Situated at the edge of the sprawling Dehradun Valley, the Rajaji National
Park is just 8 kms from Haridwar and 21 kms from Rishikesh. The park is
spread over an area of 820.42 sq. km. in three Districts- Dehradun, Haridwar
& Pauri Garhwal of Uttarakhand State.
Previously, there were three sanctuaries situated in
the Shivalik ranges - Rajaji sanctuary (estd.1948) Motichur sanctuary
(estd.1964) and Chilla sanctuary (estd.1977). In 1983 these sanctuaries
consoldiated into a large protected area as 'Rajaji National Park'. The
Park is named after the renowned statesman and nationalist leader Sri
C. Rajgopalachari (The first and last Governor General of independent
India popularly known as 'Rajaji'). Eventhough, Motichur and Rajaji are
close to each other, they are separated from Chilla range to the south-east
by the Ganges river, Chilla River and agricultural land.About 84% of the
national park is forested and the Five vegetation types of forest found
in the park are moist Shivalik Sal (Shorea robusta), dry Shivalik Sal,
northern dry mixed deciduous and Khair (Acacia catechu), Sissu (Dalbergia
sissoo) forest. The park boasts scrub land and grassy pasture lands. The
terrain of this park is very rugged and cut up by ravines which are dry
in winter. There are chirpines in the upper ridges and sal on the lower
hills with Khair and Sissoo in the river beads.
The park has a wide variety of fauna with over 23 mammal
and 300 bird species. The park has a large number of elephants which together
with the rarely seen tiger. Wild boar, leopards, spotted deer, sambar,
Nilgai and Ghoral, Langur, Macaque, the Himalayan Yellow throated martern,
Civet, Dhole, Kakar, Muntjac, Striped Hyena, Python, Monitor Lizard, Gharial
and a few type of deer are commonly seen fauna in the park.
The park also boasts of a large variety of avifauna includes
peacocks, Jungle Fowls and Kaleej Pheasants, Cuckoos, Black-chinned Babbler,
Hornbills, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Woodperckers, , Golden-spectacled
Warbler, Oriole, Chestnut-tailed Starling,Bee-eaters, Brown Hawk-Owl,
Black-crested Bulbul, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Orange-bellied Leafbird,
Golden-fronted Leafbird, Black-throated Sunbird, Pea fowl, Thrush, Green
Magpie, Crimson Sunbird, Minivets and Nuthatches and water birds like
Geese, Ducks, Cormorant, Spponbill, teal etc. Parakeets dominated the
canopy of the park.
The National Park open between 15th November and 15th
June every year.
Facilities inside the sanctuary
The forest department arranges facilities for wild safari inside
the park which enables the visitor to have a look at the flora and fauna.
Spotted deer, monkeys, Sambhar can be seen during the Safari. The Safaris
can be booked in advance at the forest department reception at Chillawali
village. A typical 30km jeep safari last about one hour and is available
in the mornings as well as evenings. Fee : Rs.500 to 700. For Safari booking
call: Mobile: 09871604712.
Fees:
Entrance Fee: 40/- for Indian and Foreigners 350/-, Parking Fee
for Vehicle (Light, Heavy) 100.00/500.00, Still cameras are free for Indians,
Movie/Video Camera : 2500/- for Indians and 5000/- for foreigners.
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Wildlife 
