Rajaji National Park, National park in Uttarakhand, India
Rajaji is a national park in Uttarakhand at the base of the Shivalik range, where deciduous forests and grasslands grow along the Ganges. The area stretches across hilly terrain with rocky streams and open meadows lying between dense woodland.
Three wildlife areas merged in 1983 to protect elephant corridors between the Himalayas and the plains. The new park secured a pathway through the region, where animals can move freely between different habitats.
The park takes its name from C. Rajagopalachari, a statesman known for his work following independence. Local communities near the boundaries have shared space with wildlife for generations, following traditional ways of life that blend farming and forest use.
The reserve opens from mid-November to mid-June, when weather allows jeep safaris. Trails are limited to a few routes, so it helps to start early or choose the later afternoon tours to see animals active.
Herds of Asian elephants move through the forests using old routes that once crossed the entire valley. Lucky visitors may spot tigers appearing near waterholes at dawn or in the evening.
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