INR ₹

Rajaji National Park Overview

Rajaji National Park is both a national park as well as a tiger reserve which ranks high amongst the Places to see in Haridwar. The park was created by the amalgamation of 3 sanctuaries- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. The park is located in the Shivalik range of Himalayas and spreads over 820kms.

The park is famous for its 600 elephants, 250 leopards, and 11 tigers along with other animals, who have been kept in the natural forest environment. It has now become the second tiger reserve of Uttarakhand after Corbet.

Location -Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun

Timing- 6 am to 9 am & 3 pm to 6 pm. Visitors booking a full day safari can wait at the rest house inside the forest.

Best Time to Visit - Park remains open from 15th November to 15th June. Park is closed during the monsoon season.

Entry Fee - Rs. 150 per head for 3 hours visit. Gypse rate for 3 hrs safari trip is Rs. 2100 and vehicle entry is Rs.250 per vehicle with Indians and Rs. 500 per vehicle with foreigners. The guide cost is Rs. 600 for general guide and Rs.1000-1500 for experience in wildlife.

History of Rajaji National Park

The Rajaji National Park initially started as three separate national parks in Uttarakhand. The pre-existing natural abundance of the area, along with its thriving community of wildlife, flora and fauna and its idyllic weather served as the perfect premise for the establishment of these national parks.

In 1964, a stretch of the Dehradun Forest spanning 90 square kilometres was declared as the Motichur wildlife sanctuary. The Rajaji Wildlife sanctuary had existed since 1948 and the Chilla sanctuary since 1977 in Shivalik and Lansdowne respectively.

In 1983, these three parks were combined to form the Rajaji National Park as it stands today, which covers an area of over 820 square kilometres. In April 2015, Rajaji National Park received the status of a tiger reserve, making it the second reserve for tigers in Uttarakhand.

It remains one of the most picturesque and well-maintained national parks in the country. The government decided to name the park after one of the most renowned freedom fighters of the country- C. Rajagopalachari, who was known as Rajaji.

After playing a pivotal role in fighting for India’s independence, he was also the last Governor-General of post-independence India. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his services to the nation.

How To Reach

Rajaji National Park is accessible from several nearby and popular towns such as Haridwar, Dehradun and Garhwal. While Dehradun is located around 60 km away from the park, Haridwar is 43 km away. You can find buses and taxis in abundance from both these towns to take you to Rajaji National Park.

If you are travelling by flight or train, the closest station and airport is at Dehradun. Another convenient way you can travel to Rajaji National Park is directly from New Delhi.

From here you can hire a taxi that will take you to the park for approximately INR 3,000 through a distance of around 223 km.

Best Time To Visit

The park is only open from 15th November to 15th June. Even though the temperatures are a little high during April, it is the best time to visit the park because this is when you can spot most of the animals.

It is also advisable that you visit in the early hours of the morning because temperatures can soar in the afternoon. Winter is also a good time to visit, but the temperature drops very low so make sure you carry appropriate warm clothing.

Other Essential Information

Flora and Fauna at Rajaji National Park

There is no doubt that Rajaji National Park is a treasure trove of natural assets like flowers, plants, trees, birds, animals, insects and exotic ecosystems that would not be able to thrive anywhere else in the country.

Flora: The Shivalik ranges are characterized by a unique ecosystem of Sal trees and bamboo forests that cover the entire area with subtropical and tropical plants and trees. Coniferous trees, deciduous forests, pine trees, grasslands and riverine vegetation can be found in the National Park.

The unique climatic conditions, as well as the presence of the mountains, rivers and plains, has allowed the flora in the area to thrive and multiply. Some of the more recognizable flowering trees include Acacia, Kydia, Bel, Pipal, Adina, Amaldas, Lantana, Chilla, Kachnar, Ber, Shorea, etc.

Fauna: The presence of animals and birds in large numbers is one of the most distinctive features of Rajaji National Park. The conjoining of three National Parks has added to the repertoire of animals who have made this area their home, making a safe place for them to thrive and grow in their natural habitat.

Being an official tiger reserve, it is home to many tigers that one can see when on a jeep safari. Apart from tigers, it is also home to the Asian Elephant, Striped hyena, langurs, barking deer, sloth bears, jungle cats, leopards, bears, porcupines, jackals and the yellow-throated marten.

It is also a popular place for bird-watching due to the abundance of birds such as woodpeckers, barbets, fire-tailed sunbird, pheasants, great-pied hornbills, starlings, cuckoos, partridges, vultures, barbets and much more.

Wildlife in Rajaji National Park

The endless expanse of green jungles in Rajaji National Park is the perfect place for large herds of animals to thrive and survive in their natural environment. The most famous and frequently spotted animal at the National Park is the Asian Elephants who roam freely and often in herds.

In fact, elephant safari is one of the most popular safaris in the park. In 2015, the park was officially declared a tiger reserve because of its impressive and increasingly growing tiger population. It is also known for gorals and mountain goats, which are found in abundance.

Apart from the elephants, tigers and mountain goats, several animals can be found in large numbers at the park such as:

-Rhesus macaque

-Sloth bears

-Hog deer

-Leopards

-Chital

-Sambar

-Striped hyena

-King cobras

-Porcupines

-Himalayan black bears

-Goral

-Indian hare

-Wild boar

Rajaji National Park is also known for its expansive bird population which makes it a much-frequented place by bird-watchers. There are over 315 species of bird with even more species migrating to the region from all parts of the world.

The most distinctive birds that you may be able to spot when you are here include the peafowl, pheasants, vultures, barbets, kingfishers, woodpeckers, great pied hornbills, fire tailed sunbird and a great many numbers of migratory birds who frequent the area during the winter season.

Restaurants and local food in Rajaji National Park

The National Park itself does not have many food options in terms of restaurants or cafes. The area is also spread over quite a large piece which means navigating through the National Park will take time.

The best option is to carry your own supply of food from home or restaurants outside when you are planning to visit the National Park. That being said, there are several restaurants around the area where you can find a sufficient offering of local cuisine as well as comfort food to keep you satiated during your journey. Here are some of the most suitable dining options around the park.

1. Next 2 - Next 2 is a fine dining restaurant that is located 0.9 km away from the National Park. You can find a wide array of India, Chinese and Continental food. The restaurant is well-decorated and accessible easily by road.

2. Ganga Lahari Restaurant - If you are in the mood to enjoy a meal with a view, you must pay a visit to the Ganga Lahari restaurant, located on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar. It has vegan, vegetarian and other convenient options. It serves up an impressive range of Indian and Asian food.

3. Chotiwala - Located 9 km from Rajaji National Park, this restaurant is the perfect place to travel to with your friends and family if you are searching for a comforting, home-cooked meal. All the food is prepared fresh and served in clean utensils with flavours that will remind you of home.