New Delhi: India is home to several tiger reserves which have been formed to protect the animal that was once facing extinction due to rampant hunting by the kings and other royal people. With the incessant protection of tigers in India after the country gained Independence, their population has steadily increased in the protected areas. Among the famous tiger reserves in the country, the Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand stands out for its immaculate beauty and conservation efforts. Why are we talking about it? Because over the years, it has become a favourite spot for wildlife safari for a niche base of tourists.
When was it established?
First, the Rajaji National Park was established in 1983 by joining the three wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand, Rajaji, Chilla and Motichur. It was named after C. Rajagopalachari, the independence activist who was also the last Governor-General of India and was popularly known as ‘Rajaji’. The national park covers a total area of 820.42 sq km. In 2015, 255.63 sq km of adjacent reserve forest became a part of the Rajaji National Park as a buffer zone and the whole area of 1075 sq km was declared as Rajaji Tiger Reserve as per the Wild Life Protection Act of 1972. The reserve, apart from protecting tigers, also plays a crucial role in providing fresh air to Uttarakhand’s three major cities, its capital Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh.
What makes Rajaji Tiger Reserve popular?
Boasting a rich biodiversity, the Rajaji Tiger Reserve is located along the hills and foothills of the Shivalik range. The forest in the area ranges from semi-evergreen to deciduous and falls under the Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest type. Plenty of Sal trees are found in the tiger reserve and its position in a transition zone between temperate western Himalayas and central Himalayas increases its diversity in flora and fauna.
One will find a large population of tiger and Asian elephants in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve along with the likes of leopard, Himalayan black bear, sloth bear, sambar, striped hyena, wild pig, Goral, and spotted deer. Birds like vultures, hornbills and woodpeckers are also found in plenty in the tiger reserve and it is a favourite place of several migratory birds like the Larger Cormorant, Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard Duck, Red Created Pochard etc.
The reserve is also home to some primates like the Langurs and the Rhesus Macaque and reptiles like king cobra, common krait, pythons, and monitor lizard along with around 315 bird species that give a big visual treat to visitors. Tourists can explore the place through a wildlife safari and the tiger reserve is accessible from Delhi, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Meerut, Haridwar, Roorkee, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Nainital, and Bijnore. The nearest airport is the Dehradun Airport.
The Rajaji National Park was established in 1983 by joining the three wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand, Rajaji, Chilla and Motichur. It was named after C. Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
