Rajaji National Park is one of Uttarakhand’s most accessible wildlife destinations, spread across approximately 820 sq. km of dense Shivalik forests. Located across the districts of Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal, the park lies at the meeting point of the Himalayan foothills and the Indo-Gangetic plains. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 2015, it is now home to over 500 Asian elephants, along with Bengal tigers, leopards, king cobras, gharials, and more than 315 species of birds—making it one of the richest wildlife ecosystems in North India.
Visitors can explore the park through exciting jeep safaris in the Chilla, Ranipur, and Mohand zones. You can also choose to stay in eco-friendly forest lodges or plan a quick half-day trip from Haridwar or Rishikesh, both located just 15–20 km away.
The safari season begins on November 15, and bookings fill up quickly—especially in the popular Chilla and Motichur zones. Whether you’re hoping to spot your first tiger or are an avid birdwatcher, Rajaji National Park offers a truly memorable wildlife experience.
SAFARI Entry Timings
15 Nov - 31 Jan
Morning: 07:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Evening: 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM
01 Feb - 31 Mar
Morning: 06:30 AM to 09:30 AM
Evening: 02:30 PM to 04:30 PM
04 Apr - 15 Jun
Morning: 06:30 AM to 09:30 AM
Evening: 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM
POPULAR SAFARI ZONES
Chilla Zone
Track Length: 36 Km, Circular
Safari Duration: 3-3:30 hours
Habitat: A 36 km drive in this safari zone is very popular. It takes 3-4 hours to complete the safari. From entry to Mundal Sot track passes through dense sal as well as open Chaur. It is example of mix jungle. Asian Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Spotted deer, Sambhar, Langoor, Barking deer, Jungle cat etc animal found here. Pied, Great Hornbill also main attraction on this range.
Jhilmil Zone
Track Length: 20 Km
Safari Duration: 2:30-3 hours
Habitat: A marshy grassland, the southern part of Chilla, is the conservation reserve for Swamp Deer. It is only area where you can found Swamp deer in Uttarkhand and west Uttar Pradesh. Now very popular for Birds also. November to March is perfect time to view migrated birds. Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, wild board, 4 types of deer also found in this area. Winter have crocodile point is main attraction and some area for Black Bear.
Ranipur Zone
Track Length: 24 Km, Straight
Safari Duration: 2:2:30 hours
Habitat: It is entry for Beribara FRH, the original Rajaji Wild Sanctuary of British time, which takes you the ancient time. It was the VVIP Shikar area that time. The area is flanked by fertile Terai farmland to the south. Ber, Cheer pine, teak, rohini tree and scrub forest with Lantena spread in between makes this place for perfect wild life experience. It is very popular for Leopard sighting.