Ramnagar, 16 Apr: The world famous Corbett National Park is named after the great hunter and conservationist Edward James ‘Jim’ Corbett. This, however, is not the only relation Jim Corbett had with Nainital, there are many other memories worthy of recall. The Jim Corbett Museum, Kaladungi, for example, is a good place to learn about the life of Jim Corbett.
The Jim Corbett Museum is situated at Kaladungi, 30 kilometres from Ramnagar. The museum exhibits in many ways the life and times of Jim Corbett.
Before being converted into a museum, it was the house of Jim Corbett. In 1922, Jim Corbett built this Irish style cottage for himself and his family. He came here every winter with his sister Maggie. Before leaving for Kenya in 1947, he handed over the house to a friend, with the hope of returning to India. But Jim never returned and died in Kenya on 19 April 1955. The property was later sold to the forest department to be converted into a Museum, as homage to the great conservationist.
There are many portraits and paintings of Jim Corbett at the museum. The portraits, that span one end of the museum to the other, bring to tourists the realisation that he was not only a great hunter but also a nature lover. Many of the things used by him have also been preserved such as his lantern, bed, palanquin, crockery, etc. He was also a good carpenter. There are also a chair and table preserved that were made by him.
There is also a ‘Moti’s Souvenir Shop’. This was once run by Moti, Corbett’s close associate. It has been preserved and is now being run by the Corbett Gram Vikas Samiti. Books by Jim Corbett, biographies of Corbett, agricultural products and handicrafts made by the artisans and other souvenir items are on sale, here. The Museum is open on all days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there is a small entry fee.
Jim Corbett wanted to return to this house after leaving India but he never came due to his death. Although he could not come here again, his memories are alive here till today.