Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park stretches across the Shivalik foothills of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, where the Himalayas meet the Indo-Gangetic plains around Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. Formed by merging the former Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla sanctuaries — and named after the Indian statesman C. Rajagopalachari ("Rajaji") — it became Uttarakhand's second tiger reserve after Corbett. The park is at the northwestern limit of distribution for both the Indian elephant and the Bengal tiger, and its mix of broadleaved deciduous forest, riverine belts along the Ganges, scrub, grassland and pine-clad slopes makes it one of the most accessible wildlife escapes in north India.

Wildlife includes large herds of Asian elephants and chital (sometimes 250-strong), plus sambar, swamp deer, hog deer, nilgai, wild boar, goral, Himalayan tahr and sloth bear, with the Bengal tiger and Indian leopard the top predators (alongside dhole, jungle cat, jackal and others). Over 315 bird species live within the park (and 500-plus in the wider region), and the Ganges and its channels hold mahseer and trout. The Chilla range, near Haridwar across the Ganges, is the most popular and accessible safari zone.

The park is open roughly mid-November to mid-June, closing in the monsoon (July to mid-November) when rivers flood. Winter (November–February) is pleasant; summer (March–June) is hot but offers good sightings around water. The proximity to Haridwar and Rishikesh makes Rajaji an easy add-on to a Garhwal trip.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (DED), about 20–40 km from the Chilla/Motichur gates depending on range, with daily flights from Delhi and other cities; taxis run to the park gates.

By Train

Haridwar Junction (HW) is the most convenient railhead for the Chilla range (about 9 km), and Rishikesh and Dehradun (DDN) serve other gates; all are well connected to Delhi by Shatabdi and express trains. From the stations, taxis and autos reach the respective gates.

By Car / Road

The park's gates are spread along the Haridwar–Rishikesh–Dehradun corridor: Chilla (near Haridwar, across the Ganges), Motichur and Ranipur (near Haridwar/Raiwala), and Ramgarh/Kunao (near Rishikesh and Dehradun). Haridwar and Rishikesh are about 200–230 km from Delhi (5–6 hr); from there the gates are a short drive. Buses serve Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun, with taxis for the final leg.

Inside the park you travel only on organised jeep (Gypsy) safaris booked through the forest department or registered operators, with a permit for a fixed range and time slot (morning and afternoon) and a compulsory guide — you cannot drive your own vehicle freely. The Chilla range is the main safari zone; Motichur, Ranipur and Jhilmil are others. Permits are limited, so book ahead, especially on weekends and holidays. Outside the gates, taxis and autos from Haridwar/Rishikesh handle transfers.

• Chilla range, the most popular safari zone across the Ganges from Haridwar — elephants, deer, and good chances of leopard and tiger sign.

• Chilla Barrage and the Ganga canal, scenic water bodies on the park's edge, good for birdwatching and crocodiles.

• Elephant herds, the park's signature wildlife, often seen in the grasslands and along the river.

• Birdlife — over 315 species, from hornbills and woodpeckers to raptors and winter migrants along the Ganges.

• Motichur and Ranipur ranges, quieter forest sectors near Haridwar.

• Mahseer-rich river stretches of the Ganges fringing the park.

• Jeep safaris in the Chilla (or Motichur/Ranipur) range — the headline activity for elephants, deer, birds and predator sign.

• Birdwatching along the Chilla barrage, canal and riverine forest, especially in winter.

• Combine with Haridwar and Rishikesh for a temple-and-wildlife day or two.

• Nature walks and watchtower visits at the forest rest houses (where permitted with guides).

• River and angling experiences for mahseer along the Ganges (catch-and-release, where allowed).

There are no restaurants inside the park; dining is at the resorts near Chilla and the gates, and in Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. Resort kitchens serve buffet multi-cuisine meals; the nearby holy towns are strongly vegetarian (Haridwar and Rishikesh are alcohol-and-meat-free), with thalis, chaat and South Indian fare widely available. Carry water and snacks for safaris.

• Budget: dhabas and pure-veg eateries in Haridwar/Rishikesh for thalis and chaat.
• Mid-range: the in-house restaurants of the Chilla-area resorts.
• Upscale: the dining at the better jungle resorts and Rishikesh wellness hotels.

(Confirm current establishments and prices locally.)

Resorts and town restaurants serve tea, coffee, fresh juices and soft drinks. Note that Haridwar and Rishikesh are dry, vegetarian towns with no alcohol; resort bars outside the holy-city limits may serve drinks, but no alcohol is permitted on safaris or inside the park. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and carry plenty on game drives.

• Budget: guesthouses and budget hotels in Haridwar and Rishikesh, plus the forest rest houses at Chilla and other ranges (book through the forest department).
• Mid-range: resorts near the Chilla gate and along the Ganges offer comfortable rooms with safari arrangements.
• Upscale: a few jungle resorts and the upscale Rishikesh-area properties offer premium stays.

There is no shopping inside the park; Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun nearby are the places to buy supplies, safari basics, snacks and souvenirs. Haridwar's bazaars offer religious items and local sweets, Rishikesh its wellness and yoga goods, and the resort gift shops sell wildlife-themed souvenirs and books. Bargaining is normal in the town markets but not in fixed-price shops.

• Haridwar (~9 km from Chilla, ~30 min) — the holy Ganges city and its evening aarti.
• Rishikesh (~20 km, ~45 min) — yoga capital and Ganges adventure hub.
• Dehradun (~50 km, ~1.5 hr) — the state capital.
• Mussoorie (~85 km, ~3 hr) — the Queen of Hills.
• Jim Corbett National Park (~150 km, ~4 hr) — India's oldest tiger reserve.
• Delhi (~220 km, ~5–6 hr) — the nearest metropolis and gateway.