Rajaji National Park is considered as an unfortunate cousin of nearby Corbett National Park as most travelers flocking to Haridwar, or trekkers keen on high altitudes, overlook this unspoilt terrain. In otherwise light human traffic has meant a boon for wildlife.



Rajaji is quite younger than many national parks, created just about 20 years back, out of the three adjoining wildlife sanctuaries of Chilla, Rajaji and Motichur. It has covered around 820 sq km of forests of sal and amaltas and bisected by Ganga. The park is a home of of many wild creatures but if you particularly fascinated by tigers, you will be disappointed. Though Rajaji National Park houses some tigers but its rare to see in the wild. The park is a home to over 500 wild elephants, as well as chital, barking deer, wild boar, jackals, and even leopards and bears. The best place to watch animals at near the flat river valley that runs through the park. At dusk most of the animals come and lick some salt near the river. Most beautiful part is when damp ground at river edge is converted into a scintillating carpet by countless colorful butterflies.

Sights And Activities

Wildlife Safari
The best way to explore the park is on the back of elephant. From the Chilla gate Raja and Arundhati, two might elephants takes you on a gentle, rambling ride into the depth of forest. Book in advance as these two gentle giant only trek twice a day. During the official forest patrol two elephants are booked for official use and your safaris will be canceled. The elephant safari last for 2 hrs. Cost of elephant safari for Indians is Rs 100 and for foreigners it’s 200. Apart from elephant safari, Jeep is an excellent mode of transport to enter the deeper part of the forest. Each jeep or vehicle entering the park, whether privately owned or not, has to be accompanied by a guide who will charge Rs 100 for 2 hrs trip.

Bird Watching
Rajaji national park is birdwatcher’s paradise. from chestnut-headed bee-eaters to pied hornbills, yellow and pied wagtails to spectacular eagle perch high, you can see almost every recognized species of birds here. In the winter months national park is rich with guest birds. Don’t forget to carry a binoculars and a copy of Salim’s Ali’s Birds of India.

Chandi Devi Temple
A hill top temple located atop Neel Parvat, on the edges of Rajaji National Park. Though a small but always crowded and noisy temple is guarded by belligerent monkeys. From the top, you get a nice view of Haridwar ghats and sprawling temples. Near by another revered temple known as Mansa Devi could be a good idea to visit.

Shopping In Haridwar
Shop some souvenir in Haridwar. There are government emporiums but it is advisable to shop from bustling Barra Bazaar and Moti Bazaar on upper road. Markets are famous glass bangles, walking sticks, wooden slippers and stoneware.