Enter the wild heart of Rajaji through Chilla Gate Safari Zone — the largest and most rewarding safari zone, just 8 km from Haridwar.
The zone gets its name from the Chilla village and the historic Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, which was a separate protected area before Rajaji National Park was notified in 1983. When Rajaji was upgraded to a Tiger Reserve in 2015, Chilla became its most prominent range — and Chilla Zone Safari Rajaji National Park remains the most sought-after experience for visitors today.
Unlike other zones such as Motichur or Jhilmil, Chilla offers a unique combination of open grasslands, riverine habitat along the Ganges, dense Sal forest, and rocky hills — making it the richest zone for diverse wildlife sightings in a single safari.
The Chilla Gate (entry point) is situated just 8 km from Haridwar Railway Station, making Chilla Zone Safari Rajaji National Park the most accessible major safari destination in Uttarakhand for visitors from Delhi, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and beyond.
Chilla Zone Map Rajaji National Park
| Zone Name | Chilla Zone / Chilla Range |
| Also Known As | Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary (historical) |
| District | Haridwar, Uttarakhand |
| Area | ~300 sq km |
| Gate | Chilla Gate (8 km from Haridwar) |
| Forest Type | Sal, Mixed Deciduous, Riverine |
| River | Ganges (Ganga) |
| Part of | Rajaji Tiger Reserve (since 2015) |
Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla sanctuaries merged to form Rajaji National Park — at 820 sq km one of the largest parks in Uttarakhand.
Rajaji was designated Rajaji Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger, strengthening protection and anti-poaching measures across all zones including Chilla.
Today "Chilla Zone" and "Chilla Range" refer to the same administrative forest division — the dominant tourism zone with the most active safari operations.
Chilla Zone has one of the densest populations of Asian Elephants in India and supports a growing Bengal Tiger population. Here is what you may encounter on a Chilla Safari Rajaji National Park trip.
Chilla Zone is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 300 recorded species — making it one of the finest birding destinations in the Himalayan foothills.
| Season | Morning Shift | Evening Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Nov – Feb (Winter) | 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM | 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Mar – June (Summer) | 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
| July – Oct (Monsoon) | Park Closed | |
| Fee Type | Indian | Foreign |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Fee (per person) | ₹150 | ₹600 |
| Jeep Hire (per jeep) | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 approx | |
| Guide Charges | ₹300 – ₹500 approx | |
| Camera (still) | ₹200 | ₹500 |
| Video Camera | ₹500 | ₹1,000 |
| Children (below 5) | Free | |
The standard safari in Chilla Zone is by Gypsys or open canters on designated forest tracks. Covers a wider area in one slot — ideal for spotting elephants, deer, and birds. Permits up to 6 passengers per vehicle.
An unforgettable way to explore dense forest patches inaccessible by jeep. Riding atop a trained elephant offers silent, immersive access to the jungle floor — exceptional for bird watching and close-up nature experiences.
Dry summer. Animals near waterholes. Highest chance of tiger, elephant, and leopard sightings. Hot (35–40°C) but peak wildlife activity.
Cool and pleasant (8–22°C). Excellent birdwatching with migratory species. Good elephant and deer sightings. Great for families.
Park open only early June. Very hot but wildlife concentrated near the Ganges. Last chance before closure. Fewer tourists.
Monsoon season. Chilla Zone is completely closed during this period for forest regeneration and animal safety.
Chilla Gate is one of the most accessible wildlife sanctuaries in North India. Just 8 km from Haridwar city, it is well connected by road, rail, and air.
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun) — 35 km from Chilla Gate. Taxis available from airport (approx 45 min drive). Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata.
Haridwar is a major railway junction. Chilla Gate is just 8 km from Haridwar Railway Station. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available (₹150–₹250 approx).
Regular bus services from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate), Dehradun, Rishikesh, and other cities to Haridwar. From Haridwar, take a local auto or cab to Chilla Gate.
From Haridwar: take the Haridwar–Bijnor road (NH334) and follow signs for Chilla. The gate is 8 km east of Haridwar on the Ganga canal road. Parking available at the gate.
| City / Location | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Haridwar | 8 km | ~15 min |
| Rishikesh | 23 km | ~40 min |
| Dehradun | 60 km | ~1.5 hrs |
| Jolly Grant Airport | 35 km | ~45 min |
| Delhi | 250 km | ~5 hrs (NH58/NH334) |
| Kotdwar | 90 km | ~2.5 hrs |
| Mussoorie | 78 km | ~2 hrs |
A glimpse of what awaits you inside Chilla Zone — from elephant herds at the Ganges to leopards on rocky outcrops.
Chilla Zone sits in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas, where the landscape transitions from the Gangetic plains into the lower Himalayan ranges. This creates extraordinary habitat diversity in a compact area.
The dominant vegetation is Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest — primarily Sal (Shorea robusta) — which covers about 70% of the zone. Along the Ganges and seasonal streams, riverine forest with tall grasses (elephant grass) provides critical shelter for elephants and tigers.
| Habitat | Key Wildlife |
|---|---|
| Sal Forest (dense) | Leopard, Sambar, Barking Deer |
| Open Grassland | Chital, Wild Boar, Jackal |
| Riverine / Ganges edge | Elephant, Tiger, Gharial, Otter |
| Rocky Outcrops | Leopard, Goral, Monitor Lizard |
| Tall Grass (Elephant grass) | Tiger, Elephant, Sloth Bear |
| Forest Canopy | Hornbill, Serpent Eagle, Langur |
Our naturalist guide Veeru Negi — with 15+ years of experience in Chilla Zone — shares insider tips for maximum wildlife sightings.
Limited slots per shift. Advance booking strongly recommended — especially Nov to May.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve has multiple safari zones, each with its own character and wildlife profile.
Adjacent to Chilla, Motichur Zone is known for dense Sal forest and is an excellent zone for bird species and smaller mammals. Less crowded than Chilla.
Explore Motichur →Home to the rare Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Jhilmil is one of India's most important wetland conservation areas. Unique birding and wildlife viewing.
Explore Jhilmil →The Rishikesh safari zone offers a different landscape — hilly terrain, dense forest, and excellent birding. Ideal for visitors based in Dehradun.
Explore Dehradun Zone →