Water is essential for the survival of the spectacular avifaunal diversity present in the Jim 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 is the Lifeline for Jim 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 Jim 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.
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.
This gorgeous river is the significant tributary of Ramganga River. The river has been named after the Sonanadi wildlife Sanctuary that adjoins Jim Corbett National Park and held as an crucial part of Corbett Tiger Reserve. It enters the Corbett from the North-West direction and merges into the Ramganga River at its reservoir.