Rajaji National Park

Rajaji Tiger Reserve (earlier Rajaji National Park) is located in the Shivalik range of Himalayas and spread over 820 kms. It covers a part of over three districts of Uttarakhand - Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. It is now become the second Tiger Serve of Uttarakhand after Corbett.

The park has been created in 1983 by amalgamation of three sanctuaries - Rajaji Sanctuary (estd. 1948) Motichur sanctuary (estd. 1964) and Chilla sanctuary (estd. 1977). On 20 April 2015 it has been changed to Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

History or Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park has been named after C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), a prominent leader of the Freedom Struggle, the second and last Governor-General of independent India and one of the first recipients of India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (in 1954).

Rajaji Tiger Reserve Opening Dates and Entry Fees for 2014-2015

The Rajaji National Park is opened from 15 Nov 2014 for the tourists till 15 June 2015. It is closed for tourists during rainy season.

Entry Fees for Indian Nationals: Rs 150 per person
Entry Fees for Foreigners: Rs 600 per person
Jeep Rate: Rs 1500 per safari

Safari and Timings of Rajaji National Park

The park normally opens at 0600 hrs in the morning and is open till about 1100 hrs in the morning. However, tourists who are booked for a full day safari spend the time from 1130 Hrs - 1300 Hrs at any of the rest houses inside the forest and do bird watching. In the afternoon the park timings usually are from 1430 to 1730. Depending on the season the timings change locally which the forest authorities of Rajaji National Park notify.

All the Safari's are booked by the Forest Department and it is completely at the discretion of the forest department.

Flora (Vegetation): Rajaji National Park contains tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, in particular those of the Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests ecoregion. The forest ecosystems of the Park are quite varied and diverse. Plants such as shorea, mallotus, adina, terminalia, bridelia, dalbergia, acacia, syzygium and Phoebe are found in the Park.

Jeep Safari in Rajaji National Park is conducted in Chila Range and Motichur Range.

Fauna (Animals and Wildlife) in Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park is predominantly formed from dense green jungles, and this environment forms a habitat for a number of animals. The wild animal species found in the Park include: Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Striped Hyena, Goral, Indian Hare, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, King Cobra, Jackal, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Wild boar, Rhesus macaque, Indian langur, Indian Porcupine, Monitor lizard, Python

It also the bird watcher paradise as there are 315 species of birds are found in the Park. The most prominent avian species include pea fowl, woodpeckers, pheasants, Hornbill, kingfishers and barbets, supplemented by a number of migratory species during the winter months. The rivers which flow through the Park harbour species of fish such as trout and mahseer.

Weather in Rajaji (Climate and Season)

Winters (Oct. to Feb.): Cold nights and sunny days, and return of stream birds like Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, White Capped and Plumbeous Redstarts makes the time quite relaxing and serene. The migratory birds descend in large numbers and take over the wetlands. Must carry: Warm Jacket, Hat and Gloves and Binocular.

Spring (March to April): Pleasant weather, local showers and bird chirping, the peacocks start dancing and the red jungle fowl start calling. Best time for outdoor treks and overnight camping in wilds. Must carry: Back pack, Camping Guide Book and Good Walking Shoes.

Summer (May to June): The best time for photography, But Days are very Hot Though it's pleasant Nights during summer. Must carry: T-shirts, Shorts, Hats, Sunglasses and Lots of Water.

Monsoon (July to September): It's seems to be filled with green and azure blue all over, Every where we see a celebration of Rain, And quietness is turned into thunder, lightning and Heavy Rainfall, This is merriment inside the jungle and Wild Animals enjoy it very much, Best time for Photography of mesmerizing Landscapes, Wild Animals. Must carry: Raincoat, Floaters, T-shirts, Shorts and Gumboots.

Best Time to visit Rajaji National Park

The best time to visit Rajaji Tiger Reserve is from November to March, when weather is pleasant during the day and cold during nights. Chances of wildlife spotting increases during winters as many animals come out for sunlight during the day.

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