Rajaji Tiger Reserve is just 15 km from Haridwar and 20 km from Rishikesh. 500 plus elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards and 315 bird species. Complete 2026 safari guide with booking steps, ticket prices, zone comparison and best time to visit.
Most travelers who come to Haridwar and Rishikesh do not know that one of India's richest wildlife sanctuaries is just 15 km away. Rajaji National Park is a 820 square kilometer forest spread across Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal districts. Declared India's 48th Tiger Reserve in 2015, it is home to over 500 Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards, king cobras, gharials and more than 315 bird species. This guide tells you everything you need to plan your 2026 safari.
About Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Rajaji National Park was established on 12 August 1983 and named after C. Rajagopalachari, a famous freedom fighter and the first Governor General of India. He visited the area and was so impressed by its biodiversity that he suggested it become a wildlife sanctuary. The park spans three districts — Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal — in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas. In 2015 it was officially declared a Tiger Reserve.
Wildlife You Can See
Mammals: Bengal tiger, Asian elephant 500 plus, leopard, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, spotted deer or chital, sambar deer, barking deer, goral or mountain goat, wild boar, jackal, hyena and more than 25 species total.
Reptiles: King cobra, python, gharial crocodile in the Ganga range.
Birds: 315 plus species including 87 migratory species from Central Asia arriving November to March. Great hornbill, pied kingfisher, woodpeckers, barbets and rare Barasingha or swamp deer in Chilla zone.
Rajaji Safari Zones — Which One To Choose
Chilla Zone: Most popular and developed safari track. 36 km safari circuit through unique landscape. Passes through Mundal, Mithawali and Khara areas. Best for elephant and tiger sightings. Located 10 km from Haridwar on the Haridwar-Rishikesh highway. Slots fill in 24 to 48 hours during peak season November to February.
Motichur Zone: Adjacent to National Highway 58, 9 km from Haridwar. Dense Sal forest with 25 km safari route. Good for leopard sightings. 15 morning and 15 evening slots daily.
Ranipur Zone: Less crowded than Chilla. Good for a quiet, immersive wildlife experience.
Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Zone: Unique 155 hectare marshy grassland. Last surviving primordial Terai marshland in Uttarakhand. Open until 30 June 2026. Excellent for crocodiles, migratory birds and rare species. Best for serious wildlife and nature lovers.
Safari Ticket Price 2026
Entry fee: Rs 150 per person for Indians, Rs 600 per person for foreigners. Children 5 to 12 years get 50 percent off.
Jeep safari: Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,500 per Gypsy vehicle for Indians. Rs 4,500 to Rs 5,000 for foreigners. One Gypsy seats 6 adults and 2 children.
Guide fees: Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 per safari.
DSLR camera fee: Rs 200 for Indians, Rs 500 for foreigners.
Vehicle entry fee: Rs 250 per vehicle for Indians, Rs 500 for foreigners.
Total approximate cost for 4 to 6 Indian visitors: Rs 3,200 to Rs 4,500 all inclusive per jeep.
Note: 2026 update — Forest department has tightened slot limits per zone. Daily vehicle quotas are capped. Book at least 2 to 3 days in advance for the best zones.
Safari Timing 2026
Morning safari: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Best time for wildlife sightings. Animals are most active in the first two hours after sunrise.
Evening safari: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Also good for sightings as animals come out to water sources before sunset.
Private vehicles are not allowed inside the reserve. You must hire a licensed Gypsy from the park gate.
Safari Season
Chilla, Motichur and Ranipur zones: Open 15 November to 15 June. Closed 16 June to 14 November.
Jhilmil Jheel zone: Open until 30 June 2026.
Buffer areas remain open throughout the year.
How To Book Rajaji Safari
Online booking: Visit the official Uttarakhand Forest Department portal. Recommended especially November to February when Chilla zone slots fill within 24 to 48 hours.
Offline booking: Visit Chilla Gate or Motichur Gate on the day of safari. Availability is not guaranteed, especially in peak season.
Advance booking: Chilla zone requires Rs 500 advance per Gypsy. Jhilmil and Ranipur zones require Rs 1,000 advance. Advance is non-refundable if you do not arrive on your selected date.
Best Time To Visit Rajaji
November to February: Best overall. Cool weather 5 to 22 degrees. Peak wildlife activity. Migratory birds arrive from Central Asia. Tiger and elephant sightings most reliable. Book 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
March to May: Warm weather 18 to 32 degrees. Newborn animals visible. Active predators near waterholes. Forest in full bloom.
May to June: Hot afternoons but animals concentrate near waterholes dramatically increasing tiger sightings. Very low crowds. Excellent for photographers.
July to October: Park mostly closed due to monsoon.
How To Reach Rajaji National Park
- From Haridwar: Chilla Gate is just 10 km away. Auto, taxi or private vehicle in 20 minutes.
- From Rishikesh: Motichur Gate is 20 km away. Takes 30 to 40 minutes.
- From Delhi: 220 km drive. Takes 5 to 6 hours via NH 58 through Haridwar.
Nearest railway station: Haridwar Junction — well connected to Delhi, Mumbai and all major cities.
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — 30 km from Haridwar.
Safari Rules — Important
Do not get down from the vehicle at any time. Do not honk or make loud noise. Do not throw garbage inside the park. Do not carry pets. Photography inside the park is allowed from the vehicle. No flash photography near animals. Follow all instructions from your guide. Entry to the National Park is strictly prohibited after sunset.
What To Carry For Safari
Lightweight neutral coloured clothing — avoid bright colours that disturb animals. Binoculars for better wildlife viewing. Camera with telephoto lens. Sunscreen and sunglasses. Water bottle and light snacks. Cash for entry fees and guide.
Hitto Tours Rajaji Safari Package
We arrange complete Rajaji Safari day trips from Rishikesh or Haridwar including pick up, drop, entry permits, licensed guide and Gypsy booking. Perfect add-on to your Char Dham Yatra, Rishikesh adventure package or hill station tour.
WhatsApp Kamlesh ji: 70179 23334
Ask about our 2 night 3 day Rajaji wildlife package starting from ₹7,499 per person.
Plan Your Uttarakhand Trip With Us 🙏
Local experts since 2019. 340+ happy pilgrims. 4.9 stars on Google.
Zero hidden charges. WhatsApp us and get a personalised quote in 2 hours.