Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand, India

Facts & Figure

Area : 820.42 Sq. Km
Altitude : 300m to 1345m
Temperature Range : 39°C to 13°C
Best time to Visit : October to March

About Rajaji National Park

The Rajaji National Park is named after the first Indian Governor General of India and well-known freedom fighter, C. Rajagopalachari or Rajaji, as he was popularly known. The park was established in 1983 after amalgamating three wildlife sanctuaries, namely, Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla in the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Today, the park boasts of the highest concentration of wild elephants in the entire Uttarakhand.

This national park is spread over an area of 820.42 Sq Kms., Rajaji is a magni- ficient ecosystem nestled in the Shivalik ranges and the beginning of the vast Indo – Gangetic plains, thus representing vegetationof several distinct zones and forest types like Sal forests, Reverine forests, Board –leaved mixed forests, Scrubland and grassy.

It posses as many as 23 species of mammals and 315 birds species. The abundance of nature’s bounties heaped in and around this park, are bound to attract a large number of wildlife conservationists, nature lovers and eco-friends to visit this most breathtaking wilderness area.

The park is situated at a short distance from the capital Delhi, which makes it easily accessible from all the major cities in India and the world.

Fauna in Rajaji National Park

Several important herbivores like Asian elephants, spotted deer, sambhar, barking Deer, goral, blue bull (Neel Gai), hog deer, wild boar, Rhesus monkey and common langur occur in the park. Among the important carnivores areTiger and Leopard, the smaller carnivores as copredators are Leopard cat, Jungle cat , Civet cat and Yellow Throated Martin. Besides, other mammals like hyaena, jackal and bengal fox are not an uncommon sight and work as scavangers in the park.

In all 49 species of mammals belonging to 42 genera, in 21 families and nine orders have been recorded. According to census done in 1999 there are 445 elephants, 32 tigers and 177 leopards, besides thousands of other wild animals in the park. 315 species of birds are reported to occur in the park.

Birds like ducks, teals, cormorants, egrets, lapwing, pond herons, pea fowl, jungle fowl, various species of partridges and pheasants, drongo, crows, owlets and nightjars, birds of prey, etc, are quite common. Twenty eight species of snakes, 12 species of turtles & tortoises and 9 species of lizards among Reptilia are being recorded from the park.

As many as 49 species of fish fauna have been recorded from from the wetlands of the Park, including a small loach Nemacheilus doonensis as new to the park, and another species Berilius dimorphicus as new to science(ZSI,1995) . The butterfly fauna of the Park is very rich and repersented by as many as 60 species under eight families, out of the known nine families of the Butterflies known from the adjoining ares chiefly Garhwal And Kumaon hills of the Himalaya.

Safari at Rajaji National Park

The most convenient way to travel inside the park is in your own four wheeler, preferably a sturdy vehicle like a jeep. The other interesting option is to take an Elephant safari. The safaris, organised by the park authorities are of two and a half hours duration and cost between Rs. 50 and 100 per person. Feel the excitement of watching the wild animals from an elevation as you hold on to your elephant trampling its way through the uneven terrain.

Access From Airport

The Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is situated only a few kilometres from the northern boundary of the park. Air Deccan flies from Delhi daily at 10:55, 11:00, 13:20 and 14:00




Access From Railways

Haridwar and Dehradun are the two most convenient railheads situated near the park. Buses and taxis are easily available to reach the park from both these places. Daily trains ply to Haridwar from Delhi, Mussoorie Exp. (22:15), Dehradun Exp. (7:40), Haridwar Mail (5:50) & Utkal Exp. (14:20) from Mumbai, Dehradun Exp. (22:25) and Chennai, Dehradun Exp. (8:30, Thu).



Access From Roadways

The park can be accessed from the Dehradun-Delhi highway which runs along its northern boundary. Long distances buses ply from a number of major Indian cities connecting with cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. To reach from Delhi by road, take the NH58 to Haridwar via Meerut, Muzzaffarnagar and Roorkee. From here the district road leads to Chilla (the main entrance of the park).

Travel Tips For Visiting the National Park

Follow the rules, for e.g., do not walk around if you are not permitted to do so

• Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

• Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

• Wear clothes in shades of brown and green as they are less disturbing to the environment.

• Avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.

• Animals are extremely weary of the human voice. Don’t make noise, don’t play music and please don’t honk car horn.

• Take official guides along with you on the park trip.

• Do not smoke inside the park.

• Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.

• Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.

• For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.

• Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

• Carry plenty of water along with you.

• Carry Personal medication and insect repellent.

• Carry Binoculars, Cameras, film rolls and Flashlight along with books and other reading material.

• Do not use flash or intrusive photography.

• Don’t leave behind any litter and plastic bags are big hazards for animals.

• Comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones.

• For winter travel heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months.

• Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons and the last

• Find about the habits of the animal you want to see to avoid disappointment.

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