Rajaji National Park

Rajaji National Park (Rajaji Tiger Reserve), sprawling across 820 square kilometers of pristine Shivalik foothills and lush river valleys just 9 km from Haridwar in Uttarakhand, is one of North India's premier wildlife sanctuaries and elephant reserves.

Formed in 1983 through the amalgamation of the historic Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries and designated as India's 48th Tiger Reserve in 2015, this grand bio reserve was named in honour of the legendary freedom fighter and India's last Governor General, C. Rajagopalachari.

It's the home of over 500 wild Asian elephants roaming ancient migratory corridors, thriving populations of Royal Bengal tigers and Indian leopards, dense virgin Sal forests dissected by mountain streams, over 315 resident and migratory bird species including the Great Pied Hornbill, and thrilling open top 4x4 jeep safaris.

It represents a rich wilderness sanctuary where formidable Himalayan foothills, sacred Ganga riverine ecosystems, dense tropical deciduous jungles, and pulse racing wildlife encounters unite near Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Located with its main Chilla entry gate just 10 km from Haridwar Railway Station (HW) and 18 km from Rishikesh, it sits 35 km from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED) and 220 km northeast of New Delhi, easily reached by private taxi, state bus, or self drive car along NH 334.

The 1983 Shivalik Sanctuary & Tiger Reserve Status

Spanning across three districts, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal, Rajaji encompasses the rich transition zone between the Indo Gangetic plains and the lower Himalayan ranges.

The park is the critical north western boundary for Asian elephant distribution in the Indian subcontinent, protecting ancient elephant corridors that connect with Corbett National Park across the Lansdowne forest division.

Truth is, the reintroduction of breeding Royal Bengal tigers in recent years has restored the park's apex predator balance, making morning and evening safari drives exhilarating.

Chilla & Motichur Safari Zones

Chilla Tourism Zone: Located on the east bank of the Ganges, Chilla offers a 36 kilometer designated safari track winding through open riverbeds, tall elephant grass, and dense teak forests with scenic wildlife watchtowers.

Motichur Zone: Situated along the Haridwar Rishikesh road, Motichur features dense Sal canopies, scenic natural stream crossings, and peaceful dirt tracks popular for spotting spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, and wild boars.

Avian Paradise & Jungle Safari Realities

Birdwatching Haven: Over 315 bird species thrive here, including the Great Hornbill, Crested Kingfisher, Himalayan Pied Woodpecker, and Crested Serpent Eagle soaring above the forest canopy.

Jungle Safaris: Authorized 4x4 open safari jeeps operate twice daily under the guidance of registered forest naturalists, navigating pebble dry riverbeds (raus) where elephant families frequently come to drink at sunset.

After experiencing the wilderness of Rajaji National Park, witness the sacred evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, experience white water rafting in Rishikesh, or explore the spiritual temples along the holy Ganges.