Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park, is the second Tiger Reserve of Uttarakhand state. It was established on 12 August 1983 with an area of 820 sq.kms.The park spreads in three districts Haridwar, Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal. Geographically it is located in Shivalik Foothills of Himalayan ranges. This hill range is 1500 long in India & 600 kms long in Nepal. It is has rich vegetation which adds beauty to Rajaji National Prak & Uttarakhand state as well.

The whole credit for making this place into wildlife centre goes to late Shri C. Rajagopalachari (a famous freedom fighter and first Governor General of India). He used to visit Dehradun often. Once he was invited to hunt tiger in this area. But he was so impressed by the biodiversity of area that he suggested for wild life sanctuary. He was also famous by name of Rajaji. Therefore, it was named after him as immense respect for him.

In 2015, finally it was notified as 48th Tiger reserve of India with an area of 1075 sq km. Three sanctuaries were merged to Rajaji National park were Rajaji, Motichur & Chilla sanctuary.
The park is very beautiful from scenic point of view. Rich biodiversity causes huge attraction for wildlife lovers, Nature lovers & photographers.

History
Rajaji National Park was founded in the year 1983 by merging three sanctuaries named as Rajaji (1948) Motichur (1964) and Chilla (1977), after the name of well-known statesman and freedom fighter Sri C. Rajgopalachariya, who was popular as ‘Rajaji’. He was the first and last Governor General of independent India.

Flora in Rajaji National Park
Flora in Rajaji National Park is snuggled between the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Shivalik ranges and Riverine vegetation, broadleaved deciduous forests, grasslands, scrub land and pine forests make the array of flora at these parks. Verdant jungles are home to vibrant wildlife in this park.

Some popular floras found in this park include:

Amaltas (Cassia fistula)
Rohini (Malollotus philippinensis)
Palash (Butea monosperma)
Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo)
Sal (Shorea robusta)
Sandan (Ougeinia Oojeinensis)
Khair (Acacia catechu)
Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)
Baans (Dendrocalamus strictus)
Semul (Bombax ceiba)
Chamaror, (Ehretia laevis)
Aonla (Emblica officinalis)
Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana)
Chilla (Casearia tomentosa)
Bel (Aegle Marmelos)
Kachnar (Bauhienia variegata)

Fauna in Rajaji National Park
The park has the biggest population of elephants and tigers. Other species of wild animals include:

Bengal Tiger
Asian Elephanta
Jungle Cat
Leopard
Goral
Striped Hyena
Indian Hare
Himalayan Black Bear
Sloth Bear
Jackal
King Cobra
Barking Deer
Sambhar
Rhesus macaque
Wild boar
Indian Porcupine
Python
Indian langur
Monitor lizard

In addition, there are also some primates that include the Hanuman Langur and the Rhesus Macaque. Small mammals that are mostly found in park are the Indian Hare and the Indian Porcupine. Reptiles in Rajaji include Indian Cobra Pythons, Common Krait, King Cobra, and the Monitor Lizard. There are approx. 315 bird species that give a big visual treat to visitors. Peacock is found in abundance. Large number of butterflies and small birds are also observed that simply add beauty to this region. Some species of birds include Babbler, Rusty cheeked Scimitar, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Golden-spectacled Warbler, Drongo Cuckoo, Brown Hawk-Owl, Great Hornbill, Slaty Headed Parakeets, Red Jungle Fowl, Crested Kingfishers, Lineted Barbet, Black Hooded Oriole, Finches, Khaleej Pheasant, Thrushes and many more.

To thrill and experience the wilderness and the richness of species, one has to visit this place and explore the Shiwalik and Himalayan Ranges in Rajaji National Park.

How to Reach (Access), Rajaji National Park
By Air
The nearest airport to Rajaji National Park is Jolly Grant. This is located in Dehradun and is 35 kilometers away from the park. Travelers can take a direct flight from Delhi! It takes 55 minutes to travel by air (from Delhi).

By Train
Haridwar Railway Station is 24 kilometers away from Rajaji National Park. You can also take a train till Dehradun (56 km) or Rishikesh (18 km).

By Road
You can take the Hindon Elevated Road and reach Rajaji National Park in just 4.5-5 hours. Delhi is 220 kilometers away from the park and the road condition is excellent. It is ideal to take a cab or your personal car to the national park. The drive is pleasant and you will notice the mango trees on the way!

Travelers can also take a bus to reach Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Take a local cab or bus to reach Rajaji National Park.