Rajaji National Park - Uttarakhand

Rajaji National Park
Introduction
Rajaji National Park is distinct for its pristine scenic beauty and rich bio-diversity. A paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the wildlife of the park is blessed with elephants, tigers, leopards, deers and ghorals as its best known life forms. Three sancturies in the Uttarakhand, Shivaliks - Rajaji, Motichur and Chila were amalgamated into a large protected area and named Rajaji National Park in the year 1983 after the famous freedom fighter Late Sri C. Rajgopalachari; popularly known as "Rajaji".


This area is the North Western Limit of Asian elephants. Spread over an area of 820.42 sq km, Rajaji is a magnificient ecosystem nestled in the Shivalik ranges and the beginning of the vast Indo–Gangetic plains, thus representing vegetation of several distinct zones and forest types like sal forests, reverine forests, board–leaved mixed forests, scrubland and grassy. It posseses as many as 23 species of mammals and 315 bird species.The abundance of nature’s bounties heaped in and around this park, are bound to attract a large number of wildlife conservationalists, nature lovers and eco-friends to visit this most breathtaking wilderness area.
The majestic Ganges flows through the National Park for a distance of 24km, besides the innumerable streams and brooks making it rich and diverse. It offers ample opportunities to nature lovers to enjoy the captivating landscape and wildlife.

Rajaji is thickly foliated predominantly by the Rajaji is thickly foliated predominantly by the Sal Forest and a number of other forest types which include the Western Gangetic Moist and Northern dry Deciduous and Khair-Sissoo forests. Low Alluvial Savannah Woodlands cover the drier southern margins of the park, in contrast to the Shiwalik Chir-Pine on the high reaches of the hills.

The park is home to the Tiger, Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Cheetal, hog deer, barking deer, Sambar deer, wild boar, antelopes such as the Nilgai, Goral , Jackal, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Civets, Himalayan Yellow-Throated Marten, Sloth Bears, Pythons, King Cobra, Common Krait, Indian Cobra and the Monitor Lizard and above All the Asian Elephant.

Location
Rajaji National Park is situated along the hills and foothills of Shivalik ranges in the Himalayan foothills and represents the Shivalik eco-system. On the map it is located between Haridwar (Latitude 290 56’ 40”) and Dehradun (Latitude 300 20’ North) and 790 80’ E Longitude (Dehradun 780 01’ 15” E (Ramgarh), Chillawali- 770 54’ 30” East).
Accessibility
Rajaji National park is accessible from many directions by road, rail and air. Bus services and overnight trains are available for Dehradun and Haridwar from Delhi and Lucknow. Chila is 8 km from Haridwar railway station which is well connected to major metropolitan cities and 14 km from Rishikesh through Canal Road, 38 km from Jolly Grant airport. Jolly Grant airport which is only a few kilometres away from the Northern boundary of the Park, has a daily 50 minutes flight from Delhi.
Following are the main roads by which one can go to the different areas of Rajaji Park :
1. Dehradun Delhi State Highway: It almost forms the western boundary of Rajaji Park. Mohand is the important station on this road where a forest road goes inside the park.
2. Dehradun, Doiwala, Rishikesh, Haridwar State Highway: This is the most convenient road. By this road one can go to the Ramgarh, Motichur, Kunao and Chila Forests of Rajaji Park.
3. Moradabad, Haridwar State Highway: This is a connecting road between Lucknow-Delhi highway and Haridwar. By this road one can go to the Chila, Gohri, Ranipur forests and forest areas adjoining Haridwar of the Rajaji Park. For easy approach and access, there are several entry gates to the park.
The details are being given below:

Name of Entry Gate	Approach Town and Distance Gate	Route
Ramgarh Gate	From Dehradun 14 km	Delhi-Dehradun highway via Clement Town.
Mohand Gate	From Dehradun 25 km	Delhi-Dehradun highway.
Ranipur Gate	From Haridwar 9 km	Haridwar-BHEL Mohand Road.
Motichur Gate	From Haridwar 9 km	Haridwar-Rishikesh or Dehradun Haridwar Highway.
Chila Gate	From Haridwar 9 km	Via private bus route to Rishikesh.
Kunao Gate	From Rishikesh 6 km	Via private bus route on Rishikesh-Pashulok route.
Laldhang Gate	From Kotdwara 25 km	Via private bus route to Kotdwara Chila.

Accomodation
Rajaji National park takes pride in offering its guests a peaceful and tranquil heaven. GMVN offers a Tourist Rest House with AC, Delux, Executive rooms and dormotary facilities alongwith 6 Gujjar Huts, there are also 10 Forest Rest Houses in park, where visitors can stay to enjoy the beauty and splendour of the park. Tourist Rest House is adequately furnished for a comfortable stay. They offer perfect retreat for visitors and nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. In addition there are many hotels and tourist complexes around Rajaji National Park at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Mussoorie which makes it very convenient to visit the Park.
This tariff is according to the Director Rajaji National Park.

Fee and Tariff Indian (In Rs.) Foreigner (In Rs.) 1. Entrance free (a) For first 3 days (b) For every additional day 40.00 25.00 350.00 150.00 2. Road Fee for vehicle (Light, Heavy) 100.00/500.00 100.00/500.00 3. Camera Fee (a) Still (b) Movie/Video - 2500.00 50.00 5000.00 4. Filming Charges (a) Feature Film (b) Documentary 20000.00 2500.00/- per day 20000.00 5000.00/- per day 5. Security for above (a) Feature Film (b) Documentary 25000.00 15000.00 40000.00 40000.00 6. Elephant Ride (a) Per person per trip (2.5 hrs.) Minimum charges per trip (b) Per student in a group of 6 (1 hrs.) Minimum charges per trip 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00

Seasons
Park is open from 15th November to 15th June. It is closed during rainy season.
Every season in the Rajaji National Park has capacity to endow celebration of life. So Whether its Winter, Summer, Spring, Monsoon or any self induced season just come here and explore the celebration of Life.
Winter (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.
Contact :
Director Rajaji National Park,
5/1 Ansari Road, Dehradun.
Ph: 0135-2621669
Dy. Director Rajaji National Park,
Haridwar.
Ph: 0133-2425193.
Range Office Chila.
Ph: 01382-266757.