Rajaji National Park Rishikesh, India

Rajaji National Park is situated in Uttarakhand State of India. The park covers the total area of 820 square kms. It is located in Dehradun, Haridwar & Pauri Garhwal districts. The nearest cities to the park are Haridwar & Rishikesh. Rajaji National Park has highest number of elephants as compared to other national parks of Uttarakhand. You can also see animals like Tiger, Monkey, leopard, Barking deer, Sambar deer, Antelopes such as the Nilgai & Goral, Wild Boar in this park. The Rajaji National Park has more than 400 species of birds. Some of the popular species of birds found in the park are Scaly Thrush, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Pale-footed Bush Warbler, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Tytler's Leaf Warbler, Green Avadavat and Reed Bunting, Black-necked Stork, , Northern Goshawk, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Greater Scaup, Great Hornbill, White-naped Woodpecker, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Black-bellied Tern.

River Ganga is also significant part of the Rajaji National Park. River Ganges flows 24 kms in the park. Those who want to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and wildlife and who are nature lovers nothing can be as best as Rajaji National Park. The migratory birds that cross Himalayas to enter India for them the park is the first staging ground. This park provides residence to the Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, Great Pied Hornbill and fire tailed sunbird.

History of Rajaji National Park:

In 1983 Rajaji National Park was established. Earlier the park was divided into three sanctuaries named as Rajaji sanctuary, Motichur sanctuary and Chilla sanctuary. Rajaji sanctuary was established in 1948. Motichur sanctuary was established in 1964. Chill sanctuary was established in 1977. It was in 1983 that the government decided to merge the three sanctuaries into one. With this Rajaji National Park came into existence. The Park is named after well known freedom fighter & first Governor General of Independent India Raj Gopalacharya. He was famous as Rajaji and so the park got its name.

Weather in Rajaji National Park:

From October to February it is winter in Rishikesh. Temperature varies from 8 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius. Weather is cold so you can see birds like White Capped, Himalayan & Pied Kingfisher and Plumbeous Redstarts.

From March to April it is spring season in Rishikesh. Climate is perfect for the visitors and is the best time to visit the Park. Temperature varies from 15 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius. From May to June is the time for summer season. Summer is the season when you can see wild animals as they are thirsty so they come out of their home for water.

From July to September it is monsoon season in Rishikesh. Monsoon season is the time when the park is generally closed. You will find greenery everywhere in the park and the landscape looks superb.

How to reach Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park by road its connectivity is good. The distance between New Delhi and Rajaji National Park is only 230 kms. Rajaji National Park is 20 km from Rishikesh, Haridwar Railway station is just 20 kms from Rajaji National Park and Dehradun Jolly grant Airprt is just 35 kms away. For Dehradun there are daily flights from Delhi.

Entrance Fees at Rajaji National Park:

For Foreign Visitor : Rs. 600.00 per person for 03 hours Jungle Safari at Chilla Range.
For Indian Visitors : Rs. 150.00 per person for 03 hours Jungle Safari at Chilla Range.
Additional camera fee : Rs.50 for foreigners. Extra charges if you are making the movie from the camera.

Jungle Safari at Rajaji National Park

At Rajaji National Park Wildlife Jungle Safari is done every year between 15th November to 15th June. Through jeep it’s a total 33 kms drive passeing through lush green areas and thick forest. This wonderful drive in Jeep safari at Rajaji National Park make you see peacocks, monkeys, groups of spotted deer or cheetal, Sambhar, Elephant & many other birds and animals. Jeep Safari or Jungle Safari is open in two ranges. One is Motichur Range and the other is Chilla Range.
Timings of Jungle Safari at Rajaji National Park:
Morning 06:00am to 10:00am is for first safari.
Evening 2:00pm to 06:00pm is for second safari.

Jungle Safari Rules at Rajaji National Park

Avoid wearing bright clothes to avoid animals from provoking. Keep silence so that you will be able to see more and more animals. Teasing, Shouting & chasing animals is strictly prohibited. Get down of the jeep only when you are asked to otherwise don’t get down of the jeep. Use of plastic is prohibited in park.

Jeep Safari Timing
In Rajaji National Park one can do jeep safari twice in a day i:e in the morning and in the evening

• Avoid plastic things during the tour to save the nature
• Follow the instructions of your guide for your safety.
• Movie Camera fees extra (INR500/- Per camera).
• Government Service Tax, Extra (04.94%).
• Bird watching guide available on request
• Identity proof or Passport must for entry in park.