Rajaji National Park - Second Tiger Reserve of Uttarakhand

 

Rajaji National Park (Rajaji Tiger Reserve) is located in the Shivalik range of Himalayas and spread over 820 square kms on both sides of river Ganges. It covers a part of over three districts Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal of Uttarakhand. It now becomes the second tiger reserve in the state after the Corbett Tiger Reserve and 48th Tiger Reserve of India. In 1983, three wildlife sanctuaries in the area namely Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji sanctuaries were merged into one. On 20 April 2015 its name has been changed to Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

 

 

The park is home to more than 500 Elephants, 39 Tigers, 250 Panthers and good prey base including Cheetal, Spotted Deer, Sambhar Deer, Wild Boar, Barking deer, Antelopes such as the Nilgai, Goral Two kinds of Bears Himalayan Black and Sloth. Reptiles in Rajaji National Park include one of the largest Pythons, King Cobra, Common Krait, Indian Cobra and the Monitor Lizard. The park also houses over four hundred bird species which makes a perfect wild life and bird watching destination. The Oriental Pied Hornbill, Crested Kingfisher and Crimson sunbird are some of the residents of our retreat.

 

 

Rajaji National Park of India is nestled between the Shivalik ranges and the Indo-Gangetic plains. Broadleaved deciduous forests, riverine vegetation, scrubland, grasslands and pine forests form the range of flora at these parks. The dense jungles here are home to vivacious wildlife here. Staying on weekend inside the Rajaji Tiger Reserve provides an opportunity for experiencing and appreciating the bounties of nature. Nature walk, trekking, wildlife sighting, bird watching, nature photography, learning local culture etc are few more things to look for while staying at our Camps/Resorts.

 

 

Rajaji National park has various safari zones. Some are situated around Haridwar city and some near Dehradun. Zones near to Haridwar city are very popular among tourists due to its habitat in Ganga belt. It has mainly four Safari Zones (Chilla, Jhilmil, Motichur, Ranipur) in order to manage and balance the number of tourists. While Dehradun has Asarori and Mohand entries. Activities such as Jungle Safari (on Gypsy), Bird Watching, half day visit, full day visits can be done. Visitors can choose any of following Safari zones for their wild life experience. Ranipur and Jhilmil zones are about 15 km from Haridwar city, while Chilla and Motichur are 12 and 9 km from Haridwar City. All four zones are in four different direction of city.

 

Jeep Safari: Jeep safaries are offered for 3 hrs each time in morning and evening from sunrise to sunset twice everyday inside park approximately in open jeeps through rugged terrain on unmetalled treks through "Raus" and over hills giving you opportunity to see wild life and birds in different habitats in Mundal, Mithawali, Khara and other ranges of park.

 

 

Bird Watching: In Rajaji National Park's Chila and Gohari Ranges are available for Rs. 300/hr with expert bird watchers.

 

 

Rafting: A basic rafting course for 3 hrs done in a stretch of 12 km in Ganges is available on request with expert trainers for Rs. 800/person.

 

 

Rajaji National Park  is a very rich bio-diversity National park which is  well connected by train, road and air from all big cities. Easy access of Rajaji National Park from Delhi by trains like Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi and Mussourie Express. The nearest Rail head is located in Haridwar. Park is easily accessible from Delhi, Meerut, Rurkee, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussourie, Dehradun and Chandigarh by road through a highway. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport and are many flights available from Delhi.

 

 

Its important to take permissions and tickets from the forest department before entering the premises of park. Permits are available at each of the gates to the park.