Imagine sitting comfortably in a jeep, fully secure, as you gaze at the stunning natural beauty around you. Wildlife roams freely, undisturbed, making for an unforgettable safari experience. Rishikesh is surrounded by several wildlife parks that offer jungle safaris, where you can uncover the hidden wonders of nature. Let’s take a closer look at what awaits you.Rajaji National Park, also known as Rajaji Tiger Reserve, spans three districts of Uttarakhand Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, and Haridwar.

The Chilla zone of Rajaji National Park, passing through Mandal, Mithawali, and Khara, is a popular route for a gypsy safari. During the 2.5 to 3-hour ride, you can explore the park’s diverse landscape and encounter the wildlife you came to see. This area opens to tourists every year from November 15 to June 15. It is a favorite among visitors, known for its rich sightings. As you travel through the jungle, you may spot elephants, leopards, deer, wild boars, peacocks, pythons, and various bird species along with their mesmerizing calls

The gate to the Motichoor Range is located near Motichoor village, offering a 24 km ride from Asarori via Charing Cross. This zone is primarily covered by dense Sal forests, and while the scenic drive takes you deep into the jungle, wildlife sightings are less frequent due to a train line that runs through the area. As a result, this zone is not highly recommended for animal spotting. The Motichoor Range opens for visitors on November 15 and typically closes around June 30 each year.

The Ranipur Range of Rajaji National Park is not a very popular spot for jungle safaris and is considered one of the less frequented areas of the park. While you’ll encounter a variety of trees and plant life, the chances of spotting wildlife here are rare. If you’re more interested in experiencing the jungle landscape, this area might be a good choice for a gypsy ride. However, if your goal is to see wildlife, this range may not be the best option. Like the Chilla Range, the Ranipur Range opens to visitors on November 15 and closes on June 15 each year.

This area falls under the Pauri Garhwal district and is about 15 km from the Chilla Range gate, covering a vast 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 is around 40-45 km, taking about 3 to 3.5 hours to complete. One of the highlights of this zone is that it sometimes remains open until June 30, although limited information means many tourists are unaware of this.The area is known for being home to Swamp Deer and Barasingha, attracting wildlife enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture these magnificent animals. It’s considered one of the best ranges for animal photographers looking for unique shots of these rare species.

Traffic may be a concern these days, but it’s definitely worth it for a visit to Rajaji National Park. The park is situated about 220 km from Delhi, and you can easily check the distance using Google Maps. The Chilla range, where wildlife is often visible, is just 8 km from Haridwar Railway Station and 24 km from the center of Rishikesh. Plan your trip to Rishikesh or Haridwar and experience Rajaji National Park—you won’t regret it

Rail travel could be the best option, as the Rishikesh Railway Station is currently under construction but will be ready soon. Meanwhile, several trains already connect Rishikesh to various cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, and Ludhiana. Rajaji National Park is conveniently located just 24 km from Haridwar, 56 km from Dehradun, and 18 km from Rishikesh. To check train availability, please visit the IRCTC website.

To reach Rajaji National Park by air, fly to Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun district, just 12 km from Rishikesh and 35 km from the park entrance. The flight takes about an hour or less. Upon arrival at the airport, we can arrange a cab for you upon request for a seamless journey to the park.