The famed Rajaji Tiger Reserve is both a national park and a tiger reserve. It is famous as an elephant habitat as there are around 600 elephants in Rajaji. The reserve also boasts 250 leopards and 11 tigers that will soon be outnumbered. Rajaji Tiger Reserve (earlier Rajaji National Park) is located in the Shivalik range of Himalayas and spread over 820 kms. It covers a part of over three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. It now becomes the second Tiger Serve of Uttarakhand after Corbett. The park has been created in 1983 by the amalgamation of three sanctuaries - Rajaji Sanctuary and National park (estd. 1948) Motichur sanctuary (estd. 1964) and Chilla sanctuary (estd. 1977). On 20 April 2015 it has been changed to Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve
The Rajaji Tiger Reserve has received the honor of being the second tiger reserve of Uttarakhand, after the Corbett National Park. Earlier it was
known by the name of Rajaji National Park. The tiny hamlet of Chilla about 13 km northeast of Haridwar serves as the base for visiting this reserve. You can pick up a brochure, pay the entry fees and organize an exciting jeep safari from the Forest Ranger’s once, situated close to the tourist guest house at Chilla.
The wilderness of Rajaji has lured many nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and adventure enthusiasts to spend some glorious days amidst the
refreshing vistas. Rajaji Tiger Reserve is amongst the popular tourist places of Uttarakhand which is frequented by many local as well as foreign
tourists. This naturally abundant place is blessed with scenic surroundings, bubbling rivers, lush green grasslands and scrublands which make it a
natural abode.
Flora (Vegetation) in Rajaji National Park -
Rajaji National Park contains tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, in particular those of the Upper Gangetic Plains moist deciduous
forests ecoregion. The forest ecosystems of the Park are quite varied and diverse. Plants such as shorea, mallotus, adina, terminalia, bridelia,
dalbergia, acacia, syzygium and Phoebe are found in the Park.
Fauna (Animals and Wildlife) in Rajaji National Park -
Rajaji National Park is predominantly formed from dense green jungles, and this environment forms a habitat for a number of animals. The wild
animal species found in the Park include: Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Striped Hyena, Goral, Indian Hare, Sloth Bear,
Himalayan Black Bear, King Cobra, Jackal, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Wild boar, Rhesus macaque, Indian langur, Indian Porcupine, Monitor lizard,
Python.
It also the bird watcher paradise as there are 315 species of birds are found in the Park. The most prominent avian species include peafowl,
woodpeckers, pheasants, Hornbill, kingfishers and barbets, supplemented by a number of migratory species during the winter months. The rivers
which flow through the Park harbour species of fish such as trout and mahseer.
Entry Permit and Jeep/Gypsy services at Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Day visits are allowed after payment of entry fee at the gate of the respective tourism zone. Entry Fees is levied on per head basis with separate fee for vehicle, camera etc. Visitors keen on overnight stay in the Park have to book the Forest Rest Houses, preferably a month in advance from the office of the Director, Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Stays in Forest Rest Houses are allowed for a maximum of three nights at a time and rebooking of the same Forest Rest Houses can only be done after three months. The forest rest houses in Rajaji National Parks are available at Asharodi, Motichur, Chila, Ranipur and Beri Bada.
Jeeps/Gypsies are available on hire from the gate for Jungle drive of 2-3 hrs, but make sure to book them in advance since the number of visitors is more than the available Jeeps. Park drive is through undulating terrain crossing through river beds and mountain for about 2-3 hours inside the park.
| Fees and Tariffs | Indian National (INR) | Foreign National (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entrance Fees | 150 | 600 |
| Gypsy/Jeep Entry Fees | 250 | 500 |
| Gypsy/Charges | Extra | Extra |
Pickups/Dropping Charges: (Extra) As per local transporter charges.
- For more Information visit Rajaji Tiger Reserve official website.
Jungle Safari: Rajaji Tiger Reserve is second tiger reserve in Uttarakhand after Jim Corbett and home to myriad species of animals like Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, Himalayan Black Bear, King Cobra, Jackal, Barking Deer, sambhar, goral to name a few.
Bird Watching: Along with the animals, there are more than 300 species of birds both resident and migratory including Great Pied Hornbill, Pied King .
It's just Awesome Experience. One of the best trekking experience with 360 degree view of Himalayan range . we group of 6 friends started from chopta. Stayed there enjoyed evening rain with chai pakoda. Next day we moved to trekking point to tungnath temple. After 4 hours of trek we reached to tungnath temple where we took rest for 1 hour. Then moved to chandrashila trek.
The 360 degree view from the Chandrashila Peak is a dream come true and we had an amazing time. The view is simply amazing and we saw several other beautiful peaks from Chopta.
Tungnath is the highest temple of Garhwal. While I was on this trekking, I witnessed the pristine clear view of majestic peaks like the Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth and even Kedarnath. Chopta is too underrated. It even gives a beautiful and picturesque view of the whole Himalayas. I guess the early spring season is the right season to trek.
Tungnath Temple is a very peaceful place, away from the noisy life. I had a very nice time there with my wife. We both love going for hiking and treks. And this one was everything we could ask for. We are planning for another trip now. Hope it will be as good and fulfilling as this one.
Joining this trek, I realized why the Himalayas are the most sought after ranges in the world. The view was just way too beautiful. There are so many secrets and mysteries to reveal in this trek. And with the expert and his experience, it was really an exciting experience over all!
Chopta Tungnath Trek was one memorable experience; I was just awe-struck throughout the trekking expedition. The best part about the trek is that you get to see Himalayas from so close - no doubt the trek is challenging at times but the entire views that you get to experience is something that will make the effort worth the effort.
room Yoga Bhawan, University Road, Madhi Chauras, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 249161
email letstrekwidsid@gmail.com
call +918273541476
