Flora, Plants & Himalayan Herbs in Jim Corbett Park

The different habitat types of Jim Corbett i.e. mountains, sal forests, chaurs, khair-sissoo forests, and rivers have their distinct assemblage of plants. More than 600 species of trees, shrubs, herbs, bamboos, grasses, climbers and ferns have been identified in the Park.

Trees

The most visible trees found in Jim Corbett National Park are sal, sissoo and khair. Many other species that contribute to the diversity are found scattered throughout the park. Chir pine is the only conifer of the Park and is found on ridge-tops like Chir Choti but comes quite low in Gajar Sot. The upper reaches near Kanda have Banj, Oak growing, which is essentially a Himalayan species.

Palms include Date palm that grows in open areas. Kanju (Holoptelia integrifolia), Jamun (Syzygium cumini) and Aamla (Emblica officinalis) are found scattered moist areas. Other major tree species are

Bel

Kusum

Mahua

Bakli

Some species of trees that do not occur naturally in Jim Corbett National Park have been artificially planted in and around habitation. These include

Teak (Tectona grandis),

Eucalyptus,

Jacaranda Silver Oak

Bottlebrush

Grasses

Grasses form largest group of plant species in Jim Corbett National Park with more than 70 species recorded. They occupy different habitats, especially chaurs. They include Kansi , Themeda arundinacea, Baib or Bhabar , Narkul, Tiger Grass, Khus Khus, Spear Grass with conspicuous sharp blades that adhere to clothes and penetrates skin.

Bamboo

In some parts of Jim Corbett National Park vegetation is dominated by bamboo forest. The main species is Male Bamboo having clustered stout stems and shining papery stem sheaths. Bamboos follow a peculiar flowering process. All bamboos in forest, flower together at the same time once in several decades. After flowering, fruiting and dispersal of seeds, all plants die together.

Shrubs

Shrubs dominate jim corbett national park forest floor. There are several species of Ber found in open areas that provide food and habitat to many birds and animals. Maror phali is an easily noticeable shrub. Its fruits are in the form of twisted spiralling pods. Karaunda with pinkish-white flowers and sour fruit is found under sal. Hisalu has yellow, juicy, berry-like fruits that are savoured by animals. Jhau is found along the Ramganga & Kosi River basin on sandy or rocky soil.

The rich bio-diversity of steamy Terai leaves even the casual observer awestruck. From the sharp whiff of lemon grass to delicate fragrance of wild jasmine; from a velvety-soft rose petal to rough texture of weathered bark; from unruly clumps of towering elephant grass to the leafy shade of luscious Litchi & Mangotrees- when your senses tailspin in a sensory explosion, you know you’ve arrived at Vanya. Even in dead of night, it’s never quiet here: if you listen closely, you’ll hear low whirr of crickets and cicadas sulking in the bushes and wild mushrooms sprouting on tree stumps.

The lush flora of Kumaon holds secret remedies that have helped sustain life from ages. Himalayan herbs that grow in abundance on these hills have immense restorative healing and medicinal properties. Locals gather these herbs and then prepare tinctures and extracts using age-old recipes. The secrets of herbs have been handed down over generations and are now universally hailed for their natural goodness. We want you to take home the ancient secrets and treasures of Himalayas at their unvarnished best. You can also ask manager for local procured honey and other organicaly grown and collected produced like RAW Lehsun (Garlic), Chilli (Mirchi), Haldi (Turmeric), Madua/ Ragi (Millet), Cholai Seeds (Amaranthus). You can also buy Herbs and Immunity Boosters in plants/ saplings or in raw forms like Satavari Roots, Sarpgandha Roots, Ashwagandha Roots, Giloy Stickand Saplings

Nature Walk, which is on agenda of all guests of Jim Corbett Park, is a guided tour by naturalists, who unveil for you the wonders of the earth. The forest of Jim Corbett National Park are full of riches. Living close to land and depending on it for sustenance, the Kumaoni villagers know how to tap precious resources of this vanishing world. You walk along the banks of the river Kosi, and along simple paths, and the healing herbs are there, all over! Some of Tree you can see during Nature walks around Jim Corbett National Park... Moringa Oliefera or Sanjana. This tree is a real friend! The drumsticks are eaten as vegetables. Bacteria in its roots purify the water table. The extract helps in treating snake bites. Its leaves are boiled for hot therapies in injuries. Acacia catechu or katha is used in 'paan'. A little known fact is that it is good for halitosis or infection in the tongue and it is also anti-diarrhoeal. Mallotus Phllippensis or Rohini is a leafy herb found in the forest which is a delicacy in the diets of elephants! The leaves have a cooling quality and temper down male tuskers when they are in a mast condition. It is also useful as a hookworm remedy. The red powder is used as 'sindhoor' by women. Embelica Officinalis or Amla is a tart fruit which is the richest source of vitamin C available in natural form. It has many medicinal uses, particularly for the stomach. The oil is good for hair. Acgle Marmelos or Bel is a hard shelled fruit which grows quite wild. Its beneficial properties for the digestive system have long been known. It is consumed in the form of jams, jellies and syrups for cooling the system. The leaves have religious value and are offered to Lord Shiva.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

We also arrange Angling Tours and Tiger Safari Tour Packages in Jim Corbett National Park for wildlife enthusiasts Birding & Photographic Tours for those who wishes to experience Jungle Stay-during photography workshops one can also learn lessons with them. Yoga & Meditation Camps in Corbett for Adults & Kids, which are conducted by Yogic Teachers. Do write to us on corbettpark@gmail.com or Call on +91 9719251197 for Programs & Costs. The lodge also organise Programs on Detox & Stress Management for Corporate. Vanya River Lodge is Ideal venue in Jim Corbett of Corporate Training in Team Building, Leadership & Communication. There is enough indoor and outdoor spaces to conduct Seminar, Conference, Meetings, Weddings and events in Jim Corbett National Park.