collects water from the Palain, Mandal and Sonanadi rivers during this run through the park and finally drains into River Ganga near Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Kosi

The Kosi is a perennial river that servers major portion of the Corbett's wild as the Corbett wild use the Kosi river to quench their thirst. Eastern periphery of the park is fed by Kosi that flows from Mohan till Ramnagar via Dhikuli. Though, the Kosi does not enter the park boundary.

Sonanadi

The Sonanadi is an important tributary of the Ramganga. Named after this river the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary adjoins Jim Corbett National Park and forms an important part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The Sonanadi enters the Park from the northwest direction and meets the Ramganga at the reservoir. The name Sonanadi means river of gold. At one time grains of gold, found in the alluvial deposits washed down from the higher areas, were extracted from the bed sand by sieving, washing and mercury treatment.

Mandal and Palain

The Mandal rises in the eastern heights in Talla Salan in Chamoli district. Forming a part of the northeastern boundary, Mandal flows for 32 km and joins the Ramganga at Domunda a little distance above Gairal. During the dry season, the Mandal contains very little water but during the monsoons it turns into a furious torrent. It forms a vital breeding ground for the endangered mahseer. The Palain is the third important tributary of the Ramganga and enters the Park from a northern direction. It meets the Ramganga about 3 km north of the Ramganga reservoir.

Sots

Sot is the local name for a seasonal stream. While traveling across the park you may cross several of these bouldery dry streams. Though most of them appear dry and lifeless, they are very important for the Park ecology. Animals depend on these sots for their drinking water requirements for a good part of the year. There are some sots in Corbett that are perennial, important ones being Paterpani, Laldhang, Kothirao, Jhirna, Dhara and Garjia. Since water is a limiting factor, these perennial sots provide water to wildlife during pinch periods. Many of these sots are covered with thick growth of evergreen shrubs and bamboo clumps which form ideal shelter for many animals including the tiger.