Chilla Range in Rishikesh: Our Early Morning Safari in Rajaji National Park

We went to Chilla Range last time for a morning jeep safari, and honestly it is one of the easiest jungle trips you can do from Rishikesh. Gate is close, jeep booking is simple, and by sunrise you are already inside the forest. This is our full experience, plus the things we wish somebody told us before going.

How far is Chilla Range from your city

Most people reach Chilla from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Roads are good, so nobody gets tired before the safari even starts. Distances below are approximate, traffic in Haridwar can add some time.

Want the full route from Rishikesh? Read our guide: How to reach Rajaji National Park from Rishikesh.

Our safari day, step by step

1. 1Evening before: book the jeepWe stayed near the gate and booked our vehicle the previous evening. Many drivers are waiting around, so finding one was not a problem at all.
2. 25:30 AM: reach the gateWe reached around 5:30 in the morning. It was still cold and quiet, only some birds and chai stalls waking up. Do your entry formalities and the jeep starts quickly.
3. 3Into the forest with the guideEvery jeep takes one guide. Ours was patient and knew the forest very well, he told us bird names, animal tracks and where elephants usually walk. This part really makes the safari good.
4. 4The wildlife momentsWe saw many birds, deer and a mother elephant with her baby, walking slowly along with the line of jeeps. That was the best part of the whole trip. We did not see a tiger, and that is normal, tigers are very shy here.
5. 5Back to the gateOur trip was around 2.5 hours. After that we had tea near the gate and slowly went back. Do not plan any hurry after safari, you will want to sit and talk about it.

What you can see in Chilla Range

Chilla is a mix of sal forest, grass patches and dry riverbed near the Ganga. Because of this you get different types of wildlife in one drive.

Elephants and deer

Elephants are the main attraction here, and the chance to see them is good. Chital and sambar deer are also seen a lot, mostly early morning.

Birds

Bird people are happy here. There are lots of birds in every season, and the guide helps you spot even small ones you would miss yourself.

Tigers and leopards

Rajaji has tigers and leopards, but sighting is rare and nobody can promise it. Go for the whole forest, and if a tiger shows up, take it as a bonus.

Chilla Range near Rishikesh

Chilla Range from the Haridwar side

A little about Chilla Range

Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 249 square kilometres on the east bank of the Ganga. It was made a sanctuary in 1977. In 1983 it was joined with the Motichur and Rajaji sanctuaries, and together they became Rajaji National Park. So when someone says Chilla Range, Rajaji National Park or Rajaji Tiger Reserve, they are talking about the same big forest, just different parts of it.

Chilla is also famous with wildlife photographers because the forest is open and the light in the morning is very nice.

Tips from our trip

Go early. Morning slot gives the best chance for animals, and the air is fresh. Reach the gate by 5:30 to 6 AM in winter.

Check the season. Rajaji safari is usually closed in the monsoon, from around mid June to mid November, and opens again after that. Dates can change, so confirm with the forest office or your driver before you plan.

Dress in dull colours. Green, brown or grey. Keep a jacket, it is very cold in the open jeep at sunrise. Carry water, and keep your voice low inside.

Stay near the gate if you can. It saves the early drive from Rishikesh and you do not miss the first light.

Frequently asked questions

Our last word

Chilla Range was simple, cheap in effort and very peaceful once we got away from the crowd. A good guide, an early start and a quiet day made the whole difference for us. If you love forest and birds, you will enjoy it.