Rajaji in U’khand reopens for tourists with Covid-19 curbs

HARIDWAR: Wildlife enthusiasts and tourists can now enjoy jungle safari in Chila range of Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR) located in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district and bordering Haridwar.

Chila is one of the most sought-after ranges of the RTR.

Though the main wildlife safari route in Chila will be opened on November 15 at the end of the monsoon season, the other track -- Andher Track -has been reopened for visitors.

However, the 24-km-long

Andher track requires full compliance with Covid-19 protocols.

Anil Panyuli, a ranger in the Chila range, said authorised gypsy service was now available for tourists. He said one-time ride on a gypsy will cost ₹1,750, with a maximum of seven people allowed per vehicle. He added that per person charge of ₹150, along with the vehicle registration fee of ₹100, has also been fixed for visitors.

The safari will be operated in two shifts, from 6.30 am to 9.30 am and 2.30 pm to 4 pm.

Zila panchayat member Aarti Gaud said: “It is a good move to reopen the track for tourists as, apart from Asian elephants, there is variance of wildlife and flora in the safari area. However, visitors should also adhere to Covid guidelines and ensure cleanliness within the park.”

Rajaji is spread across districts of Pauri Garhwal, Haridwar and Dehradun, over an area of 842 sq kms. It is home to elephants, tigers, a variety of birds, deer and so on.

Before Rajaji, Corbett Tiger Reserve was reopened for dayvisit in the monsoon season for the first time in its history, in the last week of June.