Ramganga
The largest of the precious few perennial sources of water in the Park. A
rain-fed river originating near Gairsain in the Lesser Himalayas, the
Ramganga traverses more than 100 km before entering Corbett near Marchula.
Inside the Park it flows roughly from east to west for 40 km till Kalagarh
where it enters the plains. During this run through the Park it gathers
waters from the Palain, Mandal and Sonanadi rivers.
A dam on the Ramganga at Kalagarh (built in the mid-1970s) forms a
reservoir of about 80 sq. km. area, the backwaters of which reach till
Dhikala.
The Ramganga is inhabited by key aquatic species like Mahseer fish, the
endangered gharials, mugger crocodiles, otters and turtles. Many species of
birds, like kingfishers, fish-eagles, terns and storks depend on the
Ramganga. During winters the Ramganga reservoir attracts many migratory bird
species, especially waterbirds from Europe and Central Asia.
The road from Dhangarhi to Dhikala runs along the Ramganga for most of its
length.
Kosi
The Kosi is a perennial river like the Ramganga and its catchment lies
partially in Corbett NP. From Mohan through Dhikuli till Ramnagar, the Kosi
forms the eastern boundary of Corbett National Park. Even though the Kosi
does not enter the Park boundary, wild animals from Corbett use it for
drinking especially during pinch periods.
Its bed is strewn with boulders and its flow is erratic and often changes
course. Kosi is notorious for its unpredictable and damaging torrents during
monsoon.
Like Ramganga, the Kosi too is inhabited by mahseer and attracts migratory
birds. At places Kosi has steep cliffs flanking its banks. At such spots one
can see goral, the goat-like creatures, grazing on precipitous slopes.
Sonanadi
The Sonanadi is an important tributary of the Ramganga. Named after this
river the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary adjoins 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 submerged Boxar settlement at the Ramganga reservoir.
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