Rajaji National Park - At a Glance
By JAGAT- 11-June-24: The scenic beauty and rich biodiversity of Rajaji Tiger Reserve make it a prime attraction for both nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Originally established as Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttaranchal, it merged with Motichur and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries in 1983 to form Rajaji National Park. Named after the renowned freedom fighter and first Governor-General of India, Shri C. Rajagopalachari, the park spans 820.42 sq km and is accessible to visitors from mid-November to mid-June. On April 20, 2015, it was designated as India’s 48th and Uttarakhand’s second Tiger Reserve, now known as Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
Covering 1075 sq km, the reserve features both moist and dry forests and encompasses the rugged Shivalik Hills along the southern and eastern edges of the Doon Valley. It straddles both banks of the holy Ganga River and is close to the temple towns of Rishikesh and Haridwar. Rajaji Tiger Reserve boasts a healthy population of Asian elephants and is home to tigers, leopards, hyenas, sambar deer, chital, barking deer, nilgai, and other wildlife. The park is divided into two sections by the Ganga River, with the western section connected to forests in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, and the eastern section extending into the Lansdowne Forest Division and further to Corbett Tiger Reserve.
A Brief Note on the Avifauna of Rajaji
Over 400 bird species have been recorded in Rajaji National Park, with some species reaching the western edge of their range here, such as the Great Pied Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and the Golden-fronted Leafbird (Chloropsis aurifrons). The Common Green Magpie (Cissa chinensis), typically found in broadleaf evergreen and moist deciduous forests, has been spotted in the forests adjacent to Rajaji, which connect it to Corbett National Park.
Rajaji National Park is particularly rich in forest birds, including various species of woodpeckers, barbets, and hornbills, such as the Near Threatened Great Pied Hornbill. The park also features a barrage on the River Ganga near Haridwar, creating a reservoir and a stretch of river within the park. These water bodies attract numerous resident and migratory waterbirds in winter. Among the species identified at the reservoir are the Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), Ferruginous Pochard (Aythya nyroca), and Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda), all considered Near Threatened by BirdLife International.
A Birding Tour at Rajaji National Park
The birding tour at Rajaji National Park starts with guests arriving at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun or taking a train to Haridwar. From there, they can either request a paid pickup service or continue their journey in their own car. The remainder of the trip is conducted in a hired vehicle or a private car, based on the guest's preference. Birwatching is one of the most exciting Things to do in Rajaji. You can book for a whole day safari to traverse across the major birding areas inside the safari zone of the national park.
While embarking for a birdwatching tour, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide, who will lead you to the appropriate location and provide important insights about the species of avifauna existing inside the forest and the technique to catch glimpses of the winged wonders of Rajaji National Park.