Rajaji National Park
Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India • 29.95°N, 78.16°E
📖 About Rajaji National Park
- ✦Spread across 820 sq km where Shivalik hills meet Gangetic plains at 285m
- ✦Home to over 500 elephants that migrate between Corbett and Haridwar forests
- ✦Safari routes through Chilla and Motichur zones cover dense sal forest and grasslands
- ✦Park closes June to November - no safaris during monsoons and heavy summer heat
Spanning 820 square kilometres across Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal districts, Rajaji protects Shivalik foothill forests where you can spot elephant herds, leopards, and over 315 bird species. The park sits at 285m elevation along the Ganga river system, with five entry zones - Chilla (9 km from Haridwar), Motichur, Ranipur, Kunao, and Dholkhand. Safari timings are 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, with jeep bookings done online or at zone offices. The park formed in 1983 by merging Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla sanctuaries.
Dense sal and mixed deciduous forests cover 70% of the park, creating natural corridors for elephants moving between Corbett National Park 50 km east and the Mussoorie hills. Tiger sightings happen occasionally - the park has around 35 tigers based on 2022 census - but you come here mainly for elephants, sloth bears, wild boar, and sambhar deer. The Ganga's Song river flows through Chilla zone, attracting crocodiles and over 400 elephants during winter months. Birdwatchers track great hornbills, pied kingfishers, and crested serpent eagles along the watercourses.
Best for wildlife enthusiasts willing to wake at 5:00 AM for dawn safaris and those who want elephant spotting without Corbett's crowds and higher fees. Park's proximity to Haridwar and Rishikesh means day trips work, though two nights give you four safari slots. Limited accommodation inside park boundaries - most stay in Haridwar 9 km away where every budget and food option exists.
🎯 Things to Do in Rajaji National Park
Chilla zone covers 249 sq km with the best elephant sighting odds - herds gather near the Ganga's Song river and Pathri Rao stream. Online booking opens 45 days ahead at forest.uk.gov.in with jeeps costing Rs 1,500-2,000 for 6 passengers plus Rs 150 per person entry (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Book the 6:00 AM slot - elephants are most active at dawn and you avoid the heat that builds after 10:00 AM.
Motichur sits 18 km from Haridwar near Rishikesh, covering grasslands and sal forest where leopards appear more often than in Chilla. Same online booking system and pricing as Chilla with morning and afternoon slots. Fewer tourists pick this zone so weekend bookings are easier, but elephant herds concentrate in Chilla during winter months making that zone the priority.
The Song river and Asan river wetlands at park's western edge attract migratory waterfowl from November to February including bar-headed geese and ruddy shelducks. Walk the forest department trail near Chilla range office at 6:00 AM for hornbills and woodpeckers - no fee, no permit needed. Carry binoculars - birds stay high in sal canopy making phone photos difficult.
Kunao range at park's eastern edge, 55 km from Haridwar, has a small forest rest house bookable through Uttarakhand Forest Department with 3 basic rooms at Rs 1,500-2,000 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). This zone sees fewer visitors and has good chances for sloth bear sightings near Kansrao river. Road from Haridwar via Bijnor takes 2 hours - public transport does not reach here directly.
Har Ki Pauri ghat is 9 km from Chilla gate with evening Ganga aarti at 6:00 PM drawing massive crowds - arrive by 5:00 PM to find viewing space. Mansa Devi temple sits on hilltop 4 km from railway station with cable car access at Rs 89 round trip. Combine morning safari with afternoon temple visits if doing a day trip from Delhi or Dehradun.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | 4.9 | 23.6 | 37 | 52% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | 6.7 | 28.0 | 28 | 47% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | 10.0 | 35.2 | 43 | 43% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | 15.8 | 39.7 | 24 | 32% |
| May | 🌤️ | 20.3 | 42.8 | 53 | 32% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 22.9 | 42.7 | 132 | 43% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 23.3 | 37.0 | 388 | 76% |
| Aug | 🌧️ | 22.8 | 32.1 | 307 | 85% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 20.4 | 31.8 | 180 | 81% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | 14.9 | 31.2 | 25 | 64% |
| Nov | 🌤️ | 10.4 | 27.5 | 6 | 55% |
| Dec | 🌤️ | 6.3 | 24.9 | 9 | 50% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Haridwar region, not exclusively Rajaji National Park. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Rajaji National Park
💡 Visitor Tips
November to February mornings drop to 4.9°C to 10.4°C (40.8°F to 50.7°F) during 6:00 AM safaris - carry a fleece jacket and long pants. March to May temperatures climb to 39.7°C to 42.8°C (103.5°F to 109°F) making afternoon safaris uncomfortable despite park's low 285m elevation.
Book jeep safaris 30-45 days ahead through forest.uk.gov.in during November to February weekends - slots fill fast around Diwali and New Year. Walk-in bookings at Chilla and Motichur range offices work on weekdays but bring backup plans.
From Haridwar, take shared autos or taxis to Chilla gate for Rs 200-300 - Uber and Ola work but availability drops before 6:00 AM. If driving from Delhi or Dehradun, start by 4:00 AM to reach park by 5:30 AM for 6:00 AM safari check-in.
Haridwar has abundant ATMs on Railway Road and near Har Ki Pauri with most dhabas and hotels accepting UPI reliably - unlike remote hill stations, cash is easy here. Park entry and safari fees need cash or online advance payment.
Most stay options cluster in Haridwar along Railway Road and Upper Road with budget lodges from Rs 800-1,500 and mid-range hotels from Rs 2,500-4,500 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). No hotels inside park - only three forest rest houses needing advance booking through Forest Department.
📍 More Places in Haridwar
🗺️ Nearby Places
Tourist destinations within ~50km of Rajaji National Park
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Rajaji National Park covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Rajaji National Park is located in Haridwar district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 285 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.