Rajaji National Park

Uttarakhand

Watch a family of elephants here as they go about their daily routine and try to pick out their distinct personalities and understand social hierarchies. Rajaji has the largest population of elephants in Uttarakhand (over 500) giving you excellent opportunities to study the pachyderms. Rajaji is also the first staging ground for migratory birds once they cross over the Himalayas into the Indian subcontinent, so you are bound to meet many feathered visitors in the winter months. Rajaji is spread over 820 square kilometres and was formed in 1983 by merging three wildlife sanctuaries - Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji. The Ganges cuts through these forests and is home to a wide variety of fish like trout, mahseer and chilwa. The park was named after C. Rajagopalachari who was a prominent leader during the Indian freedom struggle from the British. Jungle safaris are offered at two locations currently, Chilla and Motichur Ranges. Visitors can enter from one of the seven gates ...at Ramgarh, Mohand, Ranipur, Motichur, Chilla, Kunao and Laldhang.

Take a game drive during the winter months of October to February when the migratory birds descend. March and April offer the best weather for outdoor treks and overnight camping. The summer months of May through June might be very hot but it is also the best time for spotting wildlife. The park is closed during the rains, but you can still visit the buffer zone.

Elephants are the main draw, but leopard, mountain goat or ghoral and the elusive Himalayan black bear are also sighted. It is also a haven for birds.

Rafting on the Ganges is a thrilling experience. Situated in Dehradun and declared as a Bird Sanctuary, the wetlands at Assan Barrage is a birder’s paradise. The best places for birding are on the 26-kilometre forest drive from Chilla and along the 40-kilometre Phanduwala - Motichur trail.

Overgrazing by settlements around the park has depleted the food for herbivores resulting in elephants raiding crops and creating serious conflicts with locals. The Chilla Canal has interrupted elephant corridors and the army’s ammunition dump at Raiwalla has further dented the elephant passage. Your visit is crucial to support the local economy, but please also report abuse or poor practice at admin@toftindia.org.

Destination Information

How To Book

Safaris can be booked through your lodge or tour operators. No online facility is available.

Park Timings

Morning : 06:00 am to 09:00 am Evening : 03:00 pm to 06:00 pm The Park is closed from 16th June to 16th November for tourists

Getting Around the Park

Gypsies and other safari vehicles are available on hire from the entry gates but make sure to book them in advance to ensure availability. A local guide is a must with every vehicle

Entry Fees

Cost of Safari Vehicle:

R 2,000 from the gate

Entry Fees:

R 150 for Indian Nationals

R 600 for Foreign Nationals

Vehicle Fee:

R 250 per vehicle for Indian Nationals

R 500 per vehicle for Foreign Nationals

Cost of Guide:

R 300 for a general guide

R 1,500 for an experienced bird and wildlife guide

By Air: Dehradun (35 km). Transportation is easily available on hire. By Rail / Road: Haridwar (24 km), Rishikesh (18 km) are the nearest towns and railheads. Transportation can be hired from here to the park.

explore by region
click the map

Click Here for Good
Wildlife Travel Guide

Eco-friendly properties in the area

Other Destinations To Combine

Corbett Tiger Reserve

Uttarakhand

Named after the famous hunter, naturalist and author Jim Corbett who played a key role in its

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Uttarakhand

Set in the scenic Jhandi Dhar hills in the Himalayas, Binsar was the summer capital of the

Travel Here with the Best Travel Companies & Agents

Plan you Indian holiday, Nepal adventure, or Bhutan visit using one of a large number of the world’s best known travel companies, or Indian based agents to put your very own itinerary together. Every travel company here has committed to drive their own sustainable travel practices, seek PUG certified accommodation providers wherever possible and support our conservation efforts.

Now you can enjoy a flawless and carefree travel itinerary to many of Indian subcontinent’s greatest wilderness destinations and combine this with its rich cultural and historic heritage.

Rajaji National Park

Destination Information

How To Book

Safaris can be booked through your lodge or tour operators. No online facility is available.

Park Timings

Morning : 06:00 am to 09:00 am Evening : 03:00 pm to 06:00 pm The Park is closed from 16th June to 16th November for tourists

Getting Around the Park

Gypsies and other safari vehicles are available on hire from the entry gates but make sure to book them in advance to ensure availability. A local guide is a must with every vehicle

Entry Fees

Cost of Safari Vehicle: R 2,000 from the gate Entry Fees: R 150 for Indian Nationals R 600 for Foreign Nationals Vehicle Fee: R 250 per vehicle for Indian Nationals R 500 per vehicle for Foreign Nationals Cost of Guide: R 300 for a general guide R 1,500 for an experienced bird and wildlife guide

By Air: Dehradun (35 km). Transportation is easily available on hire. By Rail / Road: Haridwar (24 km), Rishikesh (18 km) are the nearest towns and railheads. Transportation can be hired from here to the park.

explore by region click the map

Click Here for Good Wildlife Travel Guide

Eco-friendly properties in the area

Other Destinations To Combine

Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand

Travel Here with the Best Travel Companies & Agents

Partner

Affiliates

explore by region
click the map

Click Here for Good
Wildlife Travel Guide