About Rajaji National Park — Uttarakhand's Oldest Tiger Reserve
820 sq. km of pristine Shivalik wilderness, a conservation history spanning over 75 years, and India's north-western frontier for Bengal tigers and Asian elephants. This is Rajaji.
820
sq. km Total Area
1983
Year Established
48th
Tiger Reserve in India
500+
Asian Elephants
315+
Bird Species
3
Districts of Uttarakhand
What is Rajaji National Park?
Rajaji National Park, officially known as Rajaji Tiger Reserve since 2015, is a protected wildlife area spread across 820 sq. km in the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. The park spans three districts — Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal — and sits at an elevation ranging from 300 to 1,400 metres above sea level.
The park is named after Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (popularly known as Rajaji), the last Governor-General of India in the British period and a distinguished freedom fighter. It was created in 1983 by merging three separate wildlife sanctuaries — Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla — into a single contiguous protected landscape, giving animals an unbroken corridor of forest to roam freely.
The Ganga river flows through the heart of the park, naturally dividing it into two units: the western Rajaji-Motichur sanctuary and the eastern Chilla sanctuary. This river corridor creates extraordinary riparian habitat — a mosaic of dense sal forest, grasslands, rocky ridges, and riverine vegetation that supports one of the most diverse wildlife assemblages in North India.
Location: Shivalik Hills, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India | Coordinates: 29°52'N, 78°10'E | Nearest City: Haridwar (15 km) | From Delhi: 250 km via NH-58
Quick Location Reference
| State | Uttarakhand, India |
| Districts | Haridwar, Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal |
| Terrain | Shivalik Hills (Himalayan foothills) |
| Elevation | 300 – 1,400 metres |
| River | River Ganga (flows through park) |
| Open Season | November 15 – June 15 annually |
History of Rajaji National Park — From 1948 to Today
The story of Rajaji National Park is one of India's most significant conservation achievements — a 75-year journey from three isolated sanctuaries to a unified tiger and elephant reserve protecting the Himalayan foothills.
Today, Rajaji forms the western anchor of the Rajaji–Corbett Tiger Conservation Unit, a 7,500 sq. km wildlife corridor that connects Rajaji to Jim Corbett National Park and the broader Terai Arc Landscape — one of the most important ecological corridors in Asia.
Motichur Sanctuary Established
The Motichur Wildlife Sanctuary — one of the three core units of modern Rajaji — was formally established, protecting the dense sal forests near Haridwar and the diverse wildlife of the Shivalik foothills.
Rajaji Sanctuary Created
The Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1948 — named after C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India. The sanctuary was designed to protect the migratory Asian elephant corridors of the Shivalik hills.
Chilla Sanctuary Established
The Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, covering the eastern bank of the Ganga river near Haridwar, was established in 1977 — completing the trio of sanctuaries that would later form Rajaji National Park.
Three Sanctuaries Merged — Rajaji National Park Born
On September 1, 1983, the Government of India merged Rajaji Sanctuary (est. 1948), Motichur Sanctuary (est. 1936), and Chilla Sanctuary (est. 1977) into a single protected unit covering 820 sq. km — officially declared as Rajaji National Park under the Wildlife Protection Act.
National Park Status Officially Notified
In September 2012, Rajaji was formally notified with full National Park status under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, providing stronger legal protection for its core zone from human activities.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve — India's 48th Tiger Reserve
On April 20, 2015, Rajaji National Park was officially upgraded to Rajaji Tiger Reserve — India's 48th tiger reserve and only the second in Uttarakhand after Jim Corbett. The reserve now operates under the dual umbrella of Project Tiger and Project Elephant — a unique dual conservation status held by very few parks in India.
Today — A Growing Conservation Success Story
Rajaji Tiger Reserve continues to see a steady increase in elephant populations and growing tiger presence. Eco-tourism has expanded, with over 45,000 visitors annually generating vital revenue for conservation. The park remains open November 15 – June 15 for safari visitors.
Geography of Rajaji National Park
A diverse mosaic of five distinct habitats — each supporting a different community of wildlife
Dense Sal Forest
The dominant vegetation — Shorea robusta (sal) — forms tall, cathedral-like forests across the valley floors and gentle Shivalik slopes. These forests are the primary habitat of Bengal tigers and leopards. Sal trees create a closed canopy that reduces undergrowth and provides excellent visibility for safari sightings.
Riverine Grasslands
The banks of the Ganga and Rawasan rivers support extensive grasslands that are vital feeding grounds for elephant herds, spotted deer, and sambar. These open areas also provide excellent visibility for wildlife sightings — the Chilla canal road runs along one such riverine grassland corridor.
Rocky Shivalik Ridges
The higher elevations of the park (up to 1,400 m) are marked by bare, rocky ridgelines covered with chir pine and mixed deciduous vegetation. These steep slopes are the exclusive domain of the Himalayan Goral — a mountain goat found only in the higher reaches of Rajaji, particularly in the Ranipur zone.
Wetlands — Jhilmil Jheel
The Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve is a precious wetland ecosystem within the Rajaji landscape — one of the last habitats of the critically endangered Swamp Deer (Barasingha) in Uttarakhand. Between November and March, it transforms into a gathering point for thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia.
The Ganga River Corridor
The sacred Ganga river flows through Rajaji National Park, creating a dynamic riverine ecosystem that supports gharials (India's critically endangered crocodilians), smooth-coated otters, mahseer fish, and Brahminy ducks. The river also provides a natural highway for elephant herds to move between zones.
Mixed Deciduous Scrubland
Transition zones between dense forest and open grassland support over 110 tree species, 51 shrub species, and 33 types of bamboo and grasses. These ecotones — edges between two habitat types — are biodiversity hotspots where predator-prey dynamics play out most visibly during safaris.
Flora of Rajaji National Park
Rajaji's diverse terrain — from 300 m to 1,400 m elevation — creates multiple distinct vegetation zones, each supporting different wildlife communities. Over 110 tree species, 51 shrub species, and more than 33 types of grasses and bamboos have been recorded.
| Vegetation Type | Dominant Species | Zone Found |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Moist Deciduous | Sal (Shorea robusta) | All Valley Zones |
| Riverine Forest | Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), Kadam | Ganga, Rawasan banks |
| Mixed Deciduous | Bahera, Kadam, Indian Banyan | Mid-elevation zones |
| Subtropical Pine | Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii) | Ranipur, higher ridges |
| Grasslands | Elephant grass, Saccharum | Chilla, river edges |
| Wetland Vegetation | Phragmites, aquatic plants | Jhilmil Jheel |
| Scrubland | Acacia, Mallotus | Transition zones |
Fauna of Rajaji National Park
Rajaji is home to 50+ mammal species, 315+ bird species, and a rich diversity of reptiles, amphibians, and fish — including multiple threatened and endangered species listed under India's Wildlife Protection Act.
| Animal | Status | Best Zone to Spot |
|---|---|---|
| Bengal Tiger | Endangered | Chilla, Motichur |
| Asian Elephant | Endangered | Chilla (500+ population) |
| Indian Leopard | Vulnerable | Motichur, Ranipur |
| Gharial | Critically Endangered | Chilla (Ganga river) |
| Swamp Deer (Barasingha) | Critically rare in UK | Jhilmil Jheel only |
| King Cobra | Vulnerable | Chilla, Motichur |
| Sloth Bear | Vulnerable | Motichur, Mohand |
| Himalayan Goral | Near Threatened | Ranipur (rocky ridges) |
| Spotted Deer (Chital) | Least Concern | All zones — very common |
| Sambar Deer | Least Concern | All zones — common |
Birds: 151 resident species · 87 migratory species · 49 altitudinal migrants · 7 local migrants. Notable: Great Pied Hornbill, Pallas's Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Mottled Wood Owl.
The 5 Safari Zones of Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Rajaji National Park is divided into five designated tourism zones by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Each zone has a distinct character, different wildlife strengths, and a different visitor experience. Understanding each zone helps you choose the right safari for your goals.
Chilla Zone
Haridwar, 15 km · Largest ZoneThe premier safari zone in Rajaji — consistently delivers the highest tiger and elephant sighting rates. The Chilla canal road alongside the Ganga creates spectacular riverine safari routes.
- Best for: Tiger, Elephant, Gharial
- Area: Largest zone in the park
- Season: Nov 15 – Jun 15
- Entry Gate: Chilla, Haridwar
Motichur Zone
Haridwar, 8 km · Closest ZoneThe best zone for leopard sightings and bird watching in Rajaji. Dense broken terrain creates ideal leopard habitat. Over 200 bird species recorded in this zone alone.
- Best for: Leopard, 200+ Birds
- Nearest city: 8 km from Haridwar
- Season: Nov 15 – Jun 15
- Entry Gate: Motichur, Haridwar
Jhilmil Jheel
Haridwar · Extended Season till Jun 30A stunning wetland conservation reserve — the only remaining habitat of the critically rare Barasingha (Swamp Deer) in Uttarakhand. A birdwatcher's paradise in winter months.
- Best for: Barasingha, Migratory birds
- Unique: Wetland ecosystem
- Season: Nov 15 – Jun 30
- Access: Via Haridwar
Ranipur Zone
Dehradun · Least CrowdedThe most private zone in Rajaji — rocky Shivalik ridges make it the best zone for Himalayan Goral sightings. Ideal for serious wildlife enthusiasts who prefer solitude over crowds.
- Best for: Goral, Sloth Bear, Solitude
- Terrain: Rocky Shivalik ridges
- Season: Nov 15 – Jun 15
- Access: Via Dehradun
Mohand Zone
Dehradun, 35 km · Easy AccessThe most convenient zone for visitors based in Dehradun. Less visited than Chilla and Motichur, offering a genuinely private jungle experience with good wildlife diversity.
- Best for: Private safari, Deer, Birds
- Base city: Dehradun (35 km)
- Season: Nov 15 – Jun 15
- Access: Via Mohand, Dehradun
Not Sure Which Zone?
Let us help you choose the right safari zone based on your wildlife goals, budget, and available dates.
Book Safari NowConservation Significance of Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Rajaji National Park is not just a tourist destination — it is one of the most ecologically significant protected areas in North India. It represents the north-western distribution limit of both Bengal tigers and Asian elephants in India — meaning no wild tiger or Asian elephant population exists west of Rajaji in this latitude.
The park forms the western anchor of the Rajaji–Corbett Tiger Conservation Unit — a 7,500 sq. km forest corridor connecting Rajaji to Jim Corbett National Park. This corridor allows tigers, elephants, leopards, and other wildlife to migrate between protected areas, maintaining the genetic diversity essential for long-term species survival.
One of India's most important elephant landscapes — 500+ animals, steady population growth
48th Tiger Reserve in India — north-western limit of tiger range in the country
Part of Asia's most important wildlife corridor linking 12 protected areas
Protects the upper Gangetic floodplain — critical habitat for gharials and river otters
Rajaji National Park vs Jim Corbett — Which is Better?
A common question from North India travellers — here is an honest comparison
Our Verdict: If you want crowds-free wilderness, extraordinary elephants, and an authentic jungle experience at a fair price — Rajaji National Park is the better choice for most visitors. If maximising tiger sightings is your only priority and budget is not a concern — Corbett edges ahead. For visitors staying in Haridwar or Rishikesh, Rajaji is the obvious choice.
Everything You Need to Know
Complete guides for planning your Rajaji National Park safari
Ready to Explore Rajaji National Park?
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