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Topography Of Corbett

Mountains exhibit a remarkable diversity of habitats due to variations in altitude, relief, and temperature, resulting in unique plant and animal communities.

Corbett National Park exemplifies the Himalayan mountain system. Its northern regions are bordered by the Lesser Himalayan chain, which spans from Pakistan, through Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and into Arunachal Pradesh. The Lesser Himalayas are relatively high, averaging around 1800 meters in altitude, and consist of crystalline rocks. Vegetation in this region includes cold-climate species such as pine, oak, and rhododendron. The Forest Rest House located at Kanda, situated at 1300 meters, represents the highest point in the Park and typifies the flora of the Lesser Himalayas.

However, the majority of Corbett National Park lies within the Outer-Himalayan or Shiwalik region. The Shiwaliks are the southernmost range of the Himalayas and are much lower in elevation compared to the Lesser Himalayas. Composed of sedimentary rocks, the Shiwaliks are characterized by their crumbly and unstable nature. These ridges form the largest geographic feature across the park, running east to west from Dhangarhi to Kalagarh. Sal forests and associated species dominate the vegetation cover of the Shiwaliks in the park.

DUNS

Duns are elongated valleys situated between the Himalayan and Shiwalik mountain ranges. Unlike conventional river valleys that form through erosion, duns have a structural origin. They are filled with boulders and gravel, derived from the erosion of the Himalayas and the Shiwalik uplands. In the northern part of Corbett National Park, one prominent dun is the Patli Dun, which is prominently visible from Dhikala. From higher points in the park like Kanda, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of this valley.

Terai-bhabarTypical Shiwalik landscape

The southern boundary of Corbett National Park borders the ecologically significant terai-bhabar region, which is a narrow strip of land running along the southern edge of the Shiwalik mountains. This region comprises two distinct zones: the bhabar region, a narrow belt of sloping land at the outer margin of the Shiwaliks, and the terai swamplands located further south beyond the bhabar.

The bhabar tract is porous due to its composition of gravel and boulders, lacking streams or springs with a low water table. In contrast, the terai is characterized by swampy and humid conditions, abundant in springs and slow-flowing streams. Originally dense with vegetation and notorious for malaria, much of the terai has been cleared for agriculture and is now one of India’s most fertile grain-producing areas.