Uttarakhand · Wildlife & Safari Guide
Rajaji National Park in Rishikesh
Namaste friends. Rajaji National Park in Rishikesh is the most asked jungle question from our guests, so I wrote this guide. I live in Rishikesh and I take guests to the jungle many times every season, so this guide is from my own road experience, not from some office. Rajaji National Park from Rishikesh is very close. You do not need to go far like Jim Corbett. In less than one hour you are sitting in an open jeep with elephants, deer and many birds around you.
Quick answer
Rajaji National Park from Rishikesh is about 20 km by road, around 35 to 45 minutes. The gate near Rishikesh that most guests use is Chilla Gate. Jeep safari runs in two slots, morning and afternoon, and the park is normally closed in monsoon (roughly 16 June to mid November).
- Nearest gate: Chilla Gate (Chilla Range), on the Haridwar side
- Safari timings: morning around 6:00 to 9:00 AM, afternoon around 3:00 to 6:00 PM (changes with season)
- Best time: November to April, birds and elephants are easy in winter and spring
- Jeep cost: roughly Rs 3,000 to 4,500 per jeep, entry and guide extra. Confirm current rate before paying
Where is Rajaji National Park?
Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand, India is in the Shivalik foothills and it touches three districts: Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. The Ganga river goes through the middle part, and Rishikesh and Haridwar both sit on the edge of this forest. That is why many people say the jungle is “just next to our city”.
The park was made in 1983 by joining three sanctuaries, Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. It carries the name of C. Rajagopalachari, known as Rajaji, a freedom fighter and the first Indian Governor-General. In 2015 the bigger area became Rajaji Tiger Reserve. The old park area is about 820 sq km. It is famous for Asian elephants, sal forest, many bird species and for being one of the easy wildlife places from Delhi side also.
Rishikesh to Rajaji National Park distance by road
The question I hear most is “Rishikesh to Rajaji National Park distance“. Honest answer: it depends on which gate, because the park is long and has many entry points. These are approximate road numbers, traffic can change the time.
| From | To gate | Distance by road | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh (Tapovan / Laxman Jhula) | Chilla Gate | about 20 km | 35-45 min |
| Rishikesh | Motichur side (Haridwar road) | about 15-18 km | 40 min |
| Haridwar | Chilla Gate | about 10 km | 25 min |
| Dehradun | Chilla / Motichur | about 55 km | 1.5 hours |
| Delhi | Chilla Gate | about 230 km | 5-6 hours |
For Rajaji National Park to Rishikesh distance coming back, it is the same road, so same numbers. Rishikesh to Rajaji National Park distance by road is easy: take the Rishikesh to Haridwar highway, follow the board for Chilla, and your driver will know it. No train goes inside the park. Rail stations are Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun and from there you take taxi. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun.
Rajaji National Park gate near Rishikesh is Chilla Gate
If somebody asks me which Rajaji National Park gate near Rishikesh is best, I say Chilla Gate, always. It is the main tourist gate for Rishikesh and Haridwar guests, it has the permit counter, jeeps and guides, and the forest here is good for elephants. Chilla Range is also the place where the old Chilla sanctuary was.
The gate for jeep safari is not the same as the gate for your pickup. Permit people tell you the reporting time at the counter, and you must reach before that. Carry your original ID card (foreign guests carry passport), because name on permit and ID must match.
Rajaji National Park zones
People get confused about Rajaji National Park zone names. In simple words, each range is a different part of the forest with its own gate.
Chilla Range
Closest to Rishikesh and Haridwar. Elephants, sal forest, river area and birds. Our main pick for first time guests.
Motichur Range
Forest corridor on the Haridwar to Rishikesh side. Check if safari is running before you plan, access is not always open.
Ranipur Range
Haridwar side. Good for a different jungle feel. Gate opening depends on season.
Jhilmil Jheel
Wetland conservation reserve near Haridwar, famous for swamp deer (barasingha). See our Rajaji Tiger Reserve page.
Gohari Range
More quiet, fewer jeeps. Rates and access can be different from Chilla.
Dehradun side ranges
Mohand, Asarori and nearby. Used mostly by people staying in Dehradun, not from Rishikesh.
For jungle safari Rajaji National Park Haridwar and Rishikesh guests, Chilla is easiest. Read more on our Chilla Range page and the Chilla reasons to explore.
Chilla Range, our usual starting point
Open jeep, guide and driverRajaji National Park timings, safari timings and closing time
The park opens from sunrise to sunset and there are two safari slots in a day. These are the timings guides usually follow, but forest department can change them, so please treat them as planning timings.
| Period | Morning safari | Afternoon safari |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Nov to 31 Jan | 6:30 to 10:30 AM | 2:00 to 3:30 PM |
| 1 Feb to 31 Mar | 6:30 to 9:30 AM | 2:30 to 4:00 PM |
| 1 Apr to 15 Jun | 6:00 to 9:00 AM | 3:00 to 5:00 PM |
| 16 Jun to 14 Nov | Regular safari normally closed for monsoon | |
So Rajaji National Park timings and Rajaji National Park safari timings change by month. The Rajaji National Park closing time is the end of the afternoon slot, and you must be out of the forest before sunset. The gate does not let anybody enter after the last permitted time. Rajaji National Park Dehradun timings are also sunrise to sunset with morning and afternoon slots, but each Dehradun range keeps its own reporting time.
Rajaji National Park ticket price and timings
Total cost has many small parts: entry fee per person, vehicle fee, jeep hire, guide and camera. I give approximate numbers below because the rates are revised from time to time. In 2023 the forest department increased entry fee for Indians and foreigners, so old websites show different numbers. Please confirm the latest tariff at the counter.
| Item | Indian | Foreigner |
|---|---|---|
| Entry fee per person | Rs 150 to 300 | Rs 600 to 1,200 |
| Vehicle fee | about Rs 300 | about Rs 500 |
| Jeep (3 hours, whole jeep) | about Rs 3,000 to 4,500 depending on zone | |
| Guide | about Rs 600, bird or wildlife expert Rs 1,000 to 1,500 | |
| Still camera | free | about Rs 50 |
Our own Jhilmil Jheel and Rajaji jeep safari is Rs 4,990 per jeep for about 2.5 hours, with 5 AM pickup (October to June). Permit and guide fees are extra. You can also read the safari booking page for more detail.
Rajaji National Park best time to visit
November to February
Cool and nice weather. Very good for birds. Wear a jacket in the morning jeep, it is cold with open wind.
March to April
Warm days, easy mornings. Many guests say this is the most comfortable time.
May to mid June
Hot, but animals come near water so sightings can be good. Carry water and a cap.
Mid June to October
Monsoon. Rain and river water, routes close. Please do not plan safari in this time.
My personal favourite is the first week after reopening and then February. Nothing is guaranteed, of course. Wild animals are not in a zoo.
Haridwar to Rishikesh via Rajaji National Park
This one is a nice surprise for many guests. The highway from Haridwar to Rishikesh via Rajaji National Park is about 24 km and it goes through the forest edge. Many times we see deer, monkeys and sometimes elephants near the road, especially early morning and evening.
- Do not stop your car and do not get down for photo.
- Do not honk or play loud music near the forest stretch.
- Drive slow, elephants cross suddenly.
- Do not feed any animal from the window.
So if you are travelling Haridwar to Rishikesh by taxi, you already get a little taste of Rajaji, free of cost. Planning Haridwar side? See our full Rajaji National Park guide.
Rajaji National Park vs Jim Corbett
I take guests to both, so here is my simple comparison for Rajaji National Park vs Jim Corbett.
| Point | Rajaji (from Rishikesh) | Jim Corbett |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Rishikesh | about 20 km | about 230-250 km, 6-7 hours |
| Trip type | Half day or one day | Minimum 2 days with stay |
| Famous for | Elephants, birds, sal forest | Tigers, very popular zones like Dhikala |
| Tiger sighting chance | Low, not the main reason to come | Better, but still luck |
| Crowd and booking | Quiet, easy booking | Busy, advance booking needed |
| Budget | Much lower | Higher (travel + stay + permit) |
If tiger is your only dream, go Corbett. If you have only one day, want elephants and birds, and do not want a long drive, Rajaji is the right choice. Read also our Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserve post.
Nilgai, seen from the jeep
Green forest after good rainHow to do jungle safari from Rishikesh, step by step
- Choose your date. Check that the season is open and which slot you like. Morning is best for animals.
- Book jeep and permit. Use only an authorised channel. Ask what is included: entry, vehicle, guide.
- Pickup from Rishikesh. Leave early. For a 6:30 AM slot we leave around 5 AM from Tapovan.
- Report at Chilla Gate. Show original ID, collect permit and meet your guide.
- Enter the forest. Sit, stay quiet, keep hands inside the jeep. Look for tracks, birds and movement in the grass.
- Come back before closing time. Return by the same road. Then a hot chai and rest, that is the best ending.
What to wear: dull colours like green, brown or grey. No bright red or white. Carry a jacket in winter, sun cap in summer, water bottle and binoculars if you have. Take all plastic back with you.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Rajaji National Park from Rishikesh?
Rajaji National Park from Rishikesh is about 20 km by road to Chilla Gate, around 35 to 45 minutes. The exact distance depends on the gate and where you start in Rishikesh.
What is Rajaji National Park famous for?
It is famous for Asian elephants, sal forests, many bird species and the Shivalik foothill scenery. Tigers and leopards also live in the wider reserve, but seeing them is rare and never guaranteed.
Where is Rajaji National Park?
It is in Uttarakhand, India, across Dehradun, Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal districts, very close to Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Is Rajaji National Park open?
Usually yes from mid November to mid June. In monsoon, around 16 June to mid November, regular safari is closed. Always confirm the opening date and gate before you travel.
Which Rajaji National Park gate is near Rishikesh?
Chilla Gate is the main gate for guests from Rishikesh and Haridwar.
What are the Rajaji National Park safari timings?
Two slots daily. Morning is roughly 6:00 to 9:00 AM (up to 10:30 AM in winter) and afternoon roughly 3:00 to 6:00 PM. The exact time changes by month, so ask at booking.
What is the Rajaji National Park ticket price?
Entry is charged per person, and you also pay vehicle, jeep and guide. A jeep is roughly Rs 3,000 to 4,500. Rates are revised, so confirm the latest tariff before paying.
Rajaji National Park or Jim Corbett, which is better?
Corbett is better for tigers but it is 6 to 7 hours away. Rajaji is better for a short trip from Rishikesh with elephants and birds.
Can I see a tiger in Rajaji?
It is possible but rare. Please come for elephants, birds and forest, and take a tiger as a bonus.
Stay with us, safari with us
We are Rishikesh Day Tour and Om Homestay in Upper Tapovan. We arrange jeep safari pickup from Rishikesh, the guide and the permit help. Message us the date you want and we will tell you the slot and the real cost.