About Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve
The home of the Bachelor of Pawalgarh
The “Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve” (PCR), located in the hill state of Uttarakhand, derives its name from the village Pawalgarh, situated in the foothills of Nainital District. Pawalgarh, home to some marvelous forests, became famous after the publication of the story “Bachelor of Powalgarh” in the book “Maneaters of Kumaon” published by the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist, Jim Corbett, in 1944. Nicknamed the “Bachelor of Powalgarh” the tiger was the largest ever hunted by Jim Corbett, and took over a decade to hunt. It was finally shot in 1930.
Lush green forests of the Himalayan foothills adorn Pawalgarh with the River Kosi to the west and River Dabka in the eastern part of the Reserve. The Khichdi River bisects the Reserve from north to south, and flows into the Dabka River. The Siwalik ranges bound the northern side and the southern area is bounded by the villages of Pawalgarh, Mankanthpur, Kyari, Bailparao, Gaibua & Chhoi lying on Ramnagar- Haldwani highway. These have agrarian populations, which are more or less heavily dependent upon the forest resources leading to the degradation of forest habitat. If properly managed, the Reserve can fulfill the forest-based needs of the local people as well as providing alternative livelihood opportunities. PCR is a very strategic part of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) and Siwalik Elephant Corridor flanked by Corbett National Park on the west and Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary on the east.
