Rajaji National Park Travel Essentials
Ideal duration: 1-2 days
Best Time: Mid November to Mid June Read More
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"Uttarakhand’s elephant and tiger reserve near Haridwar"
Rajaji National Park Tourism
Encompassing the Shivalik mountain ranges, Rajaji National Park is abundantly rich in flora and fauna and proves a great holiday destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Famous for its wildlife, especially for tigers and elephants, Rajaji National Park has recently received the status of a Tiger Reserve by the Government of India. Named in the honour or C. Rajagopalchari, this national park spreads over 3 districts of Uttarakhand including Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. This area is also enriched with valuable fossils which date back to as old as 10 million years old. The forest area is popular for Sal, Teak and other shrubs. You should explore the wilderness and rich diversity of Himalayan lives here with a Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari organised by the Forest Department, the 34 km jungle track is a major attraction here. You can spot Asian Elephants, Tiger and King Cobra, Panther, Bear, Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, Kakar, Python, Monitor Lizard, Wild Cats.
You can also spot many birds including many species of migratory birds, especially after monsoons.
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Wildlife in Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is predominantly formed from dense green jungles, and this environment forms a habitat for a number of animals. An amalgamation of three different forests with distinctive life forms, Rajaji national park houses an enormous variety of land and fauna.
The park is at the northwestern limit of distribution for both elephants and tigers in India. Other wild animals found in the park include the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, Langur, Leopard, Jungle cat, Striped hyena, Sambhar, Bear, Barking Deer, Goral, Indian hare, Monitor Lizard, Sloth bear, Indian Porcupine, and Rhesus Macaque.
Due to the presence of a large number of birds, birdwatching is one of the popular attractions here. Scimitars, Babblers, Starlings, Hawk-Owls, Cuckoos, Pheasants, Hornbills, Kingfishers, Pea Fowls, Cormorants, Lapwings, and Partridges are only a few of the 315 bird species which call it home.
Numerous types of butterflies are a permanent fixture amongst the plants and shrubs and migratory birds make it their home during winter months.
Trout and Masheer fish populate the waters of Ganga cutting through the forest.
The park is at the northwestern limit of distribution for both elephants and tigers in India. Other wild animals found in the park include the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, Langur, Leopard, Jungle cat, Striped hyena, Sambhar, Bear, Barking Deer, Goral, Indian hare, Monitor Lizard, Sloth bear, Indian Porcupine, and Rhesus Macaque.
Due to the presence of a large number of birds, birdwatching is one of the popular attractions here. Scimitars, Babblers, Starlings, Hawk-Owls, Cuckoos, Pheasants, Hornbills, Kingfishers, Pea Fowls, Cormorants, Lapwings, and Partridges are only a few of the 315 bird species which call it home.
Numerous types of butterflies are a permanent fixture amongst the plants and shrubs and migratory birds make it their home during winter months.
Trout and Masheer fish populate the waters of Ganga cutting through the forest.
Safari Timings
The usual timings are 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM for morning sessions, 11:30 AM to 1 PM for birdwatching sessions inside the forest, and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm for afternoon sessions. Depending on the season, the timings may undergo a slight change, which is notified in advance by the authorities in forest department.
Entry Fee for Rajaji National Park
For Indian Nationals: INR 750 per person
For Foreign Nationals: INR 1500 per person
For Jeep Safari: INR 1500 per Safari (INR 150 per person)
For Foreign Nationals: INR 1500 per person
For Jeep Safari: INR 1500 per Safari (INR 150 per person)
Flora
Rich flora adorns the national park with a myriad shades and hues of Green. It’s home to the Shivalik ecosystem. Furnished with dense foliage of Sal trees and Bamboo Stalks, the Rajaji forest range is comprised of tropical and subtropical vegetation.
Both Riverine and Deciduous Broadleaf trees embellish the forestland. Flowering trees and shrubs like Amaltas, Kydia, Kachnar, Lantana, Sandan, Acacia, and Chilla augment the scenic beauty, making sure that the forest is always rife with a splash of colour. On the other hand, Shorea, Bel, Ber, Pipal, Ficus, Adina, and Chamaror add to the lush green cover.
Syzgium is a sight to behold when ripe with vividly coloured fruits.
History
Until 1983, the 820 km long span of the forest was scattered into three different wildlife reserves, each with particular flora and fauna of its own.The vast expanse of land traverses Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal districts in Uttarakhand.
The park was established when C. Rajgopalachari (Rajaji), who was on a hunting trip in the wild, changed his mind and expressed his wish to turn it into a wildlife reserve instead.
The oldest of them all, Rajaji sanctuary came into being in 1948. Motichur was established in 1964 and Chilla in 1977.
The reserve boasts of an enriched fossil trail which goes back in ancient history. The Shivalik trail is believed to be at least 10 million years old.
Etymology
The tiger reserve earns its name from Shri C. Rajgopalachari, a popular leader, first and last Governor General of independent India, and a revered statesman. He was famous among the masses as Rajaji. It was his wish to turn the vast stretch of wilderness into a sanctuary as he was awed with its diverse flora and fauna. That’s how Rajaji Sanctuary came into being and later got its name to the unified Rajaji National Park.
Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji
A thriving wildlife ecosystem, Rajaji National Park is located beneath the Shivalik range in Uttarakhand. It’s a unique combination of not two, but three sanctuaries; namely Chilla, Motichur, and Rajaji. After a name change in 2015, the national park is now known as Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
Huddling up against the Eastern bank of Ganga, Chilla Sanctuary lies only 10 Kms away from the pilgrim town of Haridwar. So, a religious trip with family can easily be extended into an adventurous excursion into the wilderness.
60 Kms from Dehradun lies Motichur Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Kansro. It’s best known for its Leopard sightings. Rajaji sanctuary is the oldest of them all. Asian Elephants are the centre of the spotlight here. The river Ganga drifts about, cutting through the forest.
Huddling up against the Eastern bank of Ganga, Chilla Sanctuary lies only 10 Kms away from the pilgrim town of Haridwar. So, a religious trip with family can easily be extended into an adventurous excursion into the wilderness.
60 Kms from Dehradun lies Motichur Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Kansro. It’s best known for its Leopard sightings. Rajaji sanctuary is the oldest of them all. Asian Elephants are the centre of the spotlight here. The river Ganga drifts about, cutting through the forest.
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Nearby Places
How to Reach Rajaji National Park
How to Reach Overview
Rajaji National Park is accessible from Haridwar, Garhwal and Dehradun via many buses and taxis. Dehradun is just 21 km away from the park whereas Haridwar is around 43 km. You can also take a taxi from New Delhi which is around 223 km from the park and costs INR 3000 approx and 6 hours to reach here. The nearest railhead and airport are in Dehradun and taxis and buses are easily available to take tourists to Rajaji National Park.
How to reach Rajaji National Park by flight
Jolly Grant Airport is a domestic airport which is also the nearest airport to Rajaji National Park.
How to reach Rajaji National Park by road
Buses are available from most nearby cities and towns to Rajai National Park.
How to reach Rajaji National Park by train
Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Rajaji National Park. You can easily hire a taxi from outside the station to reach the park.
Local transport in Rajaji National Park
Jungle Safaris organized by the Forest Department are the best way to explore the jungles. They also give you a guided tour of the park.
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Rajaji National Park Photos
FAQs on Rajaji National Park
What is famous about Rajaji national park?
Scenic Beauty. Various species of flora and fauna. Safari rides are a must.
What are the places near Rajaji national park?
The top places near to Rajaji national park are Rishikesh which is 28 km from Rajaji national park, Mussoorie which is located 40 km from Rajaji national park, Haridwar which is located 25 km from Rajaji national park, Dehradun which is located 24 km from Rajaji national park, Lansdowne which is located 74 km from Rajaji national park
What are the top hotels in Rajaji national park?
There are 890 in Rajaji national park which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Rajaji national park are Hotel The Great Ganga, S.S.D. Guest House, Hill-View Studio Home on Rajpur Road, Dehradun, Premium 1BR Stay on Rajpur Road, Dehradun, OYO 22463 Hotel Ananya Palace, Vaara. You can see all the hotels in Rajaji national park here
What is the best way to reach Rajaji national park?
Rajaji National Park is accessible from Haridwar, Garhwal and Dehradun via many buses and taxis. Dehradun is just 21 km away from the park whereas Haridwar is around 43 km. You can also take a taxi from New Delhi which is around 223 km from the park and costs INR 3000 approx and 6 hours to reach here. The nearest railhead and airport are in Dehradun and taxis and buses are easily available to take tourists to Rajaji National Park.
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What is the local food in Rajaji national park?
The National park does not have many options for food and hence you might want to bring some from home or make personal arrangements. You can, however, find eating joints in the nearby Dehradun.
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What is the best time to visit Rajaji national park?
The best time to visit Rajaji National Park is from 15th November to 15th June as the park is closed in the other months. April to June are a bit warm; however, this is a better period to spot animals. It is advised to visit in the first half of the day to be able to explore the most of the park. Also, during this time, the atmosphere remains pleasantly cool or moderate all through the day. Winter evenings would bring about a drop in the mercury level, so appropriate clothing is much recommended. Monsoons, on the other hand, are deemed unsuitable for tourism, and the park remains closed until November.
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Who should visit Rajaji national park?
A visit here is perfect for wildlife photographers and people who are fascinated by wilderness.