Rajaji National Park

Located in the Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal districts, the Rajaji National Park boasts of the highest number of elephants than all the other national parks of Uttarakhand. Offering amazing opportunity to nature lovers to enjoy the beautiful landscape and wildlife, the Rajaji National Park is the first staging ground for the migratory birds when they cross Himalayas to enter India.

History
Previously, the region National Park was divided into three different sanctuaries, known as Rajaji Sanctuary, Chilla Sanctuary and Motichur Sanctuary. In 1983, the government decided to merge these three sanctuaries and a new sanctuary was named after well known freedom fighter and first Governor General of Independent India Raj Gopalacharya.

Attractions
The Rajaji National Park boasts of more than 400 bird species. Scaly Thrush, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Pale-footed Bush Warbler, Tytler's Leaf Warbler, Green Avadavat and Reed Bunting, Northern Goshawk, Black-necked Stork, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie Greater Scaup, White-naped Woodpecker, Great Hornbill, Black-bellied Tern, Pallas's Fish Eagle are among the popular bird species that are found here.

Among the wilds that reside here are the Tigers, Leopards, Monkeys, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, and Antelopes such as the Nilgai and Goral.

Another major attraction of the Park is its wildlife jungle safari. The Jungle Safari is open between 15th November and 15th June every year. The Jeep Safari here offers opportunity to eye peacocks, groups of spotted deer or cheetal, monkeys, Sambhar, Elephant and many other animals and birds.  There are two time schedules allotted for the safari. Morning 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM is first safari and second safari time is 02:00 PM to 06:00 PM.

Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Rajaji National Park is between March to April, as the climate is pleasant during this time. The temperature during this period is between 15 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius.

October to February marks the winter season here and the temperature is between 8 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius. The atmosphere is cold and offers opportunity to see birds like White Capped, Plumbeous Redstarts and Himalayan and Pied Kingfisher.

May to June month is summer season here. During summer you will get good chances to view wild animals because they have to come at river for water many time. July to September month is monsoon season here.

How to reach
By Air - Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest domestic airport to Rajaji National Park. Another nearest airport is the Dehradun Airport.
By Train - Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Rajaji National Park.
By Road - Buses are available from most nearby cities and towns to Rajai National Park.