Rajaji National Park Tiger Safari Zones
Book Rajaji National Park Tiger Safari and explore all safari zones, entry timings, jeep booking, ticket details, and the best time to visit for wildlife sightings.
About Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park sits between the Shivalik hills and the Ganga plains, nearly 820 sq. km. of forest that most people driving past on the Rishikesh–Haridwar highway never realise is right there. It became a tiger reserve in 2015, and today it holds one of the largest wild elephant populations in North India. Tigers and leopards move through the same forest, and over 400 bird species have been recorded here, which is why serious birders keep coming back season after season.
What makes the park different from most reserves you've probably heard of is how much the terrain changes within a single stretch. You get dense sal forest in one zone, open riverside grassland in another, rocky Shivalik slopes where leopards prefer to move, and, unusually for this region, an actual wetland. That's the reason the five safari zones, Chilla, Motichur, Jhilmil Jheel, Ranipur and Mohand, don't feel like five versions of the same safari. They're genuinely different outings, and picking the wrong one for what you actually want to see is the most common mistake first-time visitors make.
We're based in Ganga Bhogpur Talla, right beside the Chilla Canal, about 8 km from the Chilla Range Gate. Most Rishikesh hotels are 45 minutes to an hour from the gate. By the time the guests staying there are leaving for their safari, our guests are already near the forest. That extra bit of sleep, or the extra time in the jungle if you'd rather use it that way, is usually the first thing repeat guests mention.
Quick Facts
- AreaApproximately 820 sq. km.
- Established as a Tiger Reserve2015
- LocationHaridwar, Dehradun & Pauri Garhwal districts, Uttarakhand
- Our BaseGanga Bhogpur Talla, near Chilla Canal, 8km from Chilla Gate
- Safari SeasonMid-November to mid-June
- Known ForElephants, tigers, leopards, over 400 bird species
Wildlife Highlights by Safari Zone
Each zone offers a unique wildlife experience. From tiger spotting in Chilla to famous sightings of leopards and elephants in Jhilmil, find the safari that matches your adventure.
Jhilmil Jheel Safari Zone
A unique wetland habitat and the only home of swamp deer in Uttarakhand.
Wildlife Spotting
Features
Chilla Safari Zone
One of the most popular zones, famous for its large elephant population.
Wildlife Spotting
Features
Motichur Safari Zone
Dense sal forests make Motichur ideal for spotting elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species.
Wildlife Spotting
Features
Ranipur Safari Zone
Its rocky terrain makes Ranipur one of the best zones for leopard sightings.
Wildlife Spotting
Features
Mohand Safari Zone
A quieter zone known for leopard presence, along with deer, peacocks, and other forest wildlife.
Wildlife Spotting
Features
Common Wildlife Across All Zones
Regardless of the zone you choose, visitors may commonly spot:
Note: Wildlife sightings are completely natural and cannot be guaranteed. Every safari offers a unique experience in the wild.
Safari Timing Schedule
Plan your visit according to seasonal timings for the best wildlife experience
RTR Entry Timing for Day Visit
| Date Range | Morning Entry | Evening Entry |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Nov to 15 Feb | 6:30 AM | 1:30 PM |
| 16 Feb to 15 April | 6:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| 16 April to 14 June | 5:30 AM | 3:00 PM |
Last Entry & Exit Timings
| Morning Session | Evening Session | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Entry | Last Exit | Last Entry | Last Exit |
| 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM | 3:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| 7:30 AM | 10:00 AM | 3:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| 7:00 AM | 9:30 AM | 4:30 PM | 7:00 PM |
Transparent Pricing
Choose from our flexible pricing options designed for every budget and preference.
Individual Safari Costs
| Service | Indian Visitors | Foreign Visitors | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Entry Fee | ₹150 | ₹600 | Per person entry to the national park |
| Road Tax & Entry | ₹250 | ₹500 | Vehicle entry and road tax |
| Private Gypsy (up to 6) | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 | Exclusive jeep for your group |
| Nature Guide | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 | Expert guide for wildlife spotting |
Important Pricing Notes:
- • Prices may vary during peak season (Dec-Feb)
- • Group discounts available for 10+ people
- • Online booking recommended for better rates
- • Includes all permits and forest department fees
- • Children under 5 years: Free entry
- • Photography equipment allowed with extra charges
- • Cancellation policy: 24 hours advance notice
Best Time to Visit
Plan your visit according to the seasons to make the most of your wildlife safari experience.
Winter (Oct - Mar)
5°C - 25°C
Best wildlife sightings, clear weather, comfortable temperatures
Summer (Apr - Jun)
20°C - 40°C
Animals near water sources, good tiger sightings
Monsoon (Jul - Sep)
20°C - 30°C
Lush greenery, park partially closed
Not Sure Which Zone to Pick?
This is usually the first question guests ask us on WhatsApp, so here's the honest, zone-by-zone answer instead of a generic list.
Go with Chilla. It has the highest wildlife density in the park and the most open sightlines. It's also the busiest zone for exactly that reason, so book a few days ahead if you're aiming for a weekend slot.
Jhilmil Jheel is the one. It's the only wetland zone here, and it moves at a slower, quieter pace. Better suited to photography than to adrenaline.
Try Motichur. The sal forest here is dense, elephants pass through regularly, and it sits close enough to Rishikesh and Haridwar to work well as a shorter trip.
Ranipur is your best bet. The rocky, hilly terrain is where leopards are seen most often, though sightings here reward patience more than luck.
Mohand. It sees noticeably less traffic than Chilla, and some guests actually prefer it for that reason alone.
Still not sure? Tell us your travel dates on WhatsApp and what you're actually hoping to see. We'll point you to the right zone instead of just the busiest one.
Why Book Your Safari With Us?
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See wild animals and explore the beauty. Book your safari today and make your trip special.