Rajaji Tiger Reserve is a national park and tiger reserve located in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. It was established in 1983 and covers an area of 820 square kilometers. The reserve is named after C. Rajagopalachari (also known as Rajaji), a renowned leader of the Indian independence movement and the second Governor-General of independent India.

The Rajaji Tiger Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species of birds found here. The park is divided into two parts, the Shivalik Range and the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Visitors to the reserve can take part in a range of activities, such as jeep safaris, nature walks, and birdwatching tours. There are also several trekking routes within the reserve, including the Chilla-Motichur-Kunao trek, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

Chilla Range Rajaji Tiger Reserve

How to Reach Rajaji Tiger Reserve

It is located only 265 kilometers from Delhi via the NH-58 highway, making it a relatively easy destination to reach from many parts of the country.

For those wishing to fly, Jolly Grant Airport is located just 30 kilometers from Motichur gate, the closest entrance to the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.

Rajaji Tiger Reserve-Famous for

The Park is home to more than 50 species of mammals, including the highly endangered Asian Elephant and Tiger. Besides the tiger, leopard, Himalayan Black bear, sloth bear, Civet, Marten, Jackal, Hyena, etc., it is estimated that there are more than 350 Asian elephants in the park.

The Goral (Mountain Goat) – a characteristic mammal of the lower Himalayas – abounds on the precipitous slopes of the Shivalik hills. Three species of deer – Sambhar, Spotted Deer (Cheetal), and Barking Deer (Kakar) – and animals like the Wild Boar, Neel Gai. Langoor, Black Napped Hares, Jungle cats, etc., are also found in abundance.

Birding

About 90 are migrants, including Pochards, Gulls, Mallards, Teals, and Shellducks that visit the water bodies of Bhimgora and Virbhadra Barrage and wetlands of river Ganga. The resident Birds include Pea Fowl, Jungle Fowl, different Parakeets, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Thrushes, Warblers, Barbets and Finches, etc. The great Pied Hornbill occupies a place of pride among the different Hornbills found in the Park.

FRH and Resorts

Wild Brook Retreat near the Gohari range of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, 24 Km. from Haridwar. The Palm Resort, Satyanarayan FRH is also approachable from Haridwar-Rishikesh road and GMVN Guest House at Chilla Gate, Chilla Range, they have all of the basic facilities that you would need.

Timings, Tickets & Entry

The park is open from mid-November to mid-June when the weather is cooler and generally dry. You can only visit the four designated tourism zones of Motichur, Asarori, Ranipur, and Chilla. You can also stay overnight in the forest Rest House in Chilla, Motichur, Kunao, Ranipur Asarori, and Satyanarayan if you book in advance.

Best time

The best time to visit the Rajaji Tiger Reserve is from November to June, with the peak season being from December to March. The reserve is closed during the monsoon season from July to October.