Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is home to 23 species of mammals and 315 species of birds. At Rajaji National Park, you can see tiger, bear, elephant, python, King Cobra, panther, chital, wild boar, cats and lots more. It is famous for its rich biodiversity, sceinic beauty and a perfect place for nature and wildlife lovers.
Location of Rajaji National Park
Spread over an area of 820.42 sq kms Rajaji National Park is nestled in the Shivalik Ranges of the Himalayan foothills in Uttarakhand state in north India.
What to see in Rajaji National Park?
The Park is extremely rich in flora and fauna and therefore attracts hundreds of visitors including wildlife conservationists and nature lovers. People also visit the Park to take a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city life and stay amidst nature’s bounty. It’s a lifetime experience at Rajaji National Park. While at one end you can see a herd of elephants walking in style and grandeur at the other side you will see a wide variety of birds like pea fowl, thrushes, kingfishers, parakeets, woodpecker, kaleej pheasant, warbler, barbet, jungle fowl, finch, hornbil, Indian roller, oriole. Migratory birds can be seen in abundance during winters.
Jeep Safari: You can undertake a wildlife jeep safari which takes about 2-3 hours and one which will guarantee a lifetime experience. The Safari Trail passes through dense forests, river beds, sprawling green valleys and grasslands. You can spot a deer, chital, Sambhar and elephants as well. You can also see peafowls feeding on seeds or peacocks dancing.
Elephant Rides: Elephants rides are very popular in Rajaji National Park where trained elephants along with trained mahuts take you round the Park.
Excursions from Rajaji National Park
Rishikesh: Rishikesh is located at the confluence of the Ganga and Chandrabagha rivers in Uttarakhand at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas. Rishikesh has ancient temples, ashrams, yoga centers and famous ghats where you can take a holy dip. It also serves as the starting point for a trip to the ‘Char Dham’ pilgrimage which includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Rishikesh is also popular among tourists for the limitless recreational and adventurous activities that it offers. Rafting, trekking, rock climbing are some of the sports that you can enjoy at Rishikesh.
Haridwar: Regarded as one of the seven holiest places to the Hindus, Haridwar literally means ‘Gateway to God’. Haridwar is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and it also serves as an important center for learning arts, culture and science.
Accomodation selection in Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park has some good accommodation options from Forest Rest Houses where you have to obtain permission from the Director of the Rajaji National Park to Camp King Elephant which has all the comfort along with Jungle adventure.
Best season to visit Rajaji National Park
The Park is open from 15th November to 15th June. It is closed during the rainy season.
How to reach Rajaji National Park
By Air: You can reach Rajaji National Park by air, the nearest airport being at Dehradun.
By Rail: The nearest and the most convenient station is Haridwar. From Haridwar it’s 45 minutes journey by road to Rajaji National Park.
By Road: Rajaji is well connected by road from places like Haridwar, Delhi and Dehradun. From Delhi it is 5 hour drive through Meerut, Muzaffar Nagar, Roorkee and Haridwar.
