Rajaji National Park is an Indian national park and tiger reserve[1] that encompasses the Shivaliks, near the foothills of the Himalayas. The park is spread over 820 km2.,[2] and three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. In 1983, three wildlife sanctuaries in the area namely, Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji sanctuaries were merged into one.
Rajaji National Park has been named after C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji), a prominent leader of the Freedom Struggle, the second and last Governor-General of independent India and one of the first recipients of India's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (in 1954).
For an out and out urbanite like me, whose closest contact with wild animals is in a zoo, the safari began with all the excitement. Not that I've not been for a forest safari before, but this was the first time I have been in a forest safari in an open jeep, the driver totally unarmed, and with family. The stomach churning at every blind turning was exhilarating and exuberating. There was always a lurking fear, what happens if a leopard or tiger leaps on you or your near and dear. What happens if the vehicle breaks down? What happens if the driver loses his path? Well, no such thing happened, and here I am writing a blog and sharing some of the pics with you. The fear of the unknown lasted for a few kilometres, but for most of the 40 kilometre ride, it was exciting, oblatering the ego of self belief and at the end of it all, I wish it was for a longer distance. Next time I will be posting pictures of Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve was amazing, the grasslands, the forests, dried up ganges on either sides, the dusty path, the fallen trees, the breathtaking landspace, and the spectacular sunset my camera captured
We did see a lot of elephants, deers, and peacocks. Tigers and Leopards had found the safe interiors of the forest after coming to know I would be visiting their abode. The safari was not without its scare, a solitary elephant, luckily it was headed towards the forest, and not towards us.
Here are some pics
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