Rajaji National Park

Location : In Shivalik hills of Dehradun, Haridwar & Pauri Garhwal districts, Uttaranchal

Total Coverage Area: 820.42 Sq. Kms

Also Known As: 302 to 1,000 mts. above MSL

Visiting Season: 15th November to 15th June.

Rajaji National Park is distinct for its pristine scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. A paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The wildlife of the park is blessed with elephants, tigers, Leopards, Deer And Ghorals as its best-known life forms.

Three sanctuaries in the Dehradun Shivaliks- Rajaji National Park, Motichur and Chilla were amalgamated into a large protected area and named Rajaji National Park in the year 1983 after the famous freedom fighter Late Sri C. Rajgopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji.

Spread over an area of 820.42 sq kms., Rajaji is a magnificent ecosystem nestled in the Shivalik ranges and the beginning of the vast Indo-Gangetic plains, thus representing vegetation of several distinct zones and forest types like riverine, broad-leaf mixed forests, Chirpine forests, scrubland and grassy pasturelands. It possesses as many as 23 species of mammals and 315 avifauna species.

Considering the abundance of nature's bounties heaped in and around this park, it is bound to attract a large number of wildlife conservationists, nature lovers and eco-friends to visit this most breathtaking wilderness area.

Attractions Within The Park:

If you are looking for an adventure of a lifetime then Rajaji National Park is just the place to check out. Watch a herd of Elephants roaming majestically in the jungle or even a Tiger picking its way through the tall grass or may find oneself excited by wildlife of many kinds including Leopard, Jungle Cat, Himalayan yellow throated Marten, Sambar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Langoor, Ghoral, Monitor Lizard, Python, Civet and even king-cobra and a vast variety of winged delights; Pea Fowl, Jungle Fowl, Kaleej Pheasant, Hornbil, Woodpecker, Thrushes, Kingfishers, Parakeets, Warbler, Barbet, Finch, Indian Roller, Oriola and the list is endless.

In winters, becomes a bigger attractions as far as the avifauna is concerned with a large variety of fascinating migratory birds play in the azure waters of the River Ganga, which flows through the park. Both the rivers of the area, Ganga and Song sheltered various species of fish like Mahaseer, Kalabanse, Goonch, Chilwa and Trout.

Jungle Safari Trips :
Uttaranchal Forest Development Corporation organises a wide range of Jungle Safaris in the high passes of Uttaranchal. These have a wild thrilling experience you can't get anywhere. So enjoy rides on elephants and get within heart-stopping handshaking distance of Tigers, making you feel like a character out of Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book'. All you have to do is enter the amazing reserve forests of Uttaranchal. Come and become part of nature.

Climate:
Three distinct seasons; winter, summer and rainy.

Access:
Air: Jolly Grant, Dehradun is the nearest airport from the national park.
Rail: Nearest railhead is situated at Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Road: Rajaji National Park is accessible from many directions by road, rail and air. Bus services and overnight trains are available for Dehradun and Haridwar from Delhi and Lucknow. From Delhi-231 kms. (Mohand Gate No.2) From Lucknow - 509 kms. (Ranipur Gate no.4).

Accommodation & Facilities:
Rajaji National park takes pride in offering its guests a peaceful and tranquil heaven. There are 10 Forest Rest Houses, where visitors can stay to enjoy the beauty of splendour of the park. Each Forest Rest House is adequately furnished for a comfortable stay.

General Information
Terrain:
Approximately 75% hilly and 25% plains.
Nearest Hospital/Bank/Petrol pump/Market/Post & Telegraph Office/Telephone: Haridwar, Dehradun and Rishikesh.