Rajaji National Park - Uttaranchal - राजाजी राष्ट्रीय उद्यान

Sanctuary Name Rajaji National Park
District
State Uttarakhand
Near By Cities Dehradun, Garhwal & Haridwar, Saharanpur
Area of Park 820 Sq. Km.
Date of Establishment 1983
Co-ordinates 30.078601,78.189697
Wikipedia Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajaji_National_Park
Rajaji National Park Reviews
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    Situated in the forested hills, east of Haridwar, is quiet known for its wild Elephants, which have an approximate population of 150. Because of the pleasant climate this hideout becomes a pretty good tourist destination and a perfect retreat for picnicking.

    Rajaji National Park is situated in the state of Uttaranchal, now known as Uttarakhand. The picturesque beauty and rich biodiversity of the park serve as its major attractions for both nature lovers as well as wildlife enthusiasts. In the year 1983, Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttaranchal was merged with Motichur and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries and made into Rajaji National Park. The park has been named after Late Sri C. Rajgopalachari (also known as Rajaji), a famous freedom fighter. Rajaji National Park of India spreads over an area of 820.42 Sq km and is open to visitors only from Mid-November to Mid-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, 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.

    Rajaji National Park in the state of Uttranchal is situated along the hills and foothills of Shivalik ranges in the Himalayan foothills and exhibits the Shivalik ecosystem. Rajaji is one of northern India's major wildlife reserves - and one of the best places to see the fauna and flora of the terai region. The park named after the great freedom fighter Late Sri C. Rajgopalachari; popularly known as "Rajaji" was created after joining the three sanctuaries in the Western UP, Shivaliks - Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla into a large protected area in the year 1983. Rajaji National Park is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the ecosystem of the park is adorned with elephants, tigers, leopards, deer and ghorals as its best known life forms This area is the North Western Limit of Asian elephants.

    Uttaranchal Forest Development Corporation takes you on a tour to Rajaji National Park and acquaints you with the wildlife of the region.

    Spread over an area of 820.42 Sq km., 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.

    This park was established in 1966. It is situated in Siwaliks of Saharanpur district covering an area of 1420 sq.km. The nearest town and rail head is Hardwar 10km from the park. The nearest airport is at Dehra Dun about 50km from the park.

    The terrain of this park is very rugged and cut up by ravines which are dry in winter. There are chirpines in the upper ridges and sal on the lower hills with Khair and Sissoo in the river beads.

    The fauna comprise sambar, cheetah, barking deer, leopard, bear, tiger, elephant, pig, jungle fowl, and peafowl.

    October to June are the best months for visiting the park. There are rest houses in the park.

    Venture Into The Rajaji

    Elephant Rides are conducted in morning and evening. So get ready well in time to book one. Ride through the magnificent ecosystem of Rajaji National Park nestled in the Shivalik ranges and the beginning of the vast Indo – Gangetic plains. This varied topography represents vegetation of several distinct zones and forest types like Sal forests, Reverine forests, Board-leaved mixed forests, scrubland and grassland. In Rajaji you will see 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 beckon a large number of wildlife conservationists, nature lovers and environmentalists to visit this most awesome wilderness area.

    There are an impressive array of furred & feathered, docile & dangerous creatures, which wander freely in the park. The animals you will come across are - tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, jungle cat, wild boar and sloth bear. The most prominent avian species include pea fowl, woodpeckers, pheasants, kingfishers and barbets, supplemented by a number of migratory species during the winter months.

    Besides that, the rivers which flow through the park harbour fish such as trout and mahseer. This also offers an opportunity of fishing and angling.

    Additional Punch

    Uttaranchal is the Gateway to the Himalayas. Entire Uttaranchal is amazing. You can go to any part of Uttranchal and spend some time there relaxing. Go to Garhwal, Haridwar (8 km), Rishikesh (6 km) or Dehradun (24 km), the atmosphere of all these destinations are exhilarating and soothing. Uttranchal is a good health resort. If you are keen in practicing Yoga & Meditation or even go for Ayurvedic Treatment then visit Haridwar and Rishikesh.Deers Rajaji National Park, Uttaranchal

    Extend the Trip

    You can visit New Delhi (231 km), the capital city of India. You can also go to Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, both will provide something very different. Uttar Pradesh is the right place to know the India Way of Life. It also displays numerous historical and religious sights. If you want to relax in a peaceful surroundings then head towards, the Himachal Pradesh. Himachal is also a paradise for the adventure lovers.

    Few Difficulties

    You might not face too many difficulties. The terrain is rugged and challenging. Might not get your choice of food here. The winters are chilling.

    Few Suggestions

    Don't get into any unknown or illegal activity. Do not disturb the local culture and local atmosphere. Try to be well informed about the routes and the place you are going to visit. Contact us when and where needed, while on a wildlife India Tour.

    If you want more information on Wildlife India Tour then get back to us, whenever needed. Let us know your requirements, so that we can make your trip to India Wildlife completely exceptional and exciting.

    Flora

    Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary of India is nestled between the Shivalik ranges and the Indo-Gangetic plains. This has resulted in the sanctuary being blessed with distinctive vegetation, representing several distinct zones and forest types. One can find everything, right from riverine, broad-leaf mixed forests, Chirpine forests, scrubland and grassy pasturelands, in this sanctuary.

    Wildlife

    The major attractions of the Rajaji National Park comprise of the ferocious tigers and the majestic elephants. Watching both the animals in their natural habitat is a pleasure in itself. The other wildlife attractions include Leopard, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Sambar, Chital, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Yellow-throated Marten, Civet, Jungle Cat, Langur, etc.

    Reptiles

    Reptiles seen at the park comprise of Monitor Lizard, along with King Cobra, Python and a number of other snakes.

    Bird Species

    One can get to watch as many as 315 species of birds at the Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary. These include Warbler, Indian Roller, Parakeets, Hornbill, Jungle Fowl, Pea Fowl, Barbet, Kingfishers, Oriole, Kaleej Pheasant, Woodpecker, Finch, Thrushes and so on. Winter season sees a large number of migratory birds visiting the sanctuary.

    Fish

    Ganga and Song rivers, flowing through the park, are home to a wide variety of fish, like Goonch, Trout, Kalabanse, Mahaseer and Chilwa.

    Sight Seeing (Rajaji National Park)

    Visitors may have the adventure of a lifetime vacationing in the Rajaji National Park. One may 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 goes on.

    In winters, 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.

    How to Reach

    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. Elephants are available for wildlife viewing at Chilla and Dholkand. To explore the park take an Elephant ride.

    By Air

    The nearest airport is in Dehradun.International Airport - Indira Gandhi International Airport (231 km).38 km from Jolly Grant Airport

    By Rail

    The railway stations nearest to Rajaji are at Haridwar (8 km) and Dehradun (24 km)Rishikesh.

    By Road

    Rajaji National Park is well connected with almost all the key cities of India by road. The park is easily accessible from Haridwar, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Mussoorie.

    Accommodation

    Rajaji National park area has several peaceful and tranquil accommodations. GMVN offers a Tourist Rest House with AC, Delux, Executive rooms and Dormotary facilities alongwith 6 Gujjar Huts,There are also 10 Forest Rest Houses in park, where visitors can stay. Tourist Rest House is adequately furnished for a comfortable stay. They offer perfect retreat for visitors. In addition there are many hotels and tourist complexes around Rajaji National Park at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Mussoorie.

    General Information

    State : Uttaranchal Location : In Shivalik hills of Dehradun, Haridwar & Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttaranchal
    Terrain :Approximately 75% hilly and 25% plains.
    Altitude : 302 to 1000 mts. above MSL
    Nearest Town : Rishikesh (6 km).
    Area: 820.42 Sq km
    Best Time: Mid-November to Mid-June
    Climate : Three distinct seasons; winter, summer and rainy
    Minimum Temperature :13.1 degC;
    Maximum Temperature :38.9 degC.
    Summer : Max. 42 degC; Winter : Min O degC.
    Nearest Railway Stations :Haridwar & Dehradun
    Nearest Air Port: Jolly Grant (Dehradun)
    Nearest Hospital/Bank/Petrol pump/Market/Post & Telegraph Office/Telephone :
    Haridwar, Dehradun and Rishikesh.
    Distances : From Delhi-231 kms. (Mohand Gate No. 2) from Lucknow-509 Kms.(Ranipur Gate No.4)
    Main Attractions: Tigers, Leopards, Elephants, Sloth Bears, Civets, etc
    Travel Tips : Consult the Doctor before you leave for the trip. Get enough information about the place you are going to visit.