GEOGRAPHICAL IMPORTANCE
Rajaji Tiger Reserve – A Wildlife Haven in the Shivalik Foothills
Nestled in the Shivalik foothills, Rajaji Tiger Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot spread across 820 sq. km in Uttarakhand, India. Part of the Shivalik mountain range, which extends 1,500 km in India and 600 km into Nepal, this reserve is renowned for its rich flora, fauna, and diverse landscapes.
Geological Significance & Terrain
The Shivalik Hills, dating back 10-20 million years, are composed of sedimentary rocks like sandstone, clay, and conglomerates, making them rich in fossils. The altitude ranges from 200m at the foothills to 1,000m at the highest peaks, providing diverse habitats for wildlife. The alluvial soil of the region, combined with the Shivaliks acting as a natural barrier to monsoon clouds, ensures fertile lands and lush vegetation.
The bhabar region, at the foothills, is characterized by a low water table and seasonal rocky streams called ‘raus’ and ‘sots’, which nourish the forest. The Ganga River, flowing for 25 km through the reserve, divides it into two halves, with 570 sq. km of forest on the west bank and 250 sq. km on the east bank.
A Unique Riverine Ecosystem
The Rajaji Tiger Reserve is home to one of the largest stretches of forest along the Ganga, extending from Haridwar to Ganga Sagar. The Ganga Majhada (river islands), once prominent, have mostly disappeared following the 2013 cloudburst and flooding. As the Ganga transitions from the Himalayas into the Indo-Gangetic plains, it creates a unique ecotone, fostering an incredible diversity of vegetation and wildlife.
The reserve is distinguished by over 300 seasonal and perennial streams, including the Jamun Sot and Beri Sot, named after native trees. These water bodies are crucial for maintaining soil moisture and supporting biodiversity, particularly during rainy seasons (June to September) when they flow abundantly, contrasting with dry summers.
Why Visit Rajaji Tiger Reserve?
Home to the Bengal Tiger & Rich Wildlife 🐅
One of the Largest Forest Stretches Along the Ganga 🌊
Ancient Fossil-Rich Shivalik Hills 🏞️
Scenic Seasonal Streams & Unique Riverine Ecosystem 🌿
