Rajaji National Park — Uttarakhand's accessible wildlife sanctuary — 820 sq. km of dense Shivalik forest spread across Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal, where the foothills of the Himalayas meet the vast Indo-Gangetic plains. Designated a Tiger Reserve in 2015, the park is now home to over 500 Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards, king cobras, gharials, and more than 315 recorded bird species — making it one of North India's richest wildlife ecosystems. Enter on a thrilling jeep safari through Chilla, Ranipur, or Mohand zones, stay overnight in eco-friendly forest cottages, or arrive from Haridwar or Rishikesh for a half-day adventure — the park is within 15–20 km of both cities.
Safari slots fill up within days of the season opening on November 15 — especially in the high-demand Chilla and Motichur zones. Whether you're a first-time visitor chasing your first tiger sighting or a seasoned birdwatcher, this is your complete, up-to-date guide to one of India's finest and most underrated national parks.
Rajaji National Park Safari Booking is easy. Follow these steps to ensure your spot in advance.
Choose based on your interest — tiger, leopard, birds, or elephants.
Decide between Jeep Safari (private or shared) or Canter Safari.
Book in advance during peak season (Nov–Feb). Slots fill fast.
Fill the online booking form with visitor and ID details.
Safari timings follow sunrise and sunset patterns and vary slightly by season. For the 2025–26 season:
| 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 |
Ticket prices are set by the Uttarakhand Forest Department for the 2025–26 season:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Indian Adults | ₹150 |
| Indian Children (5–12 yrs) | ₹75 |
| Foreign Nationals | ₹600 |
| Foreign Children | ₹300 |
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Jeep Hire (up to 6 pax) | ₹3,000 |
| Naturalist / Guide Fee | ₹1,000 |
| Shared Jeep Safari | ₹950 / person |
| Video Camera | ₹1,500 |
| Binoculars (Optional) | ₹800 |
Total cost for a group of 6 Indian adults including jeep and guide typically works out to ₹650–₹800 per person.
Rajaji National Park is the ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. The park is rich in biodiversity with exciting jungle safari opportunities. Spot tigers, elephants, leopards, deer — along with over 300 species of birds.
Top safari zones like Chilla, Mohand, and Gohri each offer beautiful views and wildlife encounters. Best time to visit is November to June. Perfect for families, solo travel, or group adventures.
We make jungle safari booking simple and stress-free with affordable options for both Indian and foreign tourists. Our expert guides ensure a great experience with clean, well-maintained jeeps. Book your Rajaji jungle safari with us now.
The Rajaji National Park in Haridwar (Chilla Range) used to offer elephant safaris in past years. However, elephant safaris are currently not available due to court orders. Riding an elephant through forests, grasslands, and rivers is a beautiful feeling — spotting deer, leopards, wild boars, and colourful birds is a wonderful experience. Elephant safaris allow you to experience the beauty of the forest and support conservation efforts. It can be available anytime.
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Experience the thrill of wildlife adventure with a jungle safari in Rishikesh. Located near the famous Rajaji National Park, Rishikesh offers incredible opportunities to explore nature's wilderness.
Spot majestic elephants, leopards, deer, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat. The safari takes you through dense forests and alongside the Ganges River, where you'll witness stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Discover the wild side of Haridwar with an exciting jungle safari at Rajaji National Park! Just a short drive from the holy city, this safari takes you through lush forests teeming with wildlife.
Spot majestic elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, and over 400 bird species. Choose jeep safaris for thrilling rides or walking safaris for closer nature encounters.
Rajaji's distinction as a premier tiger reserve stems from its diverse carnivore species population, including approximately 50 Bengal tigers. The sanctuary's elephant population exceeds 500 individuals, making it one of India's most vital Asian elephant corridors. Beyond these flagship species, the park shelters the Asiatic wild dog (dhole), Himalayan black bear, and the elusive king cobra. Read our full guide on Flora and Fauna in Rajaji.
Rajaji has thick forests with trees like sal, teak, semal, rohini, and acacia — giving food and shelter to many birds and animals. Many local medicinal plants traditionally used for healing are found throughout the forest.
The park's grassland provides food for herbivorous animals and serves as a hunting ground for tigers and leopards. Plants near rivers like reeds and shrubs help prevent soil erosion along the Ganga banks.
Rajaji is home to over 500 elephants, 12 tigers, 250 leopards, and 400+ bird species. Other animals include spotted deer, sambhar, wild boar, barking deer, swamp deer, and goral.
You'll also find monitor lizards, Himalayan black bears, langurs, macaques, and reptiles like king cobras and Indian pythons. The forest is full of life at every turn.
Chilla Range is the celebrity — everyone wants it for tiger sightings. Ranipur is where photographers thrive. If you're chasing the big cats, go Chilla. If you want to feel the forest breathe, choose Motichur.
Most popular zone for tiger and elephant sightings. High-demand — book early.
Explore Chilla Safari →
Ideal for bird watching and wildlife photography. Paradise for birding enthusiasts.
Explore Mohand Safari →
Rocky terrain with highest leopard sighting probability. Photographer's delight.
Explore Ranipur Safari →
Buffer zone with rich biodiversity. Quiet, less crowded, diverse wildlife sightings.
Explore Jhilmil Safari →
Beautiful forest landscapes and elephant corridor. Great for families.
Explore Motichur Safari →
Open year-round safari zone. Great option when other zones are closed.
Explore Gohri Safari →
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 km away. Flights from Delhi take 55 minutes.
Take Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, or Mussourie Express from Delhi to Haridwar Railway Station. Visit irctc.co.in for schedules.
230 km from Delhi via NH334. Buses and taxis easily available to park gates.
About 8 km from Haridwar city. Easily accessible by car or auto-rickshaw.
Veeru Negi is not just a jungle safari guide — he's a living legend in Rajaji National Park with 15+ years of experience. He knows wildlife well and keeps you safe during every safari.
| Feature | Veeru Negi's Advantage |
|---|---|
| Local Roots | Deep community connections, authentic experiences |
| Wildlife Knowledge | Expert in animal behaviour and park ecology |
| Guest Satisfaction | 5-star ratings, repeat guests, glowing testimonials |
| Conservation Focus | Promotes responsible tourism and park protection |
Everyone talks about tigers and elephants — but these insider tips will change how you plan your visit.
Read Full →February marks one of the most rewarding months for wildlife enthusiasts planning a safari here.
Read Full →Latest tiger activity in Chilla Range with tips on best locations and times for sightings.
Read Full →Detailed comparison of wildlife sighting probabilities by range to help you choose the right zone.
Read Guide →What to wear, what equipment is permitted — the ultimate 2026 safari packing list.
View Checklist →Coming from Rishikesh or Haridwar? Taxi rates, bus timings, and easiest routes to the gates.
Get Directions →Rajaji National Park is one of India's most accessible tiger reserves — under 30 km from Haridwar and under 60 km from Rishikesh — yet far less crowded than Jim Corbett or Ranthambore. The 2026 season is open, safari zones are active, and early bookings are filling up fast.
Book morning slots in Chilla zone at least a week in advance, carry a printed permit to the gate, and arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning wildlife enthusiast, Rajaji rewards those who plan ahead.
