Rajaji National Park, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, is a pristine sanctuary renowned for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. Spread over an area of 820 square kilometers, it encompasses the Shivalik ranges and is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the majestic Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, and leopards, along with over 300 species of birds. Dense forests of sal, teak, and bamboo interspersed with grassy meadows and riverine areas provide a picturesque setting for visitors. Rajaji National Park, named after C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent leader in Indian history, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and wildlife adventure.
Rajaji National Park is situated in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, stretching across the districts of Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal. The park lies at the foothills of the Shivalik range, making it accessible from several major cities. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 35 km away, offering regular flights from major Indian cities. For those travelling by train, Haridwar and Dehradun railway stations serve as convenient gateways, with frequent rail services connecting them to Delhi and other parts of India. Additionally, the park is well-connected by road, with National Highway 58 providing access. Visitors can hire taxis or use bus services from nearby cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to reach the park's various entry points.
In order to take a break, retreat amidst nature, and this is How to plan a Rajaji Tour with your friends. Make a list of what are the activities you would like to engage in at Rajaji National Park
Jeep Safari - Jeep Safari in Rajaji National Park is the most thrilling activity to get a fresh dose of excitement. Hopping on to a jeep safari takes you and your companions deep inside the forest traversing through the enchanting flora and glimpsing the wild inhabitants of the park. Jeep safaris are operational in the morning and evening slots. November to March are considered to be the peak seasons for conducting safari activities. The safari timings vary according to the season and entry is closed to tourists during monsoon from 16th June to 14th October.
Birdwatching - Nestled on the foothills of the Himalayas, Rajaji National Park is home to a myriad of avifauna species. Visit the national park in winter and you will get to watch a lot of migratory birds. Do not forget to carry your binoculars and cameras as well to capture the flying beauties conquering the sky and the branches of the trees in Rajaji.
Explore the Nearby Attractions - Once done with the jungle safari and birdwatching, you along with your friends can indulge in some sightseeing. There are a handful of locations you can visit during the day either between the morning and evening safari or staying an extra day at Rajaji National Park. You can visit the Chilla Barrage, Jhilmil Jheel, Chandi Devi Mandir and Vashistha Gufa.
River Rafting - Once done with being a wanderlust, you can get a rush of adrenaline by going for a river rafting near Rajaji National Park. Get on the rafts, and row through the gushing waves of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Based on your expertise, you can choose the difficulty level of river rafting. If your group is the entry-level of experience, follow the guidelines thoroughly to ensure your safety.
Visit Rishikesh - Coming to Rajaji and not visiting Rishikesh, renders the tour with your friends incomplete. A visit to Rishikesh brings you to a plethora of attractions. You can spend an entire day or a couple of days to make the most of it. Visit the Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, Beatles Ashram, evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and so on.
