Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park spreads across the Shivalik foothills between Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. It is known for elephants, leopards and a rich bird list, and it is the closest jungle safari to Haridwar. You can drive in by jeep from several gates, with Chilla being the most popular. This guide gives the safari season, timings, fees and tips you need before you book.

Rajaji National Park at a glance

Detail	Information
Location	Shivalik foothills near Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun
Day safari season	15 November to 15 June (closed in monsoon, 16 June to 14 November)
Popular zones	Chilla, Motichur, Haridwar, Ramgarh, Chillawali
Chilla Gate	About 5 to 10 km from Haridwar
Nearest airport	Jolly Grant, around 40 km from Chilla
Best months	December to March for weather, April to June for elephant sightings near water

Safari timings

Season	Morning entry	Evening entry
15 Nov to 15 Feb	6:30 to 8:00 AM	1:30 to 3:00 PM
16 Feb to 15 Apr	6:00 to 7:30 AM	2:00 to 3:30 PM
16 Apr to 15 Jun	5:30 to 7:00 AM	3:00 to 4:30 PM

Reach the gate about 20 minutes before the last entry time. Late arrivals are usually not allowed and may not be refunded.

Fees

Fees change by season and are set by the forest department. Published figures for Indian visitors include an entry fee of about Rs 150 per person and a vehicle charge of about Rs 250, plus a small online booking fee. Foreign visitors pay more. Always confirm the current rates on the official Rajaji Tiger Reserve website or at the gate.

What you can see

Rajaji is home to Asian elephants, leopards, sambar, chital, barking deer, sloth bear and wild boar. Tigers are present but are seen less often than in Jim Corbett. There are more than 300 bird species, along with reptiles such as monitor lizards and king cobra. Elephant sightings are strong between April and June when animals come to the river for water.

How to book

Safaris are booked zone-wise. You can book online through the official forest department website or at the gates. Carry a valid photo ID for every passenger. Jeeps and drivers are allotted by the gate, so you do not need to bring your own vehicle for the safari. Book early on weekends and holidays.

How to reach

Chilla Gate is a short drive from Haridwar. Motichur and the Haridwar range are even closer. The park also has gates near Rishikesh and Dehradun. Our Haridwar taxi service can take you to the gate and wait while you complete the safari.

Tips

Wear muted colours such as green, brown and khaki.
Carry a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket for cold mornings.
Keep silent in the jungle, and do not litter or feed animals.
Binoculars and a zoom lens make a big difference.
Do not expect a tiger. Enjoy the elephants, birds and landscape.
Confirm gate timings the day before.

Nearby places

Bhimgoda Tank, Mansa Devi and Har Ki Pauri are close by. For a longer wildlife trip, take a look at our Uttarakhand tour packages.

Plan your trip with Gokeys India

We can combine a Rajaji safari with Haridwar sightseeing or a Haridwar and Rishikesh tour. Tell us your dates and we will check the safari season and gate timings for you.

Related on Gokeys India

Tour packages: Haridwar, Rishikesh and Neelkanth 2-day tour · Haridwar sightseeing tour
Read next: Haridwar travel guide: best places to visit · Rishikesh adventure activities
Nearby places: Bhimgoda Tank · Sapt Rishi Ashram · Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Frequently asked questions

When is Rajaji National Park open? For day safaris, from 15 November to 15 June. It is closed during the monsoon.

Which gate is best for a safari near Haridwar? Chilla is the most popular, though Motichur and Haridwar range are also used.

Can I see tigers? Tigers are present but sightings are rare. Elephants and leopards are more likely.

How do I book a safari? Online through the official site, or at the gate.

Do I need an ID? Yes, bring a valid photo ID for every passenger.

About Rajaji National Park