Imagine yourself seated comfortably in a jeep, fully secure, as you soak in the breathtaking natural beauty around you. Witness wildlife roaming freely in their natural habitat, creating an unforgettable jungle safari experience. Rishikesh is surrounded by renowned wildlife sanctuaries offering thrilling jungle safaris, where you can explore nature’s hidden wonders.

One such remarkable destination is Rajaji National Park, also known as Rajaji Tiger Reserve. Spanning 820 square kilometers across Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, and Haridwar in Uttarakhand, this national park is home to diverse flora and fauna. In 1983, the Government of India merged Chilla, Motichur, and Rajaji wildlife sanctuaries to establish Rajaji National Park. Due to concerns about the declining tiger population, it was later designated as a tiger reserve to enhance conservation efforts.

The holy Ganga River flows through the park, originating from Bairaaj and passing through Rishikesh, Lakshman Jhula, and Ram Jhula, before reaching Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. Another river, the Song, originates from Doiwala and Bhaniyawala, flowing through Chidderwala and merging with the Ganga near Gohri Range in Rajaji National Park.

Plan your Rajaji jungle safari and immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of Uttarakhand!

The Chilla zone of Rajaji National Park, passing through Mandal, Mithawali, and Khara, is a popular route for an exciting gypsy safari. During the 2.5 to 3-hour safari, visitors can explore the park’s stunning and diverse landscapes while encountering the abundant wildlife. This area is open to tourists annually from November 15 to June 15 and is renowned for its rich wildlife sightings. As you journey through the jungle, you may spot elephants, leopards, deer, wild boars, and a variety of bird species, mesmerizing calls and sightings of peacocks and pythons.

The Motichoor Range gate, located near Motichoor village, is accessible via a 24 km ride from Asarori through Charing Cross. This zone is primarily covered by dense Sal forests, offering a scenic drive deep into the jungle. However, wildlife sightings are less frequent due to the presence of a train line running through the area. As a result, the Motichoor Range is not ideal for animal spotting. This zone opens to visitors from November 15 and typically closes by June 30 each year, making it a limited but beautiful destination for nature enthusiasts.

The Ranipur Range of Rajaji National Park is not a highly popular destination for jungle safaris, making it one of the less visited areas within the park. Although the range is home to a variety of trees and plant life, the chances of spotting wildlife here are relatively low. This area may appeal to visitors who are more interested in exploring the park’s scenic jungle landscape, making it an ideal spot for a gypsy safari. However, if your primary objective is to see abundant wildlife, the Ranipur Range might not be the best choice. Similar to the Chilla Range, the Ranipur Range opens to tourists from November 15 and closes on June 15 each year. Despite the limited wildlife sightings, it offers a peaceful and scenic experience for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility in the wilderness.

The Chilla Range area falls under the Pauri Garhwal district and is located about 15 km from the Chilla Range gate, covering an expansive stretch of 383 acres. Due to its size, various animals migrate here from other parts of Rajaji National Park in search of better shelter. The total safari route in this zone spans approximately 40-45 km, taking around 3 to 3.5 hours to complete. A unique feature of this zone is that it sometimes remains open until June 30, although many tourists are unaware of this due to limited information. The area is renowned for being home to the Swamp Deer and Barasingha, making it a hotspot for wildlife photographers. It is considered one of the best spots in Rajaji National Park for capturing rare shots of these magnificent animals, drawing wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Although traffic can be a concern, visiting Rajaji National Park is definitely worth the journey. Located approximately 220 km from Delhi, you can easily check the distance via Google Maps. The Chilla Range, a popular area for wildlife sightings, is just 8 km from Haridwar Railway Station and 24 km from the center of Rishikesh. Plan your trip to Rishikesh or Haridwar, and explore the beauty of Rajaji National Park—you won’t regret the experience. Enjoy the scenic route and wildlife along the way!

Rail travel is a convenient option for reaching Rajaji National Park. Although Rishikesh Railway Station is currently under construction, it will be operational soon. In the meantime, several trains connect Rishikesh to major cities like Delhi etc. The park is easily accessible, located 24 km from Haridwar, 56 km from Dehradun, and 18 km from Rishikesh. To check train schedules and availability, visit the official IRCTC website. Traveling by train offers a comfortable and scenic journey.

To reach Rajaji National Park by air, fly to Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun district. The airport is just 12 km from Rishikesh and 35 km from the park entrance. Flights from major cities take approximately an hour or less. Upon arrival, you can easily hire a cab or request an arranged pickup service for a hassle-free journey to the park. Air travel is the fastest and most convenient option for visitors looking to explore the wildlife and natural beauty of Rajaji National Park in Rishikesh.