Uttarakhand’s prominent national park, Rajaji is a wonderful wildlife destination for nature lovers to explore its beautiful attractions. Nestled amid the Shivalik ranges at the foothills of the Himalayas, Rajaji is a great home to numerous endangered species and animals. Also being a Tiger Reserve, Rajaji National Park holds great significance and history. The rich flora and fauna of the park and the special attractions of bird species will attract tourists from all corners of India. For nature and wildlife lovers, Rajaji National Park is a wonderful choice to explore in Uttarakhand.
All about the Rajaji National Park:
Rajaji National Park is spread across 820 square kilometers in three districts, namely Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal, at the Himalayas’ foothills. The prime location of the park between the western Himalayas and the central Himalayas makes it a great habitat for many wildlife species and endangered animals. What’s another interesting thing about the park is its holding of fossils, which date back to nearly 10 million years old. Being home to the oldest fossils and rich flora and fauna, Rajaji shines as one of the best and most important wildlife destinations in Uttarakhand.
When it comes to the wildlife of the park, Elephants and Tigers seek special attention from the visitors. This national park is quite famous for its large number of elephants and when you see them moving in herds, you feel amazing. Being a great home to the elephants, here you can explore the park on Elephant safaris too. Other than elephants and tigers, this national park holds a large number of reptiles, mammals, and migratory birds. Especially, migratory birds of the park are the other attraction to witness here apart from the wild animals.
2 Days Haridwar & Rishikesh Trip
History of the Rajaji National Park:
Today’s Rajaji National Park is a compilation of three national parks namely Rajaji (1948), Motichur (1964), and Chilla (1977). In 1983, after clubbing the three national parks Rajaji National Park was formed, and it was named after the great freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari, who is the Governor General of Independent India. Later in 2015, it was declared the Tiger Reserve. After that remarkable recognition, it became quite famous and stood as one of the best national parks in Uttarakhand for its protective measures of wildlife habitation.
Flora of the Park:
Being located in the Shivalik ranges, the national park boasts rich tropical and subtropical plants and trees. Its sal trees, bamboo forests, deciduous forests, coniferous trees, grasslands, and riverine vegetation make the national park rich in flora wealth. Because of its rich flora wealth, the national park became a great home to many wildlife species. Besides, its gorgeous rivers, plains, and mountains create a great ecosystem for wildlife habitation.
Some famous floras to spot in the national park are Sal, Baans, Amaltas, Shisham, Aonla, Kachnar, Arjun, Khair, Sandan, Pipal, Lantana, Acacia, Adina, Chilla, etc. With lush greenery and beautiful flowering plants, Rajaji looks vibrant and affluent with rich flora.
Haridwar Rishikesh 4 Days Package from Delhi
Wildlife of the Park:
Rajaji National Park is a great home to rich wildlife animals and bird species. The national park is quite famous for its huge number of Asian elephants and tigers. Other than these, this national park is home to Leopards, Jungle Cats, Sloth bears, Rhesus Macaque, Striped Hyena, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Goral, Jackal, King Cobra, Python, etc.
Apart from wildlife, this national park is home to 400 bird species. For ornithologists, the park is a great feast to witness lovely bird species. Kingfishers, Hawk-Owls, Great Hornbill, Drongo Cuckoo, Red Jungle Fowl, Partridges, and different coloured butterflies, etc are some of the best-known bird species that can be spotted here. In a few words, Rajaji is a desired place for nature lovers to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the park.
Safari and Entry Timings:
To explore the wildlife of the Rajaji there are two safari options one is an elephant safari and the other is a jeep safari. There are nearly 500 elephants habituated in the park and elephant safari rides are quite interesting to experience. When it comes to safari timings, every day two times in the early morning and evening safaris are allowed in the park. Based on the conditions, safari timings vary.
Entry Timings:Morning: 6 AM to 9 AM. / Evening: 3 PM to 6 PM.
Entry Tickets: For Indians: 150 INR / For Foreigners: 600 INR.
4 Days Haridwar Rishikesh Mussoorie Tour
Things to follow:
- The Park authorities will not be responsible for any personal damage.
- Always you have to enter from the designated gates to enter the park.
- Entry permits will be provided at the entry gates only.
- If anyone travelling for a night stop they have to get permission from the director.
- You are not allowed to play loud music and use horns.
- It is strictly prohibited to tease or disturb the animals in the park.
- You have to throw the garbage in the dustbin only.
- The entry permits are always valid for a single day only.
Things to Do in Rajaji:
Apart from wildlife spotting, Rajaji is quite famous for bird spotting and river rafting. On the river Ganges, a basic rafting course will be taught by professionals and it is just a 3-hour act to raft on the river Ganges. After that, bird watching in Chila and Gohari ranges with expert bird watchers is another interesting thing to do here.
7 Days Wildlife Tour of Uttarakhand
Stay in Rajaji:
Rajaji offers to stay in the wilderness with an initiative of Wild Brook Retreat. It is an eco-tourism initiative by Rajaji to offer comfortable eco-friendly cottages for visitors to enjoy their stay amid the wilderness. These cottages are located near the Gohari range of the park close to Vindhya Wasini Temple. You can enjoy a comfortable stay with spacious rooms and big verandahs. From these cottages, you can have fantastic scenic views of the Nalani Valley and beautiful sights of birds and lush green forests. But there are limited stay options in Wild Brook Retreat. If you want to enjoy the stay amidst the wildlife, this is the best option to opt for.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time and only available time to visit the park is between 15th November and 15th June. The remaining time park will remain closed because of monsoons and winters, which is not recommended time to explore. Morning visits are comfortable to enjoy the safaris in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.
7 Nights 8 Days Uttrakhand Itinerary
How to Reach:
By Air: Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, which is just 35 km far away is the nearest airport to reach the Rajaji National Park. From the airport, you can hire a cab or take a local bus to visit the park.
By Rail: The nearest railway stations to the national park are Rishikesh and Haridwar. Both are just 18 to 25 km far away.
By Road: To reach the national park there is good connectivity of roads with surrounding cities like Delhi and Lucknow. Soon these routes, you can reach the national park.
It is all about the Rajaji National Park from its history to how to reach it. Simply, it is a great wildlife destination in Uttarakhand to explore its magnificent natural wealth and wildlife. It is a great home protecting many endangered species and standing as a great attraction for nature and wildlife lovers. If you are a nature lover, this park should be on your list of must-visit national parks in India.
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