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.
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 — at an elevation of 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 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.
The Ganga river flows through the heart of the park, dividing it into two units: the western Rajaji-Motichur sanctuary and the eastern Chilla sanctuary — creating extraordinary riparian habitat supporting one of the most diverse wildlife assemblages in North India.
| 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 | Nov 15 – Jun 15 annually |
History of Rajaji National Park
The story of Rajaji 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 — one of the most important ecological corridors in Asia.
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.
The Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary was established — named after C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India. Designed to protect the migratory Asian elephant corridors of the Shivalik hills.
The Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, covering the eastern bank of the Ganga river near Haridwar, was established — completing the trio of sanctuaries that would later form Rajaji National Park.
On September 1, 1983, all three sanctuaries were merged into a single 820 sq. km protected unit — officially declared Rajaji National Park under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Rajaji was formally notified with full National Park status under the Wildlife Protection Act, providing stronger legal protection for its core zone.
On April 20, 2015, Rajaji was upgraded to Rajaji Tiger Reserve — India's 48th tiger reserve and only the second in Uttarakhand after Jim Corbett. A unique dual conservation status under both Project Tiger and Project Elephant.
Steady increase in elephant populations and growing tiger presence. Over 45,000 visitors annually. 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 across 300 to 1,400 metres of elevation.
The dominant vegetation — Shorea robusta (sal) — forms tall, cathedral-like forests across the valley floors. Primary habitat of Bengal tigers and leopards, creating excellent visibility for safari sightings.
Banks of the Ganga and Rawasan rivers support extensive grasslands — vital feeding grounds for elephant herds and spotted deer. The Chilla canal road runs along one such riverine corridor.
Higher elevations (up to 1,400 m) marked by bare, rocky ridgelines with chir pine. Exclusive domain of the Himalayan Goral — found only in the Ranipur zone's higher reaches.
One of the last habitats of the critically endangered Swamp Deer (Barasingha) in Uttarakhand. Between November and March, thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia gather here.
The sacred Ganga flows through Rajaji, supporting gharials, smooth-coated otters, mahseer fish, and Brahminy ducks. A natural highway for elephant herds to move between zones.
Over 110 tree species, 51 shrub species, and 33 types of bamboo and grasses. Ecotones — edges between two habitat types — are biodiversity hotspots where predator-prey dynamics play out most visibly.
Flora of Rajaji National Park
Over 110 tree species, 51 shrub species, and more than 33 types of grasses and bamboos recorded across five distinct vegetation zones.
| Vegetation Type | Dominant Species | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Moist Deciduous | Sal (Shorea robusta) | All Valleys |
| Riverine Forest | Shisham, Kadam | Ganga banks |
| Mixed Deciduous | Bahera, Indian Banyan | Mid-elevation |
| Subtropical Pine | Chir Pine | Ranipur, ridges |
| Grasslands | Elephant grass, Saccharum | Chilla, rivers |
| Wetland Vegetation | Phragmites, aquatics | Jhilmil Jheel |
| Scrubland | Acacia, Mallotus | Transitions |
Fauna of Rajaji National Park
50+ mammal species, 315+ bird species, and rich reptile diversity — including multiple threatened species under India's Wildlife Protection Act.
| Animal | Status | Best Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Bengal Tiger | Endangered | Chilla, Motichur |
| Asian Elephant | Endangered | Chilla (500+) |
| Indian Leopard | Vulnerable | Motichur, Ranipur |
| Gharial | Critically Endg. | Chilla (Ganga) |
| Swamp Deer (Barasingha) | Critically Rare | Jhilmil Jheel only |
| King Cobra | Vulnerable | Chilla, Motichur |
| Sloth Bear | Vulnerable | Motichur, Mohand |
| Himalayan Goral | Near Threatened | Ranipur ridges |
| Spotted Deer (Chital) | Least Concern | All zones |
| Sambar Deer | Least Concern | All zones |
The 5 Safari Zones of Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Each zone has a distinct character, different wildlife strengths, and a different visitor experience. Choose wisely based on your wildlife goals.
The premier safari zone — consistently the highest tiger and elephant sighting rates. The Chilla canal road alongside the Ganga creates spectacular riverine safari routes.
Explore Chilla ZoneThe best zone for leopard sightings and bird watching. Dense broken terrain creates ideal leopard habitat. Over 200 bird species recorded in this zone alone.
Explore Motichur ZoneA stunning wetland conservation reserve — the only remaining habitat of the Barasingha in Uttarakhand. A birdwatcher's paradise in winter months.
Explore Jhilmil JheelThe most private zone in Rajaji. Rocky Shivalik ridges are the best habitat for Himalayan Goral. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who prefer solitude over crowds.
Explore Ranipur ZoneThe most convenient zone for visitors from Dehradun. Less visited, offering a genuinely private jungle experience with good wildlife diversity and easy access.
Explore Mohand ZoneNot Sure Which Zone?
Let us help you choose the right safari zone based on your wildlife goals, budget, and available dates. Book Safari Now →Conservation Significance
Rajaji National Park represents the north-western distribution limit of both Bengal tigers and Asian elephants in India — no wild tiger or Asian elephant population exists west of Rajaji at 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, maintaining the genetic diversity essential for long-term species survival.
One of India's most important elephant landscapes — 500+ animals with 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 vs Jim Corbett — Which is Better?
An honest comparison for North India travellers planning a wildlife safari.
| Factor | Rajaji National Park | Jim Corbett National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Low — rarely overcrowded, private jungle feel | High — heavily booked during peak season |
| Distance from Delhi | 250 km — 5–6 hours by road | 240 km — similar distance |
| Elephant Population | 500+ elephants — outstanding herds | Fewer elephants — not a stronghold |
| Tiger Sightings | Possible — 15+ tigers, requires patience | More frequent — higher tiger density |
| Birdlife | 315+ species — Jhilmil Jheel adds wetland birds | 600+ species — richer overall list |
| Safari Cost | More affordable — ₹2,500/Gypsy | More expensive — higher permit fees |
| Booking Difficulty | Easier — slots available with advance booking | Very difficult — books out months ahead |
| Unique Wildlife | Gharial, Barasingha, Himalayan Goral | Different rare species |
| Verdict | Best for: Authentic wilderness, elephants, affordability, combining with Haridwar/Rishikesh | Best for: Maximum tiger sightings, serious wildlife photography |
Everything You Need to Know
Ready to Explore Rajaji National Park?
Safari slots fill fast — especially during peak season (November to February). Book your jeep safari today to secure your preferred zone, date and time slot.