Rajaji Tiger Reserve, with an area of 820 sq. km. is located in the picturesque hills of Shiwalik ranges and opens up into the Indo-Gangetic plains in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The Ganga river flows through the national park which primarily consists of an evergreen sal forest, seasonal river beds (locally known as rau or sot) and grasslands.
Herd of elephants in Rajaji National Park
In the 1980s, Chila, Motichur and Rajaji wildlife sanctuaries were merged into one to form Rajaji Tiger Reserve. The Reserve constitutes an important part of the Terai-arc Landscape (7500 sq.km) between Yamuna River in north-west and Sharda River in the south-east. It is also an important corridor to the Shiwalik Elephant Reserve. Spread across three districts of Uttarakhand namely, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun and Haridwar, Rajaji is a haven for wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts. More than 300 species of birds and 50 species of mammals have been recorded in the and around the Park.
Some of the most commonly spotted species in Rajaji include the Great Indian and Pied Hornbills, bee-eaters, crested serpent eagle, drongos and woodpeckers. Mammals such as the leopard, elephant and various species of herbivores are of much delight to tourists who visit Rajaji.
Great Indian Hornbill feeding the female nesting inside the tree cavity
Mala – female leopard spotted in Mohand, Rajaji National Park
Of late, Rajaji has become very popular for it’s growing and ‘friendly’ leopard population. It is believed that there are over 250 leopards in the park and a good number of whom have become accustomed to safari vehicles and tourists. Leopards are normally nocturnal and elusive so to see them out in the open, stretched out on a Banyan tree in broad daylight well aware of the paparazzi fussing over them, walking on the road or hunting in plain sight is a visual delight for many.
So why have leopards become so bold in Rajaji? Many believe it is because there are very few tigers remaining in the Park. When the tiger population dwindles in India, the next in line predator, normally the leopard takes over as the king / queen of the jungle. Spotting tigers is believed to be quite rare but we were very fortunate to have seen one during one of our safaris in 2017.
A tiger spotted in Chila range of Rajaji National Park
Mala – very comfortable on a banyan tree
Where have the tigers gone? Good question! The area of Rajaji along with it’s connectivity to Jim Corbett National Park and the Himalayan foothills makes it a vital corridor for wildlife movement and also makes the task of monitoring tigers a painstaking one. They’re there but perhaps just not as safari friendly (yet) as the tigers of Central India.
When visiting Rajaji it is important to book your hotel closest to the safari gate from where you’re doing the safaris. The safari gates of Rajaji include Mohand (closest to Dehradun and Saharanpur) and then Chila, Motichur and Ranipur, near Haridwar. Haridwar is an hour away from Dehradun. Chila was one of the most popular gates to do the safaris however, Mohand in recent years has taken over as the reigning gate especially for those keen to spot the famous leopards that Rajaji National Park is known for.
Maya – the daughter of Mala
Pied Hornbills – birdwatching in Rajaji Tiger Reserve
In Rajaji, leopards are known by names often given by the guides, forest department and / or visitors. Some of the regular seen leopards include Heera, Panna, Shiva, Layla, Diana, Maya and Mala. With the new Delhi – Dehradun expressway, it is believed that the travel time to Rajaji’s gates will be reduced significantly.
The Park is open for safaris from November 15 to June 15 each year and is closed for the monsoon season. Unlike other Parks in India, Rajaji closes early and opens a month and a half later due to several seasonal river crossings inside the Park which are often brimming with water way after the monsoon season is over. Safari timings are in the morning and afternoon. A good and experienced guide/naturalist who doubles up as a jeep driver are essential for spotting leopards and birds in Rajaji. With outstanding leopard sightings arguably the best in India, Rajaji National Park and tiger reserve is definitely a destination that is worth visiting either standalone or along with a spiritual visit to Haridwar, Rishikesh and beyond.
For a customized itinerary and quote for Rajaji please submit your details by clicking on Contact Us below or you can also write to us at info@travelwith.in
Massive male leopard getting down from a tree
For a customized itinerary and quote for Rajaji please submit your details by clicking on Contact Us below or you can also write to us at info@travelwith.in
