How to Book Rajaji National Park Safari: Day Visit Guide (2026)

How to Book Rajaji National Park Safari

How to Book Rajaji National Park Safari: Day Visit Guide (2026)

If you’re planning a wildlife experience near Rishikesh or Haridwar, Rajaji National Park is one of the best choices. Known for its elephant population, rich birdlife, and peaceful jungle safaris, Rajaji offers an excellent day visit safari, especially through the famous Chilla Safari Zone.

This blog explains how to book Rajaji National Park, safari zones, ticket prices, timings, routes, and FAQs—fully optimized for first time visitors.

About Day Visit in Rajaji National Park (Chilla Safari Zone)

The Chilla Safari Zone is the most popular and wildlife-rich zone in Rajaji National Park. A jeep safari here covers around 36 km, passing through riverine forests, grasslands, and dense sal forests.

Wildlife You Can Spot

  • Asian Elephant

  • Tiger & Leopard (rare but possible)

  • Spotted Deer (Chital), Sambar, Barking Deer

  • Wild Boar

  • King Cobra, Python, Monitor Lizard

Birdwatching Paradise

Chilla is exceptional for birds:

  • 3 species of Hornbill

  • 9 species of Woodpecker

  • 5 species of Barbet

  • 4 species of Kingfisher

  • 150+ bird species overall

👉 With an expert guide, bird sightings increase significantly.

Rajaji National Park Jeep Safari
Rajaji National Park Jeep Safari

How to Visit Rajaji National Park (Step-by-Step)

How to Book Rajaji National Park Safari (Day Visit)

  1. Select date of visit from the online calendar

  2. Choose Safari Zone (Chilla / Motichur / others)

  3. Select shift – Morning or Evening

  4. Enter visitor details (with group leader)

  5. Make online payment

  6. Download & print the permit

  7. Report at the gate 20 minutes before entry time

⚠️ Late arrival = No entry & no refund

Rajaji National Park Gates

Major safari gates include:

  • Chilla Gate (most famous, near Haridwar–Rishikesh)

  • Motichur Gate

  • Haridwar Gate

  • Chillawali (Mohand Zone)

  • Ramgarh Gate

Among these, Chilla Gate is the top choice for a jungle safari Rajaji National Park Haridwar and Rishikesh circuit.

Rajaji National Park from Rishikesh

Rishikesh to Rajaji National Park Distance

  • Rishikesh to Chilla Gate: ~18–20 km

  • Travel time: 40–50 minutes

This makes Rajaji the best national park near Rishikesh for a half-day wildlife experience.

Rajaji National Park to Rishikesh Distance

  • Same route, ~20 km

Jeep Safari at Rajaji National Park
Jeep Safari at Rajaji National Park

How to Reach Rajaji National Park

By Road

  • Jolly Grant Airport to Chilla: 40 km

  • Dehradun to Chilla: 55 km

  • Delhi to Chilla: 224 km (via NH 334)

Haridwar to Rishikesh via Rajaji National Park

This scenic forest route passes along the park boundary and is often used by travelers combining Haridwar + Rishikesh + Rajaji Safari.

By Train

  • Nearest railway station to Rajaji National Park:
    Haridwar (5 km from Chilla Gate)

By Air

  • Nearest airport:
    Jolly Grant Airport

  • Distance to Chilla: ~40 km

Safari Timings – Jeep Safari Entry & Exit

Safari Gypsy Entry Timing

Season Morning Entry Evening Entry
15 Nov – 15 Feb 6:30 – 8:00 AM 1:30 – 3:00 PM
16 Feb – 15 Apr 6:00 – 7:30 AM 2:00 – 3:30 PM
16 Apr – 15 Jun 5:30 – 7:00 AM 3:00 – 4:30 PM

Last Exit Timing

Season Morning Exit Evening Exit
15 Nov – 15 Feb 10:30 AM 5:30 PM
16 Feb – 15 Apr 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
16 Apr – 15 Jun 9:30 AM 7:00 PM

Is Rajaji National Park Open?

  • âś… Open: 15 October – 15 June

  • ❌ Closed: 16 June – 14 October (Monsoon season)

Leopards Rajaji National Park Rishikesh
Leopards Rajaji National Park Rishikesh

Rajaji National Park Rishikesh Ticket Price (Chilla Zone)

Safari Entry Fees

Category Indian / SAARC Foreigner
Entry Fee â‚ą150 â‚ą600
Jeep Fee â‚ą250 â‚ą500

Camera Fees

  • Still camera (non-commercial): No fee

  • Commercial video: â‚ą500 (Indian), â‚ą1500 (Foreigner)

GST applicable as per government slabs.

Chilla Forest Rest House (FRH)

Located inside the main tourism zone, Chilla FRH:

  • Built in 1883

  • 2 suites + annexe rooms

  • Electricity & water available

  • Canteen run by Eco-Development Committee

Accessible from Haridwar via NH-58, just after crossing the Ganga bridge near Chandi Gate.

Rajaji National Park vs Jim Corbett – Which Is Better?

Feature Rajaji National Park Jim Corbett
Distance from Rishikesh Very close Far
Crowd level Low High
Elephants Very high Moderate
Birds Excellent Excellent
Best for Day safari Multi-day tiger safari

👉 If you’re short on time, Rajaji National Park is the better option.

FAQs – Rajaji National Park

Where is Rajaji National Park located?

It is located in Uttarakhand, spanning Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun regions.

Rajaji National Park famous for?

Elephants, birds, riverine forests, and peaceful jeep safaris.

How to book Rajaji National Park?

Through the official forest booking system by selecting date, zone, shift, and making online payment.

How to book Rajaji National Park safari?

Book a day visit jeep safari, print the permit, and report at the gate before entry time.

Nearest railway station to Rajaji National Park?

Haridwar Railway Station (5 km from Chilla Gate).

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re traveling from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun, a Rajaji National Park day safari is one of the easiest and most rewarding wildlife experiences in Uttarakhand. With easy access, affordable pricing, and rich biodiversity, it’s perfect for families, birdwatchers, and first-time jungle safari travelers.

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