Rajaji National Park, located near Dehradun in the state of Uttarakhand, is a magnificent wildlife sanctuary that spans across three districts - Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal. It was established in 1983 and covers an area of 820 square kilometers, making it one of the largest national parks in India. The park is named after C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement.
Rajaji National Park is situated at the foothills of the Shivalik range in the Himalayas. The park is known for its diverse terrain, which includes dense forests, grasslands, and riverine vegetation. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, and over 400 species of birds.
The park is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day of the week.
The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 150 per person, while foreign nationals are charged Rs. 600 per person. Children below the age of 5 years can enter for free.
Rajaji National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, with over 300 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Some of the wildlife species that can be spotted in the park include elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys, and bears.
Visitors to Rajaji National Park can indulge in a variety of activities, including jeep safaris, elephant safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and wildlife photography. The park also offers opportunities for camping and trekking.
The cost of a jeep safari in Rajaji National Park is Rs. 1500 per jeep for Indian nationals and Rs. 4000 per jeep for foreign nationals. The safari lasts for approximately 3-4 hours and covers various parts of the park where you can spot wildlife in their natural habitats.
The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 150 per person for adults and children above the age of 5 years. Children below the age of 5 can enter for free. There is no separate entry fee based on gender.
Senior citizens above the age of 60 years can avail a discount on the entry fee by showing valid identification. They can also opt for a comfortable safari vehicle with seating arrangements that are suitable for their needs.
The best time to visit Rajaji National Park is from November to March when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more common. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July-September) as the park may be closed due to heavy rainfall and slippery roads.
There are several tourist attractions near Rajaji National Park that you can visit, including Robber's Cave, Buddha Temple, Sahastradhara, and the famous hill station of Mussoorie.
Rajaji National Park provides ample parking space for private vehicles near the entry gates. Visitors can safely park their cars and continue their exploration of the park in safari vehicles provided by the park authorities.
Visitors to Rajaji National Park are required to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety of wildlife and maintain the sanctity of the park. Some of the rules include maintaining silence during safaris, not feeding the animals, and not littering the park premises.
Rajaji National Park is well-connected by road and can be easily reached from major cities like Dehradun and Haridwar. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 20 kilometers away from the park. The nearest railway station is in Haridwar, which is around 30 kilometers from the park.
Visitors can also opt for guided tours and packages offered by various tour operators in the region for a hassle-free visit to the park. It is advisable to book safari tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.
Plan your visit to Rajaji National Park to experience the beauty of nature and witness the majestic wildlife that thrives in this lush sanctuary.