Rajaji National Park is sprawled over an area of 830 sq. km. and is in the limelight due to the wide population of elephants. The national park is located about 5 km from Rishikesh, 6 km from Haridwar and 39 km from Dehradun. All of these places are popular weekend destinations from Delhi. The distance from Delhi to Rajaji National Park is approximately 208 km, and a drive of about 5 hours via Meerut Expressway and Haridwar will take you to this wildlife hub. Else, you can board a train to Rishikesh or Haridwar Railway Station or a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
About Rajaji National Park
Rajaji was established in 1983 by merging Motichur Sanctuary, Chilla Sanctuary and Rajaji Sanctuary. The national park is surrounded by mountains, valleys and river from all sides, due to which the natural beauty here attracts tourists, especially nature enthusiasts. The park is named after the famous freedom fighter and the first Governor General of Independent India, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari. Counted among India’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, located quite close to the spiritual city of Rishikesh, this park is home to about 315 species of birds. Animals like Asian elephants, deer, bears, cheetahs, wild boars, cobras, sambar, Indian rabbits, wild cats, etc. are the habitants of Rajaji National Park.
The most special aspect of Rajaji National Park is that the River Ganga covers a distance of about 24 km in this park, which is another central attraction of the park. While embarking on a jungle safari, the small streams of the river flowing through it make your trip exciting with a pleasant feeling. Rajaji consists of Sal, western Ganges moist forests, northern dry deciduous forests and khair-sheesham forests. The national remains open for tourists every year between 6th November to 15th June. Changes in time are possible in some special circumstances. Tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of the hills, valleys and rivers during the 34 km-long jungle safari. You can enjoy the mesmerising jungle safari twice a day - one in the morning and another in the afternoon, till evening.
In order to explore the flora of Rajaji in tranquility, the buffer zone of the national park is a perfect alternative for safari. You can quench your photography thirst by getting down from the jeep. You will find several hotels and resorts near the national park according to your budget.
How to plan your weekend
Let’s assume that you are coming to Rajaji by road. Start early in the morning from Delhi and reach Rajaji by mid-day. Check into a hotel or a resort and freshen up and relax for some time. After lunch go for a jungle safari in the afternoon slot. It is better to conduct an advance Rajaji Online Safari Booking, as the availability of jeeps cannot be guaranteed at the last moment. Spend some leisurely hours in the evening coming back from the safari.
The next day, wake up early and go for a morning safari. Come back to the resort, have breakfast and check out to return to Delhi.
