Rajaji National Park

Forest reserve near Haridwar and Rishikesh, known for elephants

Altitudeabout 300-1,000 m
Best timeNovember to June
Suggested stayHalf to one day
RegionGarhwal

Rajaji is a large protected forest spread across Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri districts. It is known for its elephant population and offers jeep safaris from a few gateways such as Chilla and Motichur. It is an easy add-on from Haridwar or Rishikesh.

About this page: Compiled from general knowledge and secondary sources. Distances and times are approximate and were not checked against an official page. Confirm road, permit and opening status before you travel.

Things to see

  • Jeep safari. Run through the park's gateways. Sightings are never guaranteed.
  • Chilla range. Near Haridwar and Rishikesh, a common safari entry.

How to reach Rajaji National Park

By road

Chilla gate is close to Haridwar (about 10-15 km); Rishikesh is nearby.

By rail

Haridwar.

By air

Jolly Grant Airport.

Where to stay

Hotels in Haridwar and Rishikesh, plus eco camps near the gates.

Food

Hotel and camp meals.

Budget

No verified price list is published on this page. Use the budget estimator and replace its placeholder rates with real quotes. Open the budget estimator.

Season and weather

Monsoon closure for most zones; summer is hot.

Safety

  • Stay in the vehicle during safari; follow the guide.

Tips

  • Book safaris through the official forest department channels; confirm opening dates for the season.

Map

Approximate location at town level. Use an official or navigation map for exact directions.

Frequently asked questions

Will I see an elephant?

Possibly, but sightings are never guaranteed. Dawn and dusk give the best chances.

Sources and verification

Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.