subject: Rajaji National Park Wild Beauty Of The Himalayan Woodlands [print this page] The cool subtropical climate of Himalayan foothills in India harbours a distinctive ecosystem that allows many diverse plant and animal species to flourish. Most of these unique beings are found nowhere else in the world, and therefore the region is home to several national parks set up to preserve this matchless habitat and its denizens. The Rajaji National Park of Uttarakahand is one of the most prominent of these; spread over an area of more than 800 square kilometres, the park has become a destination of wildlife enthusiasts who crave for a glimpse of the wild midlands of the Himalayas.
Named after the renowned Indian freedom fighter C. Rajagopalachari who was affectionately known as Rajaji among his peers, the Rajaji National Park was formed in 1983 by the merging of three wildlife sanctuaries in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas. The forest of the park has many local characteristics that change according to the region; generally a heavy riverine forest, you will find it slowly giving way to lush grassland and ending up becoming a subtropical forest of pines near the foothills. This variety in plant life has inevitably made way for a thriving assortment of many animal and bird species large and small, some of which are endemic to the Himalayan region.
Any animal lover will be thrilled to find out that the Rajaji National Park is home to Indias iconic beast, the regal Bengal tiger. The king of the Indian jungle can be found stalking the shadowy woodlands looking for Deer and Sambhar which form its favourite prey. Rajaji National Park is also home to the elusive goat-like Goral, the comical Sloth Bear, the majestic King Cobra and the rare and endangered Yellow Throated Marten that is hunted for its prized fur. A 34 kilometre long safari trail that cuts thought the parks changing landscapes where you can enjoy its scenic beauty and wildlife as you hit the trail on a jeep or on the back of an elephant; which is always the more entertaining option. The elephant ride also offers you more opportunities for thrilling close encounters with the parks residents. Packaged tours of the park are also readily available for you to choose from.
Rajaji National Park has several points of entry close to the towns of Kotdwar, Dehradun, and Haridwar; the city well known for its famous Chandi Devi Temple. As the park is in a tranquil and sacred region of India spa resort that offer relaxation and rejuvenation can be found close to these hill towns. Any luxury spa India has got waiting for the weary traveller such as the serene and elegant Ananda Spa Himalayas is always a welcome find, as you will be pampered and refreshed in body and spirit in a uniquely Indian way. As you head back leaving the Himalayan foothills and the Rajaji National Park behind, take the spirit of the place with you; the breath of the wilds, the emerald serenity and the healing touch to warm your soul with blissful memories of this timeless land.
by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
Rajaji National Park is truly a gem of the Himalayan woodlands! If you love exploring nature and luxury in the wild, check out Wildlife Luxuries for exclusive wilderness experiences that bring you closer to nature in style.
Rajaji National Park is truly a gem of the Himalayan woodlands! If you love exploring nature and luxury in the wild, check out Wildlife Luxuries for exclusive wilderness experiences that bring you closer to nature in style.
