Rajaji National Park

Introducing Rajaji National Park

This unspoilt park (Indian/foreigner up to 3 days Rs 40/350, camera free/Rs 50, video 2500/5000; 15 Nov-15 Jun), covering 820 sq km in the forested foothills near Haridwar, is best known for its wild elephants, numbering around 450 to 500 at last count.

As well as elephants the park contains some 38 tigers and 250 leopards although they are not as easily seen as these numbers suggest. They have thousands of chital (spotted deer) and hundred of sambars (India’s largest species of deer) to feed on. A handful of rarely seen sloth bears are hidden away. Over 300 species of birds also add interest.

The village of Chilla, 13km northeast of Haridwar, is the base for visiting the park. Elephant rides (per person Rs 200), which can take up to four passengers, are available on a first-come-first-served basis at sunrise and 3pm, but there are currently only two elephants. Contact the Forest Ranger’s office, close to the Tourist Guesthouse at Chilla, where you can also pick up a brochure, pay entry fees and organise a jeep. Jeeps take up to eight people and cost Rs 700 for the standard safari (plus Rs 100 entry fee for the vehicle).

Before visiting, contact the GMVN tourist office (2244240; Railway Rd, Haridwar; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat) and Mohan’s Adventure Tours (220910; www.mohansadventure.com; Railway Rd, Haridwar; 8am-10.30pm), which offers Rajaji safaris even when the park is officially closed (most of the park is closed from 15 June to 15 November), including a five-hour trip (Rs 1400 per person) that includes a short safari, watching a parade of wild elephants and visiting a tribal village of Gujjar buffalo herders. If you’re lucky, Sanjeev may take you to visit his legally adopted orphaned elephant.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009