Rajaji Tiger Reserve

Introduction

Rajaji Tiger Reserve, located in the Shivalik foothills of Uttarakhand, is one of northern India’s most important protected landscapes. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2015, it encompasses the former Rajaji National Park and serves as a crucial link between the Himalayan foothills and the Terai Arc Landscape. The reserve is renowned for its healthy populations of Bengal Tigers and Asian Elephants, rich birdlife, and the scenic valleys carved by the Ganga and Song rivers.

Quick Facts

Particular	Details
State	Uttarakhand
Districts	Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal
Tiger Reserve Notification	2015
Total Area	1,075.17 sq km
Core Area	819.54 sq km
Buffer Area	255.63 sq km
Landscape	Shivalik Hills and Terai Arc Landscape
Forest Types	Sal Forests, Riverine Forests, Mixed Deciduous Forests and Grasslands
Major Rivers	Ganga, Song, Suswa and Rawasan
Best Time to Visit	November to June

Location

The reserve extends across Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal districts in Uttarakhand. It occupies the Shivalik foothills and forms a key ecological corridor between Corbett Tiger Reserve and the forests of the Terai Arc Landscape.

History

Rajaji National Park was created in 1983 by merging Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla Wildlife Sanctuaries. In 2015, it was notified as Rajaji Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger, strengthening protection for its expanding tiger population.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

The reserve covers 1,075.17 sq km, comprising a core area of 819.54 sq km and a buffer area of 255.63 sq km. It includes sal forests, riverine vegetation, grasslands, seasonal streams, rocky hills and wide river valleys that support exceptional biodiversity.

Flora

The forests are dominated by sal, shisham, khair, haldu, rohini, bamboo, ficus species, grasses, shrubs and a variety of medicinal plants.

Fauna

Rajaji supports Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Goral, Sambar, Chital, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Yellow-throated Marten and more than 315 bird species. Reptiles include King Cobra, Indian Rock Python, Monitor Lizard and Mugger Crocodile in suitable habitats.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The Ganga, Song, Suswa and Rawasan rivers, together with numerous seasonal streams, provide perennial water and create rich riverine ecosystems.

Other Attractions

Chilla Range, Motichur Range, Ganga riverfronts, birdwatching, jeep safaris, elephant habitats and nature interpretation centres attract visitors throughout the tourism season.

Weather & Climate

Summers are warm, the southwest monsoon brings substantial rainfall and winters are cool and pleasant, making wildlife viewing comfortable.

How to Reach

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Nearest railway stations: Haridwar, Dehradun and Rishikesh. The reserve is well connected by road from Dehradun, Haridwar and Delhi.

Best Time to Visit

November to June is the preferred tourism season, with spring and early summer offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.

Accommodation

Forest Department forest rest houses and Uttarakhand Tourism accommodation are available at authorised tourism zones, subject to advance booking.

Conservation Highlights

Rajaji plays a pivotal role in maintaining tiger and elephant connectivity across the northwestern Terai Arc Landscape. Habitat restoration, corridor protection, anti-poaching operations and scientific monitoring remain conservation priorities.

Visitor Tips

Book safaris in advance, wear earth-toned clothing, maintain silence, avoid littering and follow all Forest Department regulations.

Did You Know?

• Rajaji Tiger Reserve is named after freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji).
• It protects one of north India’s largest elephant populations.
• The reserve is an important wildlife corridor linking the Shivalik Hills with the Terai Arc Landscape.

Last Updated

July 2026