Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand, India

Facts & Figure

Location: Uttarakhand, India
Area: 820 Square Kilometer
Nearest City: Haridwar and Dehradun
Established: 1983
Best Time to Visit: October to March

About Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is a famous wildlife sanctuary located the foothills of majestic Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Spreading in the area of over 820 square kilometers, the park covers three districts of Uttarakhand state, namely Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. The Rajaji National Park was established in the year of 1983 by merging three wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand: Chilla Sanctuary, Motichur Sanctuary and Rajaji Sanctuary. Today, this park is very popular among tourists, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Elephants are main attraction of this park.

Flora & Fauna at Rajaji National Park

Rajasthan National Park has rich flora and fauna which make it a popular tourist destination for wildlife tourism. The permanent vegetation of Rajaji National Park can be classified into six types, i.e. Sal forest, Mixed forest, Riverine forest, Scrub forest, Grassland, and Sub-tropical pine forest.

The park is well known for having good population of Indian elephants, royal Bengal tigers and leopards. Major wildlife attractions found a this park are Indian elephants, royal Bengal tigers, leopards, jungle cats, fishing cats, Indian hare, sloth bear, Himalayan yellow-throated marten, Himalayan black bear, king cobra, golden jackals, wild boar, sambar deer, barking deer, Indian langurs, monkeys, pythons, Indian porcupines, monitor lizards, etc. The Rajaji Wildlife Park has over 400 different species of birds including Great Pied Hornbill, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher and the fire tailed sunbird.

Access

Rajaji National Park is easily accessible from Dehradun (the capital city of Uttarakhand), Kotdwar, Haridwar, and other nearby cities.

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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