Jungle safaris are one of the safest and most accessible ways of encountering wildlife up front and in person. Among the many wildlife sanctuaries in India, the Rajaji National Park deserves to be explored at least once by everyone. Home to tigers, elephants, leopards and a wide range of bird species, Rajaji National Park offers a unique safari experience, thanks to the different wildlife and safari zones that are scattered around the habitat. If you are planning to embark on a jungle safari in Rajaji National Park, having comprehensive knowledge of the ins and outs of the experience is vital.
About Rajaji National Park
Image Credit: Bakh1937 for wikimedia commons e
The origin of Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand dates back to 1983. The national park is spread across an area of 820.5 sq.km and is named after C. Rajagopalachari, a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement and the last Governor-General of India. One of the highlights of this national park is its location. It is spread across three districts in Uttarakhand – Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal. Not just that, the national park is also part of the larger Shivalik Elephant Reserve and plays a vital role in conserving the Asian elephant population.
Beyond the wide diversity of wildlife in the property, Rajaji National Park is also renowned for its diverse ecosystem. Some of the most notable mentions include riverine vegetation, grasslands, and scrublands. The national park was also declared a tiger reserve in 2015, following which it is also committed to conserving the population of the Bengal tiger. Some of the other common wildlife spotted in the national park are leopards, gharials, and over 350 species of birds.
Also Read: Best Wildlife Resorts In India
Jungle Safari Zones – Rajaji National Park
If you are planning to visit Rajaji National Park and embark on a jungle safari, one of the most crucial things to do is to be aware of the individual safari zones. Four major ones are known for helping visitors with wildlife spotting. These include:
1. Chilla Range Area
Image Credit: Achat1999 for wikimedia commons
Among the different jungle safari zones in the Rajaji National Park, the Chilla range happens to be the most popular one on the property. The particular zone crosses through Mandal Mithawali and Khara and is popular for the gypsy safaris through these zones. It takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to entirely explore this zone and be able to witness different kinds of wildlife up close. This particular zone is open between November and June only. Some of the animals that you can spot in this wildlife safari zone include elephants, deer, leopards, bears, peacocks, birds, pythons, etc.
Highlights: Provide designated observation points and guided safaris to enhance wildlife viewing experiences, allowing visitors to spot animals like elephants, tigers, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Establish eco-friendly lodging options, such as jungle camps or cottages, that promote sustainable tourism while allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings of the park.
2. Motichur Range Area
Image Credit: Nitulakshmi for wikimedia commons
Next, we have the Motichur range area, which is the second-best and most popular safari zone to explore in the Rajaji National Park. This particular zone is located on the road beside the famous Motichur village, hence the name. The safari includes your ride from Asarori through Charing Cross, which is roughly a 24 km ride. Throughout the ride, you cover and cross through the dense Sal forests. If your main objective is wildlife spotting in the national park, this particular safari zone is not where you can spot many. It is also open from November to June.
Highlights: Highlight the rich biodiversity of the Motichur Range, showcasing various species of flora and fauna, including deer, leopards, and numerous bird species, making it an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Eco-friendly accomodation: Provide eco-friendly lodging options such as rustic cottages or tented camps that blend with the natural surroundings.
Related Post: Snowfall In Uttarakhand
3. Ranipur Range Area
Image Credit: Ayushch for wikimedia commons
Another outdated safari zone inside the Rajaji National Park is the Ranipur Range Area. It’s one of those parts that not many tourists prefer visiting. It is located near Haridwar district and is quite less frequented by tourists. So, if you want a more secluded safari experience, this zone could be a blessing in disguise for you. The dense forest cover and undisturbed natural surroundings make it an excellent spot for wildlife sightings, including leopards, wild boars, and various bird species at times.
Highlights: Develop a network of well-marked nature trails that allow visitors to explore the lush landscapes, with opportunities for guided treks that provide insights into the local ecosystem and flora.
Accommodation: provide the unique accomodation to the tourist for a comfortable stay.
4. Jhilmil Range Area
Image Credit: A. J. T. Johnsingh for wikimedia commons
Located around 15 km from the Chilla range gate, the Jhilmil range is another one of the popular sites for wildlife safari inside the Rajaji National Park. This particular range is spread across 383 acres, making it one of the largest secluded zones in the national park. The range is so diverse and huge that the majority of the animals from other zones migrate here for better shelter and life. The distance covered exploring this range area is around 35 km, which takes 3-4 hours to complete exploring. You can spot Swamp Deer and Barasingha in this region. The range opens from November until June.
Highlights: distinctive wetland habitats within the Jhilmil Range, which support diverse wildlife, including migratory birds and aquatic species, making it a prime location for birdwatching and ecological studies.
Accommodations: offer a comfortable accommodation to enjoy the serene surroundings.
Related Post: Offbeat Places Near Nainital
Basic Information About Jungle Safari In Rajaji National Park
Image Credit: Manas Chakrabarty for wikimedia commons
Here are some essential and basic information that you must know about this national park.
Jungle Safari in Rajaji National Park Entry Fees:
Chilla Range:
- For Indians: Rs. 150 /person/visit of about 3 hours
- For Foreigners: Rs. 600 /person/visit of about 3 hours
Jhilmil Range:
- For Indians: Rs. 200/person
- For Foreigners: Rs. 800/person
Jungle Safari in Rajaji National Park Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 am to 9:00 am
- Evening: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Cost of Gypsy for Jungle Safari:
- If you are embarking on the jungle safari from Chila Range, Motichur and Ranipur, the cost is INR 3500 from the park gate.
- If you are entering from the Gohari range, the cost of the gypsy is INR 2800 from the park gate.
Note: It’s advisable to book safaris in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and avoid last-minute hassles.
Best Time To Visit Rajaji National Park
Image Credit: Shyamvs78 for wikimedia commons
Now that you have a basic understanding and knowledge of the jungle safari specifics throughout Rajaji National Park, when is the right time to visit? As previously mentioned, most (if not all) of the jungle safari zones in the Rajaji National Park are open from mid-November to mid-June. So, you have to plan your trip during those months. For a comfortable exploration, you can plan the visit during the winter months, between November and March.
The reason why these months are perfect for a jungle safari is due to the comfortable weather conditions and the chances of you getting to spot some of the wildlife from up close is also quite high. Also, during the summer months, between April and June, the rise in the temperature might make it difficult for you to embark on an outdoor jeep safari but given that wildlife come near water sources to quench their thirsts, the chances of you getting to witness wildlife from up close is quite high.
Related Post: Best Things To Do In Nainital
How To Reach Rajaji National Park?
Image Credit: pixifant for Pixabay
There are several ways to reach the Rajaji National Park, depending on your choice of transportation. For example, if you are travelling via flight, Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest. You can hire a taxi from there to the national park.
If you are travelling via trains, the nearest stations are Haridwar and Dehradun. If you are travelling via Haridwar, the Chilla Range is about 10 kilometres away, while the Rajaji Range near Dehradun is around 20 kilometres from the Dehradun railway station. There are taxis readily available from the railway stations too.
Is Night Jungle Safari In Rajaji National Park A Thing?
Image Credit: JoshuaWoroniecki for Pixabay
The question of night jungle safari in Rajaji National Park is quite a conflicting thought among the tourists. While some have this misconception that night or evening safaris are a viable option at Rajaji National Park, some mention that it isn’t. If you explore the official website of the national park, they mention that the safaris are conducted in two phases – Morning and Evening.
Now, before you get confused about the evening safari, it starts at 03:00 PM and ends at 06:00 PM and sometimes earlier too. So, technically, there is no night safari available at the national park. That said, things are always changing and there might not be real-time updates on the official website of the national park. So, if you are confused and wondering whether or not a night jungle safari is a thing, you can always enquire about the same at the ticket counter or entrance of the national park.
You May Also Like To Read: Restaurants In Almora
Planning a jungle safari in Rajaji National Park is one of the most exhilarating experiences for a nature lover and wildlife enthusiast. From spotting Bengal tigers to getting to witness the Asian elephant, each range zone in the national park opens up a treasure of experiences for the visitors. If you are planning your next trip to Uttarakhand , especially to Dehradun or Haridwar, making a pit stop to embark on a jungle safari at this national park is a unique experience.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit : Tarun802 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Jungle Safari In Rajaji National Park
What are the park timings for jungle safaris in Rajaji National Park?
The park is open for safaris from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Are private vehicles allowed inside Rajaji National Park for safaris?
No, the national park doesn’t allow the entry of outside or private vehicles inside the national park. You’d have to book a jeep safari.
Can we spot tigers in Rajaji National Park?
Rajaji National Park was announced to be a tiger conservation site in 2015, so depending on the season and luck, you might get to spot tigers.
What is the duration of a typical jungle safari in Rajaji National Park?
A typical jeep safari lasts around 3 hours, while canter safaris may last slightly longer. Elephant safaris are usually 2 hours long.
Can we go on a walking safari in Rajaji National Park?
You can’t embark on walking safaris around Rajaji National Park due to safety concerns.
People Also Read:
Pench National Park Hemis National Park Harz National Park
Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.
