Best known for its wild elephants, Rajaji National Park is nestled in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas and spreads across the Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand. Here’s a handy guide for exploring the national park. By Karan Kaushik
Rajaji National Park Travel Guide
The Destination
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Established in 1983, Rajaji National Park was formed by integrating the Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttaranchal with Motichur and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries. It was named after the late freedom fighter Shri C. Rajgopalachari, who was fondly called Rajaji. The national park encompasses the Shivalik range and its many ravines that support its rich flora and fauna. Classified as the Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest type, the region includes semi-evergreen, mixed broad-leaved forests and Terai grasslands. You can also find many sal trees here.
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Boasting a diverse fauna of about 400 bird species, including Greater Scaup, White-naped Woodpecker, and Great Hornbill, the national park also houses exotic animal species like the majestic tiger. The prime attraction at the park, however, is its large population of elephants. The park makes for a great weekend getaway from cities like Delhi, Meerut, Dehradun, and Chandigarh.
According to the official website of the national park, it is home to more than 500 elephants, 250 panthers, and 12 tigers. The prey base of the park includes sambhars, spotted deers, gorals, wild boars, barking deers, Himalayan black bears, and sloth bears. The park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with as many as 400 bird species inhabiting its magnificent landscape.
Things to do in Rajaji National Park
Jungle Safari
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Jeep safaris are the best way to explore Rajaji National Park. Whether you take your own private vehicle or hire a gypsy, a guide will accompany you. Jeeps are available at the Chilla gate. Jeep safaris are offered twice every day. Both the morning and evening safaris are limited to three hours each. The first safari starts at sunrise and the last safari ends before sunset. The open jeeps take you through the rugged terrain and rolling hills, making the experience all the more thrilling. Popular ranges of the national park that are covered during the safari include Mundal, Khara, and Mithawali.
Birding
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The Phanduwala-Kansrao-Motichur trail of the national park that traverses through the thick forests is a major tourist attraction, for birdwatchers. Grab your binoculars and zoom lenses and be ready to spot beautiful birds. Commonly spotted birds at Rajaji National Park include pied hornbills, pied wagtails, chestnut-headed bee-eaters, kingfishers, flycatchers, and storks, among others. Birding trips are also available in the Chila and Gohari ranges for INR 300. An expert bird watcher will accompany you.
Rafting
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If you and your friends are in the mood for some adventure, embark on a rafting expedition in Rishikesh. Many resorts in Rajaji National Park like the Wild Brook Retreat arrange rafting trips for their guests. Traversing the challenging rapids of the Ganges is super exciting, to say the least.
Chandi Devi Temple
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Perched atop the Neel Parvat, the Chandi Devi Temple is located at a distance of 1km from the entry gate of the national park. You’ll have to board a cable cart to reach the temple. With stunning views all around, the ride is absolutely delightful. The temple offers incredible views of Haridwar.
Related: Wild Adventures: Your Handy Guide To Bandipur National Park
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Answer: Some of the most popular properties include Wild Brook Retreat, V Resorts, Van Tarang Wilderness Retreat, and Rajaji Retreat Resort. You can also stay at the forest rest houses in the national park. The GMVN Tourist Rest House near the Chilla gate is also a nice option.
Answer: Rajaji National Park is open from 15th November to 15th June, all days of the week. Peak summers are apt for the best sightings.
Answer: By Air: Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (40km) is the nearest airport. Taxis are available for the park. By Rail: Haridwar (9km) is the nearest railhead. By Road: From Delhi, take the national highway to the park's Chilla Gate via Meerut and Haridwar. Regular buses for Haridwar are available at ISBT Kashmere Gate.