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The Rajaji National Park

The Rajaji National Park:

Rajaji National Park, rich in wildlife and vegetation is located in the Shivalik Hills in the state of Uttar Pradesh. A national park with an impressive range of animal species, bird species as well as diversity in flora, it is a haven for wildlife. Spanning an area of 820.42 sq km, the Rajaji National Park is an integration of three wildlife sanctuaries – Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. Established in 1983, the park was named after the first Indian Governor General of India – C. Rajagopalachari. He was also a famous freedom fighter and was also known as Rajaji.

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THE FAUNA OF RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK:

Animals in Rajaji National Park:

As you tour the Rajaji National Park, herds of elephants cross your path. The park presently has the highest population of wild elephants in the entire Uttaranchal. Famous for its population of wild elephants, the Rajaji National Park is also home to the endangered majestic predators like the Tigers, the Yellow Throated Marten and Leopards. Jungle cat can also be found here. Different species of Deer and Antelopes like the Chital or the Spotted Deer, Sambar and the Barking Deer freely roam the forest, munching on grass as they go.

The other animals that have their home here are the Wild Boar and the Sloth Bear, Ghoral, Civet and the Langur. The reptiles are represented by the King Cobra, Python and the Monitor Lizard among others.

Around 10 species of amphibians and more than 49 species of fish, including fishes like Mahaseer, Kalabanse, Goonch, Chilwa and Trout reside in the water bodies in this Park – the River Ganges and the River Song.

Birds in Rajaji National Park:

315 species of avifauna, both migratory and resident grace the national park. Some of the winged wonders living in this park are the Kingfishers, Woodpecker, Jungle Fowl, Indian Roller, Oriola, Hornbill, Thrushes, Kaleej Pheasant, Warbler, Finch, Parakeets and Barbet. But, the bird that leads them all is the wonder of wonders Peacock - the National Bird of India, which is found abundantly here.

The migratory birds arriving for their seasonal visit to the Rajaji National Park are a sight to be seen. In winters, the migratory birds can be seen especially near the River Ganges.

As many as 13 species of Hymenopterans insects can be found here. Around five species have been just discovered. The family of butterflies in this Park is represented by around 60 species, some of these have been residents in the nearby areas – Garhwal and Kumaon hills of the Himalayas.

The Flora of Rajaji National Park:

The topography of this national park is a combination of hills and large plains, the area being predominantly hilly. This leads to diversity in vegetation. Trees, under wood and undergrowth species, provide a habitat to many animals and birds.

The park is covered with trees like Sal, Kharpat, Baki, Sain, Phauri, Gutel, Haldu, Bachera, Badal, Bula, Tun and Jhingan. The under-wood, light and often absent consists of Rohini, Mahal, Sandan, Pipal, Chamaror, Ber etc.

The karaunda, gandhala, marorphali constitutes the undergrowth, whereas the grasses include gorla and kummeeria

Tourist Information for Rajaji National Park:

The Rajaji National Park is open from November to June.
The best time to visit the park is from March to May.
To enter the park, entry permits are required.
These permits can be obtained from any of the gates to the park
The permits are valid for three days.
The park runs along the major cities of Uttaranchal - Dehradun, Haridwar and Mussoorie.
Due to this, the number of visitors to the park is usually high.
Some spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen from the park.
It is advisable to wear green or brown colored clothes which can merge with the surroundings.
It can be very dry and hot during the summer months.
In winters the temperature can go down to 2 degree Celsius.
In summers it can get as hot as 45 - 47 degree Celsius.

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