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Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park About
Rajaji National Park
Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas in the
abode of God's - Uttaranchal, Rajaji National Park is situated at the conflux
of three districts i.e. Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. The park was formed
in 1983 when three wildlife sanctuaries of the area were combined into a single
large area consisting of a myriad variety of flora and fauna.
The flora
found in the area is diverse with distinct vegetation zones that include broadleaved
deciduous forests, riverine vegetation and grasslands along with picturesque forests
of pine trees that lend a unique charm to the environs. The fauna inhabiting the
area is equally diverse with an estimated number of more than 23 species of mammals
and 315 species of birds.
The place has been going through a rough patch
lately with some unwanted publicity in the form of problems like soil erosion
and poaching. Despite all the odds, Rajaji National Park continues to be one of
the prominent national parks in the country and an important place to observe
the flora and fauna of the region.
The park is open for visitors between
November and June, while the best time for a visit is during the cooler months
of December to March. From April onwards, the weather starts getting warm and
it can get a bit sticky and uncomfortable.
Wildlife
Attractions in Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is known for
its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. The park is blessed with a variety of
flora and fauna, which makes it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
The place promises a vacation of a lifetime for the tourists where one can watch
a herd of elephants mightily trampling its way through the thick vegetation and
a hidden striped predator, quietly waiting for its prey.
Prominent among
other habitatants of the park are leopard, jungle cat, Himalayan yellow throated
marten, sambar, cheetal, barking deer, wild boar, sloth bear, langoor, ghoral,
monitor lizard, python, civet and even king-cobra.
The winged residents
of the area include pea fowl, jungle fowl, kaleej pheasant, hornbil, woodpecker,
thrushes, kingfishers, parakeets, warbler, barbet, finch, Indian roller, oriola
and a host of other beautiful avians.
The two rivers that criss cross
the park are home to a large number of fish such as Mahaseer, Kalabanse, Goonch,
Chilwa and Trout.
Safaris
The most convenient way
to travel inside the park is in your own four wheeler, preferably a sturdy vehicle
like a jeep. The other interesting option is to take an Elephant safari. The safaris,
organised by the park authorities are of two and a half hours duration and cost
between Rs. 50 and 100 per person. Feel the excitement of watching the wild animals
from an elevation as you hold on to your elephant trampling its way through the
uneven terrain.
Other Attractions
Dehradun
Dehradun is a picturesque city situated at the foothills of
the mighty Himalayas, just a few kilometres from the park. It is generally the
entry point for most visitors travelling to the park as the nearest airport from
the Rajaji National Park is situated here.
Haridwar
The holy town of Haridwar is a prominent place of worship
for the Hindus. The shimmering waters of the Ganga and religious chants coming
from the temples situated at the 'Har ki Podi' makes a truly enchanting setting.
A bath in the holy water of the Ganges is believed to have the power to purify
ones soul.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is situated at a
short distance from Haridwar. The picturesque views of the lush green forests
along with verdant valleys provide a refreshing and eye soothing experience. Among
the famous attractions of the place are the Laxman Jhoola and Ram Jhoola.
How to Get There
The park is situated
at a short distance from the capital Delhi, which makes it easily accessible from
all the major cities in India and the world.
By Air :
The Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is situated only a few kilometres from the
northern boundary of the park. Air Deccan flies from Delhi daily at 10:55, 11:00,
13:20 and 14:00
By Rail : Haridwar and Dehradun are
the two most convenient railheads situated near the park. Buses and taxis are
easily available to reach the park from both these places. Daily trains ply to
Haridwar from Delhi, Mussoorie Exp. (22:15), Dehradun Exp. (7:40), Haridwar Mail
(5:50) & Utkal Exp. (14:20) from Mumbai, Dehradun Exp. (22:25) and Chennai,
Dehradun Exp. (8:30, Thu)
By Road : The park can be
accessed from the Dehradun-Delhi highway which runs along its northern boundary.
Long distances buses ply from a number of major Indian cities connecting with
cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. To reach from Delhi by road, take
the NH58 to Haridwar via Meerut, Muzzaffarnagar and Roorkee. From here the district
road leads to Chilla (the main entrance of the park).
Distances
From Major Cities
Delhi : 200 km (NE)
Haridwar : 9 km (NE)
Kolkata : 1360 km
Bangalore : 1930 km
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