The park is home to diverse wildlife, with Asian Elephants being its flagship species. Other major mammals include Tigers, Leopards, Himalayan Black Bears, and three species of deer - Sambar, Chital, and Barking Deer. The park hosts over 315 bird species, including Great Pied Hornbill, Himalayan Pied Kingfisher, and various raptors. Reptiles like King Cobra, Python, and Monitor Lizard are also found here. The park plays a crucial role in elephant conservation, serving as a crucial corridor between Corbett and Rajaji tiger reserves.
Rajaji National Park boasts diverse vegetation types, including moist deciduous forests, riverine forests, grasslands, and scrubland. Dominant tree species include Sal, Rohini, Sissoo, Khair, and various species of Acacia. The park also features extensive bamboo groves, particularly Giant Bamboo. The understory is rich with medicinal plants, ferns, and climbers. During spring, the forest floor comes alive with colorful wildflowers, while the post-monsoon period sees abundant grass growth in the chaurs (meadows).
The park's terrain is characterized by the Shivalik range's distinctive geological features, with steep rocky hills, narrow valleys, and numerous seasonal streams (called 'raos'). The elevation ranges from 250 to 1,100 meters above sea level. The park's landscape includes boulder-laden river beds, dense forests, and grasslands. The soil composition varies from sandy and gravelly in river valleys to loamy in upper reaches, supporting diverse vegetation. The park is intersected by the Song and Suswa rivers, along with numerous seasonal streams.
Rajaji National Park was established in 1983 by combining three sanctuaries: Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla. The park was named after C. Rajagopalachari, the first and last Governor-General of independent India. The area has historical significance as it was part of the ancient Kedarkhand region, mentioned in Hindu scriptures. The park has also been home to indigenous Gujjar communities who have traditionally lived in the forest area. In recent years, many Gujjars have been voluntarily relocated to protect the ecosystem and wildlife.
Key attractions include the Chilla range, known for excellent elephant sightings, and the Motichur range, famous for its bird diversity. The park features several watchtowers and nature interpretation centers that enhance visitor experience. The Ganga and Song rivers flowing through the park create spectacular riverine ecosystems. The park's proximity to Haridwar and Rishikesh makes it easily accessible to tourists. Unique features include the presence of ancient pilgrimage routes and the successful conservation model that has helped increase tiger populations in recent years.
Rajaji National Park experiences three distinct seasons: summer (March-June) with temperatures reaching 35-45°C, monsoon (July-October) with heavy rainfall and high humidity, and winter (November-February) with temperatures ranging from 3-15°C. The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are optimal. During summer, the park becomes quite hot and dry, while the monsoon season brings lush greenery but can make some areas inaccessible due to heavy rains.
India
30.2480°, 78.2250°
1983
820.42
Rajaji National Park is known for its elephant population and diverse wildlife. The park encompasses the Shivalik range and features varied vegetation from riverine forests to grasslands. It serves as an important wildlife corridor between several protected areas.