820 sq. km of tiger country in the Shivalik foothills — just 15 km from Haridwar and 20 km from Rishikesh. Six safari zones. Tigers, elephants, leopards, and 315+ bird species.
Rajaji National Park stretches across 820 sq. km in the Shivalik foothills of Uttarakhand. It spans three districts Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal where the Himalayas meet the Indo-Gangetic plains.
The Government of India declared Rajaji a Tiger Reserve in 2015. Today it shelters over 500 Asian elephants, 50+ Bengal tigers, 250+ leopards, gharials, king cobras, and more than 315 recorded bird species.
Six safari zones Chilla, Motichur, Ranipur, Mohand, Jhilmil, and Gohri give visitors a different experience in each. Most zones open on November 15 and close on June 15. Gohri Range stays open year-round.
Safari slots at Chilla and Motichur zones fill within days of the season opening. Book at least 7 days in advance during peak season (November to February). See our best time to visit guide →
Safari timings follow sunrise and sunset patterns. Below are the 2025–26 season timings for morning and evening slots across all zones.
| Season | Timing |
|---|---|
| November – February | 6:00 AM – 9:30 AM |
| March – June | 5:30 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Season | Timing |
|---|---|
| November – February | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| March – June | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
All fees below are set by the Uttarakhand Forest Department for the 2025–26 season. Prices are subject to revision, confirm at the gate before your visit.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Indian Adults | ₹150 |
| Indian Children (5–12 yrs) | ₹75 |
| Children below 5 years | Free |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹600 |
| Foreign Children | ₹300 |
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Private Jeep (up to 6 pax) | ₹3,000 |
| Mandatory Naturalist / Guide | ₹1,000 |
| Shared Jeep Safari | ₹950 / person |
| Video Camera Permit | ₹1,500 |
| Binoculars (Optional) | ₹800 |
A group of six Indian adults — including private jeep hire and the mandatory naturalist guide — works out to roughly ₹650–₹800 per person in total. The shared jeep option at ₹950 per person is more economical for solo travelers or couples.
Real wildlife captured in Rajaji's safari zones — elephants, tigers, leopards, and birds in their natural habitat.
Rajaji is India's most accessible tiger reserve. It sits under 30 km from Haridwar and under 60 km from Rishikesh. You can do a morning safari and return to your hotel by noon, no overnight stay required.
The park hosts over 50 Bengal tigers and 500+ Asian elephants in one connected forest. Tiger sightings in Chilla zone rank among the most consistent in North India. Unlike Corbett or Ranthambore, Rajaji is far less crowded.
Six distinct safari zones mean you choose your experience. Pick Chilla for tigers, Ranipur for leopards, Mohand for birds, or Jhilmil for the rare Barasingha deer. Each zone offers a different ecosystem and wildlife mix.
The 2025–26 season runs from November 15 to June 15. Forest department has capped daily vehicle quotas per zone. Book early, slots go fast.
Chilla zone is the only safari zone in Rajaji that currently offers elephant safaris. Riding an elephant through the dense Sal forest gives you a quiet, elevated view of the landscape that no jeep can match.
From an elephant's back, you spot spotted deer, leopards, wild boars, and colourful birds at close range. The slow, steady pace lets wildlife settle around you naturally. Animals are far less startled by an elephant than by a jeep engine.
Elephant safaris also support Rajaji's wildlife conservation program. Book this experience during the morning slot for the best results. Availability is limited — call ahead to confirm.
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Rajaji National Park is just 20 km from Rishikesh. A taxi reaches Chilla Gate in 25–30 minutes via the Haridwar–Rishikesh highway. A morning safari fits comfortably into a Rishikesh day trip.
Mohand safari zone lies even closer to Rishikesh — only 12 km away. It is one of North India's best birdwatching destinations, with over 200 bird species recorded in this stretch of forest alone. Wildlife photographers regularly visit Mohand for its rich avian diversity.
From Rishikesh, you can also access Motichur zone in under 30 minutes. Motichur is known for elephant sightings and is a popular family safari choice. Explore Mohand Safari →
Chilla safari zone sits just 8 km from Haridwar city — the closest park entry point to any major town in Uttarakhand. An auto-rickshaw gets you to the gate in about 15 minutes. A taxi costs ₹300–₹400.
Chilla covers the largest core tiger habitat in Rajaji. It consistently records the highest tiger and elephant sighting rates across all six zones. Most returning guests choose Chilla on every visit.
Motichur zone — also close to Haridwar at 9 km — is ideal for families. It sits right on the Haridwar–Rishikesh highway and offers dense Sal forest with frequent elephant sightings. Book Chilla Safari →
Rajaji Tiger Reserve supports one of India's richest Shivalik ecosystems. Around 50 Bengal tigers and 500+ Asian elephants share the forest with hundreds of other species. Read the complete flora and fauna guide for Rajaji →
Rajaji's forests grow Sal, Teak, Semal, Rohini, and Khair trees. These provide food and shelter for a wide range of birds and mammals. Dense stands of bamboo and riverine vegetation line the Ganga and Song rivers.
Grasslands cover large sections of the park, feeding elephant herds and deer. They also serve as hunting ground for tigers and leopards. Many native medicinal plants traditionally used in Ayurveda grow undisturbed through the forest floor.
The park shelters 50+ Bengal tigers, 500+ Asian elephants, and 250+ leopards. On any given safari, you may spot Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Swamp Deer, and Himalayan Goral.
Over 315 bird species have been documented here — including Great Hornbill, Pied Hornbill, Pallas's Fish Eagle, and multiple kingfisher species. Reptiles include king cobras, Indian pythons, monitor lizards, and the critically endangered gharial along the Ganga.
Each zone has a different landscape, wildlife, and character. Here is a quick guide to help you pick the right one for your trip.
Most popular zone for tiger and elephant sightings. Slots fill within days of season opening. Book at least a week in advance.
Explore Chilla Safari →
Best zone for birdwatching — over 200 species recorded. Ideal for wildlife photographers and birding enthusiasts near Rishikesh.
Explore Mohand Safari →
Highest leopard sighting rate in the park. Rocky terrain and mixed forest make it a photographer's favourite. Less crowded than Chilla.
Explore Ranipur Safari →
Unique wetland ecosystem home to Uttarakhand's only surviving herd of Barasingha (Swamp Deer). Opens from October 15 onwards.
Explore Jhilmil Safari →
Dense Sal forest with a major elephant corridor — excellent for families. Located just 9 km from Haridwar on the highway.
Explore Motichur Safari →
The only zone open year-round, including monsoon months. Located near Kotdwar in Pauri Garhwal. Good option after June 15.
Explore Gohri Safari →Booking takes under 10 minutes. Follow these five steps to confirm your safari slot in advance.
Choose based on your goal — tigers (Chilla), leopards (Ranipur), birds (Mohand), or family (Motichur). Not sure? Compare all zones →
Select a private jeep safari (up to 6 passengers) for a personal experience, or a shared jeep if you're traveling solo or as a couple.
Visit our website or call +91 99176 06031 for instant booking. WhatsApp also works for quick confirmation.
Book at least 7 days ahead during peak season (November–February). Chilla and Motichur morning slots go first — don't wait.
Enter names, age, and ID proof for all visitors. Indians need Aadhaar or Voter ID. Foreign tourists need a passport number.
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport — about 35 km from Chilla Gate. Delhi to Dehradun flights take under an hour. A taxi from the airport to the park gate costs around ₹1,200–₹1,500.
Haridwar Railway Station is 8 km from Chilla Gate. Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, and Mussourie Express trains run daily from Delhi. Journey time is 4–5 hours. Check schedules at irctc.co.in.
Rajaji is 230 km from Delhi via NH334 — about a 4.5 to 5-hour drive. Buses and shared taxis run regularly from Delhi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar to park gates.
Chilla Gate is 8 km from Haridwar city. Take an auto-rickshaw (₹80–₹120) or a taxi (₹300–₹400). The gate opens at 6:00 AM for morning safaris — arrive 15 minutes early with your printed permit.
Follow these tips for a safe, rewarding wildlife experience in Rajaji. Your guide will cover these on arrival — but knowing them in advance helps you prepare better.
Veeru Negi has led safaris in Rajaji National Park for over 15 years. He grew up near the park and has explored every trail, riverbank, and forest track in the reserve.
| Feature | What Guests Say |
|---|---|
| Local Expertise | Deep park knowledge — spots wildlife others miss |
| Sighting Rate | Consistent tiger and elephant sightings in Chilla |
| Guest Satisfaction | 5-star ratings, repeat visits, strong word of mouth |
| Conservation Focus | Promotes responsible, low-impact safari tourism |
Most guides cover the basics. These insider tips go deeper — and will change how you plan your visit to Rajaji.
Read Full →February offers dry conditions, excellent visibility, and peak animal activity near water sources. Here's why it tops our list.
Read Full →Latest tiger activity in Chilla Range with the best locations, timing, and current sighting patterns for the 2026 season.
Read Full →A detailed zone-by-zone comparison — wildlife, terrain, crowds, and sighting probability to help you decide.
Read Guide →What to wear, what cameras are allowed, and what you absolutely must not forget before your Rajaji safari.
View Checklist →Taxi rates, bus timings, auto options, and the fastest route from Rishikesh to each Rajaji safari gate.
Get Directions →Rajaji Tiger Reserve is open from November 15 to June 15. It sits under 30 km from Haridwar and under 60 km from Rishikesh. Far less crowded than Jim Corbett or Ranthambore — with equally strong tiger and elephant sightings.
Chilla zone slots fill within days of the season opening. Book your morning safari at least a week in advance. Arrive 15 minutes early at the gate with your printed permit — and let the jungle do the rest.
