upcoming weekend or want to take a break from your daily schedule for a couple of days, Rajaji National Park is just the option for you. Wondering why Rajaji? Because this place has so much to offer to you to rejuvenate your soul. It’s the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the wilderness, breathe fresh air, and rejuvenate your soul with some wildlife sightings.
Plan a Fun-Filled and Easy Weekend Getaway to Rajaji National Park
If you’re a fan of wildlife, nature trails, birdwatching, or just the idea of hanging out in a serene natural setting, Rajaji National Park is your spot. Spanning over three districts in Uttarakhand - Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal, it’s got a little bit of everything. Think lush forests, streams, mountains, and an impressive array of wildlife that includes elephants, tigers, leopards, and over 300 species of birds. Additionally, it’s not as crowded or touristy as Jim Corbett National Park, so you get more of that "off-the-beaten-path" vibe.
Suitable Time to Plan for Rajaji National Park
Now here’s a key question: when should you plan your trip? The safari and other activities are under operation from November to June. The national park remains closed during the monsoon season (July to mid-November) due to heavy rains, and believe me, you don’t want to be there when the roads are all soggy and the trails are waterlogged. Winter (November to February) is the Best time to visit Rajaji if you’re into wildlife spotting, as animals tend to come out more frequently during this time. Also, the chilly weather adds a refreshing touch to your adventure. However, if you're a summer person, March to June is also great for spotting elephants and other wildlife as they gather near water sources.
Weekend Itinerary for Rajaji National Park
Here’s a simple weekend itinerary that should work for most people.
Day 1:
• Leave early from Delhi/Dehradun and arrive at Rajaji National Park by noon.
• Check-in at your hotel or campsite.
• Have lunch, relax for a bit, and then head for an evening safari.
• Enjoy the sunset and the peaceful forest atmosphere.
• Return to your stay, have dinner, and unwind under the stars.
Day 2:
• Wake up early for a morning nature walk or birdwatching session.
• After breakfast, you can either head for another safari or take a quick trip to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
• Have lunch, pack up, and start your journey back home.
A Guide on How to Engage Your Weekend at Rajai National Park
So you’ve arrived at Rajaji. What next?
1. Go on a Safari: You can’t visit a national park and not go on a safari! Rajaji National Park offers jeep safaris that usually last for a couple of hours. Your chances of spotting elephants are pretty high, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a tiger or leopard. If you’re into birds, Rajaji is a paradise. Don’t forget to carry your binoculars and camera
2. Nature Walks: If you’re more of a walker than a rider, you can explore the park on foot in certain areas. The guided nature trails are peaceful and give you a chance to really connect with your surroundings. Just be sure to stay within designated areas and listen to the park guides.
3. Visit Haridwar or Rishikesh: Rajaji National Park is just a short drive away from Haridwar as well as Rishikesh, so you can easily combine your wildlife trip with a spiritual pit stop. Including these two destinations in your itinerary, if time permits, you can participate in the Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri Ghat in Haridwar, or enjoy river rafting at Rishikesh.
This trip to Rajaji National Park can be a short one, but engaging in the several activities there is enough to recharge you to get back to your daily life with a new start.
