Uttarakhand’s tropical and subtropical deciduous forests near Haridwar are a beautiful home of various flora and fauna. In the meadows we are talking about, a harmonious confluence of elephants’ trumpets, tigers’ roars, and birds’ chirps is good to complement the rumble of the Ganges river streams. This place is home to these animal species. But the world knows it as Rajaji National Park. Apart from being home to many wildlife, this place also quenches the thirst of nature lovers.

Let’s know what the remarkable thing about Rajaji National Park is? So that people get excited after reading about it, and their desire to roam here is awakened.

Why is Rajaji National Park Famous?

Surrounding the Shivalik mountain ranges of the lower Himalaya, Rajaji National Park is lavishly rich in flora and fauna. Being situated at the bank of River Gange, it is considered to be a perfect holiday station for nature and wildlife lovers. This park was formed after the famous freedom fighter of free India and the first Governor-General Sri C Rajagopalachari, who was known as Rajaji. Situated on a land of 820 km in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, the park was formed in 198 by the confluence of three sanctuaries Rajaji(1948), Motichur (1964), and Chilla (1977).

Packed with the dense forest of Sal, Teak, and other shrubs, the park is well known for Tiger, Elephant, and Leopard along with some other species. People should seek the wilderness and diversification of Himalayan lives here with a Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari arranged by the Forest Department. One can spot Tiger, Asian Elephants, King Cobra, Bear, Wild Boar, Monitor Lizard, Python, Panther, Chital, and many more.

Best Time to Visit Rajaji National Park

The park is open from November 15 to June 15. The park remains closed during the monsoon season.

Things to do at Rajaji National Park

Experience Wildlife Safari

Rajaji National Park is well known for wildlife safaris to see the wildlife well. Both jeep safaris and elephant safaris are organized here. People can do jeep safaris for 3 hours twice a day, morning from 6 AM to 9 PM and evening from 3 PM to 6 PM.

Elephant safari time is less than jeep safari. It can be done in just 45 minutes to 1 hour with three popular tuskers – Radha, Rangili, and Raja.

Face the thrill of Rafting

River rafting is another thrill in your Rajaji Park trip. Another chance to experience the joy of nature. Forget all your fears and jump into the rapture of the river Ganges. Facing the waves up and down while rafting makes your Heart a little scary but let everything cool down part of this adventure. The 12 km rafting excursion with the flow of river Ganges including 3 hours, makes you feel like a beautiful journey surrounded by lush green and dense forest.

Enjoy Bird Watching

Being situated between the foothills of the western Himalayas and the Central Himalayas, the park offers open grasslands and an opportunity for bird watchers to explore a variety of birds. One can spot here a large number of birds like – Great Hornbill, Greater Scaup, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Scaly Thrush, White-naped Woodpecker, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Tytler’s Leaf Warbler, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Green Avadavat, Reed Bunting, Northern Goshawk, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and many more.

Places to visit near Rajaji National Park

Chilla Barrage

Chilla Barrage is a dam located on the banks of river Ganges in Dehradun. The barrage is popularly known as Pashulok Barrage. Chilla is a part of Rajaji National Park and produces electricity for the Pauri Garhwal district. Here one can take beautiful pictures and spend some quality time on the banks of the River Ganges.

Jhilmil Jheel

The beautiful Jhilmil Jheel is located just right at the famous Rajaji National Park border. The lake is crystal clear and excellent because it is still untouched by many tourists and commercial hands. Jhilmil Jheel is renowned for its variety of colorful birds and a fantastic unexplored park bursting with surprises, which was established in 2005 by Dr. Abdul Kalam. It’s an absolute paradise for bird and nature lovers and has no shortage of wildlife.

Restaurant and Local Food around Rajaji National Park

Ganga Lahari Restaurant

Ganga Lahari restaurant is located on the bank of River Gange. If someone wants to enjoy the view while having a meal, then they must have to pay a visit here. It serves a delicious range of Indian and Asian food.

Chotiwala

Chhotawala has situated just 9 km from Rajaji National Park. The perfect place to dine with your family and friends. If anyone is missing home-cooked food, then Chotiwala is the right choice. It served a mouth-watering variety of all kinds of food items.

Next 2

If you are looking for an array of Indian, Chinese, and continental food, the Next 2 are the best for you. The restaurant is located about 1 km from the Rajaji National Park. It offers fine quality food.

Places to stay in and around Rajaji National Park

The Anand

If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel near Rajaji National Park,  The Anand, located about 8 km from the park, is the right choice for you. This hotel is known for its comfortable stay and facilities. They offer a clean and tidy room with a great view balcony along with a delicious breakfast. So that tourists can enjoy the beautiful views.

The Wildbrook Retreat

The Wild Brook is a budget-friendly hotel near Rajaji National Park in Gohri Rang. The hotel provides all the necessary facilities. People can also get a chance for rafting, camping, safaris, and trekking.

Sun N Soil Backpacker Hostel

Sun N Soil Backpacker has located about 10 km from Rajaji National Park. It is a fantastic place for those who want to explore a new culture. This hostel is situated in Lachhiwala and provides an opportunity for the lounge area.

Nandini Homestay

For those looking for pocket-friendly hotels, Nandini Homestay is the right choice. Located at a distance of about 9 km from Rajaji National Park, it also offers all the necessary facilities along with WiFi and free parking.