đż Into the Wild: Dhaulkhand & Mohand Range Drive â Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Driving from Mohand Entry Gate to Dhaulkhand Range inside the majestic Rajaji Tiger Reserve is not just a safariâitâs a journey through one of North Indiaâs richest biodiversity corridors.
đ The Drive: Mohand to Dhaulkhand
As you enter through the Mohand gate, the road winds through the lower Shivalik hills, offering a raw, untouched wilderness experience. The safari track stretches roughly 20â35 km, crossing dry riverbeds, dense forest patches, and open clearingsâeach turn bringing a new surprise.
The drive passes through the scenic Chillawali (Mohand) range, eventually reaching Dhaulkhand Forest Rest House, a peaceful zone deep inside the jungle known for frequent wildlife movement.
đł Flora of Mohand & Dhaulkhand
The forest here is a beautiful mix of dry deciduous and riverine ecosystems, dominated by towering trees and diverse vegetation.
Sal (Shorea robusta) forests forming dense green canopies
Shisham, Khair, Arjun & Semal trees along riverbeds
Seasonal blooms of Amaltas & Palash adding vibrant colors
Bamboo clusters and grasslands supporting herbivores
This rich vegetation structure creates multiple habitatsâfrom shaded forests to open grazing areasâsupporting a thriving ecosystem.
đ Fauna: Life in the Wild
The MohandâDhaulkhand belt is one of the most exciting wildlife zones in Rajaji, known especially for predator sightings and elephant movement.
đž Mammals you may encounter:
Asian Elephants moving in herds
Leopards â the star attraction of Mohand range
Spotted Deer (Chital), Sambar & Barking Deer
Wild Boar, Nilgai & Goral
Langurs and Rhesus Macaques
Rare sightings may include Himalayan black bear and even elusive predators roaming silently through the forest.
đŚ Birdlife Paradise
Mohand range is a birdwatcherâs dream, with hundreds of species recorded:
Crested Serpent Eagle & Mountain Hawk Eagle
Great Hornbill & Kalij Pheasant
Kingfishers, Bulbuls & Himalayan species
Migratory birds visiting in winter
The changing elevation and forest types make this zone a hotspot for both resident and migratory birds.
đ Experience the Wilderness
The drive from Mohand to Dhaulkhand is more than just spotting animalsâ
itâs about:
⨠Listening to forest silence broken by bird calls
⨠Watching sunlight filter through tall Sal trees
⨠Feeling the thrill of unknown wildlife around every bend
⨠Experiencing nature in its purest, untamed form
đż Final Thought
If you truly want to feel the soul of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, skip the crowded zones and take this route. The MohandâDhaulkhand drive offers a perfect blend of adventure, biodiversity, and serenityâa hidden gem for wildlife lovers, photographers, and nature seekers.
