Rajaji National Park National Park

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.

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.

• 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.