About Rajaji National Park
Sanctuary & Wildlife Reserve
Spanning 820.42 km² across the Shivalik foothills of Uttarakhand, Rajaji National Park is India’s premier Asian Elephant sanctuary and 48th Tiger Reserve. Discover its rich history, safari zones, biodiversity, and visitor guidelines.
What is Rajaji National Park?
Nestled in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, Rajaji National Park is an iconic eco-tourism destination spanning three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal. Named after the legendary freedom fighter and India’s second Governor-General, C. Rajagopalachari (lovingly called Rajaji), the park holds profound ecological and cultural significance.
In 2015, the Government of India officially declared Rajaji National Park as India’s 48th Project Tiger Reserve. It serves as a vital eco-corridor connecting the northwestern Himalayan foothills with the central Ganges plain, ensuring safe migratory routes for Asian Elephants and Royal Bengal Tigers across the Ganges river basin.
Elephant Corridor
Crucial safe passage connecting Lansdowne & Yamuna forest ranges.
Sal Deciduous Forest
Dense virgin Sal trees providing lush year-round evergreen canopy.
Royal Bengal Tiger Habitat
Protected inside Chilla & Motichur core safari ranges.
Park Quick Reference Matrix
History of Rajaji National Park
The genesis of Rajaji National Park lies in the merger of three renowned wildlife sanctuaries into a unified biosphere reserve.
Chilla Sanctuary Established
The initial 249 km² Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary was created along the east bank of the Ganges to protect Asian Elephant herds and Shivalik flora.
Motichur Sanctuary Formed
Motichur Sanctuary was established in the Dehradun district to safeguard dense Sal forests, spotted deer, and leopard breeding sites.
Amalgamation into Rajaji National Park
The Government of Uttar Pradesh combined Rajaji Sanctuary (1948), Motichur Sanctuary (1966), and Chilla Sanctuary (1977) into a grand 820.42 km² National Park.
Declared 48th Tiger Reserve of India
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) officially recognized Rajaji as a Project Tiger Reserve to revive Bengal Tiger breeding populations in Shivalik.
Thriving Eco-Tourism & Elephant Corridor
Today, Rajaji stands as a global hub for wildlife safari, birding expeditions, and eco-tourism with strict conservation protocols.
Geography & Safari Zones
Rajaji National Park is divided into 6 administrative ranges, offering distinct safari tracks, landscapes, and wildlife density.
Chilla Zone
Located on the eastern bank of Ganges near Haridwar & Rishikesh. Renowned for highest tiger & elephant sighting probabilities, scenic Chilla Dam views.
Motichur Zone
Dense Sal forest landscape on the Haridwar-Dehradun highway. Ideal for observing spotted deer, barking deer, leopards, and over 150 resident bird species.
Ranipur Zone
Quiet safari terrain surrounded by dry deciduous forest and Shivalik ravines. Famous for leopard habitats and peaceful uncrowded jeep drives.
Jhindan / Mohand Zone
Gateway from Saharanpur and Delhi NCR side. Rugged hill terrain with high tiger movement and migratory elephant corridors.
Kansrao Zone
Deep inner forest range featuring natural salt licks, perennial streams, and dense bamboo clusters for elephant herds.
Asarori Zone
Located on the Dehradun city entrance side. Rich in historic British-era forest rest houses and lush greenery.
Flora & Fauna of Rajaji
A rich ecological haven harboring over 50 mammal species, 315 bird species, and diverse sub-Himalayan botanical life.
Key Mammals
- Asian Elephant: 600+ wild elephants roaming free
- Royal Bengal Tiger: Apex predator in core ranges
- Indian Leopard: Thriving in Shivalik hills
- Sloth Bear & Hyena: Nocturnal forest inhabitants
- Ungulates: Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Goral
Avian Life (315+ Species)
- Great Indian Hornbill: Iconic canopy bird
- Pallas’s Fish Eagle: Ganges river predator
- Crested Kingfisher: Common near water bodies
- Migratory Waterfowl: Winter visitors from Siberia
- Peafowl & Kalij Pheasant: Forest floor birds
Reptiles & Amphibians
- King Cobra: World’s longest venomous snake
- Indian Rock Python: Inhabiting rocky ravines
- Monitor Lizard: Found in dry riverbeds
- Mugger Crocodile: Ganges & Song river basins
Safari Timings & Entry Details
Safari permits are issued in two daily shifts. Advance online booking is recommended as permits are strictly limited per gate.
Winter Window
15 NOV – 15 FEB
Morning entry: 6:30 AM – 8:00 AM
Evening entry: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Last exit: 10:00 AM / 5:30 PM
Spring Window
16 FEB – 15 APR
Morning entry: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
Evening entry: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Last exit: 9:30 AM / 6:00 PM
Summer Window
16 APR – 15 JUN
Morning entry: 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Evening entry: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Last exit: 9:00 AM / 7:00 PM
Rules & Guidelines for Visitors
Respect wildlife and forest regulations to ensure safety and environmental conservation inside the reserve.
- Hire an official registered forest guide for all safari tracks.
- Wear neutral, earthy clothing (khaki, olive green, brown).
- Carry original Government Photo ID matching your permit.
- Maintain silence and follow driver/guide instructions at all times.
- Do NOT carry plastic bags, single-use bottles, or litter inside.
- Do NOT step out of the safari jeep inside core zones.
- Do NOT play music, flash photography, or feed wild animals.
- Smoking, alcohol, and weapons are strictly prohibited.
Rajaji vs Jim Corbett at a Glance
Why travelers choose Rajaji National Park for a more accessible, uncrowded wildlife experience.
| Feature | Rajaji National Park | Jim Corbett National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Delhi | 220 km (4.5 hours drive via NH 58) | 260 km (6+ hours drive) |
| Nearest Airport | Dehradun Jolly Grant (35 km) | Pantnagar Airport (85 km) |
| Elephant Density | Highest Wild Elephant Density in Shivalik | Moderate Density |
| Crowd Level | Uncrowded, Peaceful & Pristine Safari Tracks | High Tourist Rush & Longer Booking Windows |
| Spiritual Proximity | Adjacent to Haridwar & Rishikesh (15 km) | Far from Haridwar/Rishikesh spiritual circuit |
How to Reach Rajaji National Park
Conveniently connected by air, rail, and road from major Indian cities.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport, located just 35 km (45 mins drive) from Chilla and Motichur safari gates. Daily direct flights available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
By Train
Haridwar Junction (12 km) and Dehradun Railway Station (24 km) are major railheads connected via Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, and Jan Shatabdi expresses from New Delhi.
By Road
Direct drive from Delhi NCR via Delhi-Dehradun Expressway / NH 58 (approx 220 km / 4.5 hours). Taxis and buses are readily available from Haridwar and Rishikesh bus terminals.
Ready to Explore Rajaji National Park?
Book your official Jeep Safari permits, elephant viewings, and forest guide allocations in advance to secure your preferred shift.