Motichur Safari Zone: Elephants, Timings, Price & Booking Guide

Do you want to see wild elephants near Rishikesh? Then the Motichur safari zone is a great choice. Motichur is one of the safari zones of Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand. It is known for thick sal forest and big elephant herds.

In this guide, we will tell you what you can see, the best time to visit, safari timings, price and how to book. The language is simple, so planning your trip is easy.

What Is Motichur Safari Zone?

Motichur is a jungle safari zone close to Rishikesh and Haridwar. The forest here is dense and green, full of tall sal trees. You travel inside the forest in an open jeep with a trained guide and driver.

The zone is mostly famous for elephant herds. It is a good pick if you love elephants more than anything else. It sits just south of the Chilla zone, and Haridwar is the nearest city.

Motichur also has a long history. The park was created in 1983 by joining three wildlife areas: Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. So Motichur is one of the oldest parts of the park. Today, thousands of visitors come here every season to enjoy a quiet jungle ride away from the city noise.

What Can You See in Motichur Zone?

• Elephants: Herds of elephants are the main attraction here.
• Wild boar: You can often spot them near the forest paths.
• Birds: The forest is full of bird sounds, so bring your camera.
• Sal forest: Even if animals hide, the thick green forest itself is beautiful.

Please remember, this is a real jungle. Animals are wild, so no safari can promise a sighting. That is also what makes it exciting.

Best Time to Visit Motichur Zone

The Motichur zone is open from November to June. Winter mornings are cool and fresh. Summer months are hot, but elephant herds pass through more often between March and June, when water sources shrink. Opening dates can change each year, so please check with us before you plan. It usually opens around 15 November.

Winter vs Summer: What to Expect

Winter (November to February): The mornings are cold and foggy, so wear a jacket and a cap. The forest is green after the monsoon, and the air is fresh. It is a very comfortable season for families and photographers.

Summer (March to June): It gets hot, but this is when elephant herds often pass through, because water sources become smaller. Book the morning slot to avoid the afternoon heat, and carry enough water.

Monsoon (July to September): The park is mostly closed or only partly open in the rainy season, so safaris are not planned in these months.

Motichur Safari Timings

• Morning safari entry: 6:30 AM (15 Nov to 15 Feb), 6:00 AM (16 Feb to 15 Apr), 5:30 AM (16 Apr to 14 Jun)
• Evening safari entry: 1:30 PM (15 Nov to 15 Feb), 2:00 PM (16 Feb to 15 Apr), 3:00 PM (16 Apr to 14 Jun)

Try to reach the gate 30 minutes early. A safari takes about 2 to 3 hours. Carry a valid photo ID for every guest, like Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID. Foreign guests should carry their passport.

How a Motichur Safari Day Looks

1. Pick-up or arrival: You reach the gate about 30 minutes before your slot. Our team helps with the entry process.
2. ID check: Forest staff check the ID of every guest at the gate, so keep your documents ready.
3. Into the jungle: You sit in an open jeep with a trained guide and a driver. The jeep moves slowly on the forest track.
4. Spotting time: The guide looks for fresh footprints, dung and alarm calls of deer and birds. These signs often lead to elephants.
5. Photo stops: The driver stops at safe places, so you can take photos without any rush.
6. Return: After about 2 to 3 hours, you come back to the gate. Many guests go for tea or breakfast after the safari.

Motichur Safari Price and Booking

A private jeep safari costs about Rs. 3,000 to 4,000 per jeep. In a shared jeep, it is about Rs. 1,000 to 1,500 per person. Entry fee is about Rs. 150 per Indian guest and about Rs. 250 per vehicle. Children under 5 years enter free. One jeep seats up to 6 people. Prices can change, so please call us for the latest rate. For a full list of entry fees, read our Rajaji ticket price guide.

To book your safari:

1. Call or WhatsApp us on +91 9927180586.
2. Tell us your date, preferred time, and the name and age of every guest.
3. We confirm your jeep and share the details.
4. Reach the gate on time and enjoy your safari.

Pricing Notes You Should Know

• The price includes the permits and forest department fees.
• Groups of 10 or more people can ask for a group discount.
• Booking early helps you get better rates and your preferred time slot.
• If you bring photography equipment, extra charges may apply.
• Your slot is locked after you pay a part or the full amount in advance.
• For cancellation, please give us at least 24 hours advance notice.

Private Jeep or Shared Jeep?

A private jeep is only for your group. You get more comfort and freedom. A shared jeep costs less, but you travel with other guests. Not sure which one is right for you? Read our guide on private vs shared jeep safari.

Motichur vs Chilla vs Jhilmil Jheel

Each zone is special in its own way. Here is a quick view:

Still confused? Our guide on the best safari zone will help you pick.

Where to Stay

Stay close to the safari gate to save time in the morning. Our Raja Ji Wild Trail resort is near Chilla Canal and has AC rooms and a balcony. Raja Ji Delight is a home stay with home-cooked meals. Both start at Rs. 3,999 per night.

Tips for Your Safari

• Wear green, brown or dull colours. Avoid bright colours.
• Keep your voice low and do not shout at animals.
• Never get down from the jeep without your guide's permission.
• Carry water, a cap, sunscreen and a camera.
• Do not throw plastic or any waste in the forest.
• Travelling with kids or elders? Read our safari guide for seniors and children.

How to Stay Safe Around Elephants

Elephants are gentle, but they are very strong and can get angry if they feel afraid. Please follow these simple rules:

• Stay inside the jeep at all times and keep your hands inside.
• Do not try to feed or touch any animal.
• Keep a safe distance. If an elephant comes close, stay calm and follow your guide.
• Do not use flash on your camera.
• Switch your phone to silent mode.

Why Book With Us?

We are managed by the Rajaji Wild Trail Resort, an authorized guide, and we help you from booking to stay. Our guests rate our resort 4.7 out of 5 on Google. You can book your jeep, room and local trips in one place. Besides jungle safari, we also arrange river rafting on the Ganga and bungee jumping in Rishikesh, so your trip can be full of adventure.

Book Your Motichur Safari Today

Ready to see elephants in the wild? Call or WhatsApp us on +91 9927180586 and we will plan your safari. You can also read our full Rajaji National Park guide for more trip ideas.