Rajaji National Park
National Park Himalayan foothills park protecting elephants and tigers
Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand protects riverine forests and foothills at the Himalayan edge; visitors join jeep safaris and birding trips in search of elephants, deer and regional wildlife.
.jpg?width=1200)
Rajaji National Park is a protected area in Uttarakhand, India, established as a national park in 1983. It conserves riverine and foothill habitats in the lower Shivalik range and supports populations of large mammals including elephants and tigers.
The park offers river valleys, sal and mixed forest, and a mosaic of grassland and wooded terrain where visitors may encounter Asian elephants, tigers, leopards and a variety of deer species. Wildlife sightings are concentrated along river corridors and at water sources, and the park is used for guided safaris and nature walks.
Created to protect wildlife in the Shivalik foothills, the park consolidated earlier protected tracts and has since been managed for biodiversity and habitat connectivity. Conservation efforts focus on large mammal populations and human-wildlife coexistence in buffer areas.
Situated in the lower Shivalik foothills of Uttarakhand, the park lies near the cities of Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun and spans portions of those districts, with multiple entry points and ranges accessible by road.
- Protected status: Designated as a national park in 1983, it forms part of a protected landscape in the lower Shivalik foothills and is managed for large mammals including elephants and tigers.
- Proximity to cities: Accessible from the nearby cities of Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun, making it a common destination for wildlife day trips from those urban centres.
How to Get to Rajaji National Park #
Rajaji National Park has several entry points; the Chilla and Mohand ranges are commonly used by visitors. By road the park is reachable from Rishikesh (approximately 20 km to the Chilla area) and from Dehradun (roughly 35-40 km depending on the park sector you aim for). Major railheads are Haridwar and Dehradun; the nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant (domestic). From any of these towns you’ll take local roads toward the park gates and hiring a taxi or using a tour operator is the usual way to reach the specific range/entry point.
Tips for Visiting Rajaji National Park #
- Book early-morning or late-afternoon safaris - those windows give the best chance to see elephants and other large mammals when animals are most active and before midday heat reduces sightings.
- Choose your entry zone intentionally: Chilla and Motichur ranges are commonly used by visitors and can offer good wildlife sightings; arrange jeep safaris or drives through the official park office so you have a licensed vehicle and guide.
- Check park opening dates and local conditions before you go - like many Indian reserves, accessibility can be affected by monsoon season and park rules are strictly enforced, so confirm timings with park authorities.
Best Time to Visit Rajaji National Park #
Rajaji National Park is best visited in the dry season (roughly October-May), with the clearest wildlife-viewing conditions outside the monsoon.
Weather & Climate near Rajaji National Park #
Rajaji National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1873 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 10 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 22°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is the hottest month, feeling like 29°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (577 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (595 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (279 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
