Rajaji National Park

Jungle Highlights: Barking Deer, Tiger, Elephant and leopard.

Situated along the foothills of Shiwalik ranges of the Great Himalayan ranges, is the Rajaji National Park .The park has got the largest area of 820.42sq.km and spread its wings to Dehradun, Haridwar & Pauri , Garhwal districts of Uttaranchal state of India. The paradise has been created in 1983 and is fusion of the three sanctuaries- Rajaji sanctuary(estd. 1948) Motichur sanctuary (estd. 1964) and Chilla sanctuary(estd. 1977). The park was named Rajaji after the name of renowned freedom fighter Sri C. Rajgopalachariya (the first and last Governor General of independent India)
Major Wildlife Attraction
The pious Ganga flows through the National Park at a distance of 24 km , making the region a prime habitat of a great number of wild flora and fauna.

Flora
Rajaji is populous for the Western Gangetic Moist and Northern dry Deciduous and Khair-Sissoo forest which is sub categorized into Sal forest, mixed forest, Reverine forest, Scrub forest, Grasslands and sub-tropical pine forest. Of all the types,Sal dominates the park. The southern margin of the park is thickly foliated with Low Alluvial Savannah Woodlands with Shiwalik Chir-Pine on high hill tops.



Fauna
The region covering the Shiwalik range is 10 million years old and is captivating landscape for wild animals. Also the land is a gateway to fossils and includes about 50 species of elephant,of which one is still present today.The park is a home to many wild life, of which Asian Elephant rates high. Other encountered animals includes leopard,Barking Deer,Sambar deer,Wild Boar,Tiger. The park also enlist a great number of antelopes like Nilgai, Goral , Jackal, Hyena, Civets, Himalayan Yellow-Throated Marten, Sloth Bears, Pythons, King Cobra, Indian Cobra and the Monitor Lizard

Things to do

Elephant Safari
The Jungle safari via elephant is an adventurous way to explore the wilderness of the park. Follow the way to the Camp King elephant and make a thrilling journey into the jungle. Enjoy a vibrant view of colourful wild life peeping you every now and then. After an evening tea move your trek to Vindhyavasini Temple and enjoy dinner and gossip at night.

Bird Watching
The park is a place for the avid lovers of bird. The region is a paradise to 350 species of birds so take a early morning walk in the jungle and have great time with your binoculars.

Rafting
You can experience a wonderful time with river raffing. Follow a map to Camp Ganga Descends and jump into Marine Drive, increase your rafting speed and reach Shivpuri. Play with water and make a great return.

Rock Climbing/Rappelling
The park has also facilitated skilled climbers to make a steady go into the hard rocks.

Place of Stay in Rajaji National Park
There is an well furnished Forest Guest House in the park so as to provide the tourist a comfy trip.
Some tourist lodge like Chilla Hotel, Sachin International are also available at nearby places.

Important information

Best Time to Visit
November to June.

Temperature
Summer is Max with 42 degree Celsius and Winter Max is extreme with temperature falling down to0degree Celsius

Main Tourist Centers
Chilla, Motichur & Dholkhand

Nearest Town
Rishikesh ,6 km away from the park.

Distance from Major Cities
Dehradun: 24kms
Haridwar: 8 kms
Rishikesh: 6 kms

How to reach Rajaji Park
The park is accessible via three routes viz:

Air
The nearest national airport is jolly Grant, Dehradun, 33kms. The park has also a way for foreigners with Indira Gandhi International Airport at a distance of 231km

Rail
The Nearest railway station is at Haridwar ( 8kms.) and Dehradun (24kms.)

Road
The National Park is 220 kms from Delhi and good road ways help travelers to enjoy safe journey
.