The road next passes through a dense, almost impenetrable grove of short Kathsagwan (Haplophragma adenophyllum) before emerging onto the dry, lower, wider Meethawali Sot stream. Visitors cannot take a left at the junction at the end of the Haplophragma patch; one must take a right. The road parallels Khara Rao and passes the forest chowki of that name, built on a low escarpment. This area is on the border of the Park (the rao is the boundary between Rajaji Np and Haridwar Forest Division to the south). Until the 1980s, a village existed here. When the park was formed the village was moved outside the park limits. The centuries-old village well is still seen 150 m. south of and below the forest chowki, within the rao.

A little ahead of the chowki, the rao meanders and forms small stagnant pools that often trap small fish and frogs, which attract small flocks of Black Stork. These birds are shy and one will need to approach them slowly and keep one’s distance. But once comfortable with the birder’s presence, one can park and watch them at length. From here, the path crosses several dry raos and enters another hilly patch, this one having the characteristic Shivalik combination of clayey soil, Sal (Shorea robusta) forest and steep, unstable, grassy or pebbly slopes. The road here is narrow and after a rain, can be slippery. The forest here is almost exclusively Sal, interspersed with Sain (Terminalia tomentosa).

Rajaji NP has a wide diversity of woodpeckers. This zone of primary Sal forest is better than any other for them. Among the larger species are the rare Great Slaty Woodpecker (the largest in the Indian Subcontinent), Greater Flameback, Black-rumped Flameback, Himalayan Flameback, Fulvous-breasted Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker and Grey-headed Woodpecker.

Smaller woodpeckers here include Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker and the diminutive Speckled Piculet. The Road next follows the wide Ghasiram Sot and continues to skirt the southern boundary of the Park. With the wide streambed to the left and Sal forest to the right, this forms an interesting contrast. Ghasiram Sot is another good place to spot Black Storks, as well as River Lapwings. Common Kestrels may sometimes be seen hovering over the grasslands here. Further down the road, the sot widens and forms a large flat area bordered to right by a low clay embankment eroded by water. The many holes in this embankment are used by nesting Blue-tailed Bee-eaters in the summer.

The road enters Sal forest again – back into the ‘woodpecker zone’. A bit further on, the forest changes incongruously to Teak forest (not native to this region). A road branches at left to the Ghasiram Watchtower. This Teak (Tectona grandis) forest was planted in the 1800s when the area was used for commercial logging. The waterhole at left of and below the moated watchtower was originally built to attract animals for the benefit of British-era shikaris waiting atop the tower.

Time spent on the tower is fruitful since it is almost at the same level as the canopy. Near close-up views of flocks of Scarlet Minivet and Long-tailed Minivet are possible. Several kingfisher species may be sitting patiently on branches overhanging the waterhole. One may also scan the tops of the trees on the opposite (south) side of the rao for Black Stork, if one has yet to see them. This tower is an excellent place for keen bird photographers to spend time.

Returning to the main circuit road and continuing back the gate, one may exit and stop by for that much-needed cup of chai. The tea shop also can whip up a limited if welcome breakfast on a cold and crisp winter morning.