Rajaji & Rishikesh

Early morning Safari in Rajaji

Rajaji Tiger Reserve with an area of 820 square kilometers is located in the picturesque hills of Shiwalik mountain ranges not too far from Rishikesh. The Park is home to species such as the tiger, Asian elephant, leopard etc., king cobra and 315 species of birds. In the 1980s, Chilla, Motichur and Rajaji wildlife sanctuaries were merged in to one to form Rajaji Tiger Reserve. A visit to Rajaji National Park is a much desired experience for many when they are in Rishikesh.

Rajaji constitutes an important part of the Teraiarc Landscape between Yamuna in north-west and Sharda river in the south-east. The Park closes for the monsoon from July 1 to November 15 every year. It's easier to get safari permits for Rajaji than it is for the more popular - Corbett National Park. There are a couple of hotels near one of the Park's gates but they're basic and most visitors stay in Rishikesh as there are hotels for all kinds of travelers and there is plenty more to do than just the jungle safari. 

The Ganga at Rishikesh

Having said that if you're really into wildlife then you should stay near Rajaji. Staying close to the Park's entry gate gives you an extra hour of sleep. The commute from Rishikesh to Rajaji is about 45 minutes one way so if you're doing the morning safari you will have to depart from Rishikesh by 5:30AM in order to make it in time for the safari.

If a visit to Rajaji is not your thing, no worries, let me know what you're keen to experience in Rishikesh and surroundings. I can organize nature walks / hikes in Rishikesh and other outdoor and nature inclined experiences according to your requirements. 

Suggested Itinerary for Rajaji

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Rajaji

Afternoon pick up from Rishikesh / Dehradun airport and transfer to Rajaji (1 hour drive). My naturalist will meet you at the resort and will discuss with you the plan, expected wildlife sightings and other vital information.

Oriental Pied Hornbill 

Day 2: Chilla Safari & Ranipur Safari or Motichur Safari

After a quick morning tea/coffee we proceed for our first guided jeep safari in Chilla zone of Rajaji for about four hours. Chilla zone is well known for its herds of elephants and if you're lucky you may get to see a tiger. Back to the resort for shower and lunch. Our breakfast will be packed to go. In the afternoon we do a game drive in Ranipur/Motichur zone of the Park. 

Elephant in Rajaji National Park

Day 3: Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve and Chilla Safari

After a quick morning tea/coffee we drive to Jhilmil Jheel for a morning safari. Jhilmil Jheel is a saucer (circular) shaped wetland situated on the left bank of the Ganga river in Chiriyapur forest range, Haridwar district. It is corridor for various animals of Rajaji Tiger Reserve as both shares common boundaries. It is one of the few places where you can see the Swamp deer also known as the barasingha (12 horns). Back to resort for lunch. Post lunch we do another safari in Chilla zone.

Day 4: Post breakfast, depart for your onward journey.

Asian Barred Owlet

For pricing, please contact us on the details at the end of this page.

Entrance to Chilla Safari Track

How to get to Rajaji

From Delhi Rajaji and Rishikesh are a 5-6 hour drive. You can also take a train to Haridwar from where I can get you picked up. Another option is to fly to Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. The flight time is 01 hour from Delhi. From the airport it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Chilla Range in Rajaji Tiger Reserve and about 45 minutes to reach Rishikesh.

Crested Hawk Eagle

Please Note:

• Safari permits once issued are non-refundable and non-transferable under any circumstances.
• Try to wear dull color clothes (brown, grey, olive green) during safaris.
• There is no guarantee that you will see the above wildlife. The river and / or sanctuary is their habitat and sightings depend on water level in the river, human interference, climatic conditions, weather and other factors, migratory pattern of birds, most of which are beyond your and my control. I will do my best to show you all there is to see. 
• Bring with you photo ID, camera, binoculars, warm jacket (in the winter), backpack, sun glasses, cap, vizer, sun block and drinking water.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol is not permitted in National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Please do not throw trash on the floor even if you don't see a trash can. Ask your guide and he/she help to dispose it off properly.
• To prevent any disturbance to wildlife, it is advisable not to use call playback to attract birds, feeding or baiting of wildlife. Despite this, if you do and are caught by the authorities or called out by locals or fellow wildlife enthusiasts, then you are entirely on your own - embarrassment, fines and other penalties  are your responsibility.

To visit Rajaji, book hotels and safaris or if you're looking for an experienced naturalist to take you on nature trails in and around Rishikesh, email info@travelwith.in or call (+91) 9717148483.