Set up in 1936, as the first national park of India, Corbett National Park was initially named Hailey National Park. It was due to the sustained efforts of Malcolm Hailey, Governor of United Provinces, that this area was given the status of a national park.

Its original area was 325 sq. km. In 1952, its name was changed to Ramganga National Park. When Hailey had to demarcate the boundaries of the park he had taken Jim Corbett's help, who knew the area very well and happened to be a close friend of Hailey. Jim Corbett, who had killed 12 man-eating Tigers and Leopards in the hill districts of Kumaun and Garwhal and was a well-known name amongst the wildlife circles and local people of the area, had migrated to Kenya at the time of Indian independence. Corbett died in Kenya in 1955 and in his remembrance the park was once again renamed as Corbett National Park.

In 1966 the area of the Park was increased to 523sq.km. Thanks to late Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, who happened to be the only environment conscious politician that India has ever produced, in the year 1972, Wildlife Protection act 1972 came into force. In the year 1973 Project Tiger was launched and Corbett was the site of launch of the ambitious project, which aimed at protecting the Tiger by protecting its habitat. Corbett became the first Tiger Reserve of India.

In late eighties the area of the Tiger Reserve was increased to 1318.54 sq. km. It includes Corbett National Park (520.82 sq.km.), Sonanadi Sanctuary (301.18 sq.km.) and Reserve Forest (496.54 sq.km.).

The park is opened from November 15 to June 15. The best time to visit the park depends on one's priorities. Winters are extremely rewarding for a hard core birder and summers offer endless opportunities of wildlife photography. Big mammals are visible throughout the season.

Kathgodam Express (daily service) leaves Old Delhi station at 22:45 hrs. and reaches Ramnagar at 4:30 hrs. and leaves Ramnagar at 21:10 hrs. and reaches Old Delhi at 4:45 hrs. There is one first class non A/C coach for Ramnagar. It is a link Express and there are second class A/C coaches available for Kathgodam from where it is a 60 km.drive to Ramnagar