Rajaji Tiger Reserve was formed by merging three wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand — Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla. It is situated along the hills and foothills of the Shivalik ranges and represents the Shivalik ecosystem. The landscape includes semi-evergreen to deciduous forests, mixed broad-leaved forests, Terai grasslands, and riverine vegetation. Sal trees dominate most of the reserve.
• Open Season: November 15 to June 15 — all zones open for day visit safari but Chaurasi Kutia (Beatle Ashram) remains open throughout the year for visits
Wildlife
Asian Elephant — Rajaji has one of the largest elephant populations of any tiger reserve in India. Elephant herds are frequently sighted in the Chilla zone grasslands and along the Ganga river corridor. Bengal Tiger is also present across the reserve with sightings reported from Chilla and Motichur zones. Over 315 bird species have been recorded including Great Hornbill, Crested Kingfisher, Khaleej Pheasant, Ruddy Shelduck, Red-crested Pochard, and large numbers of migratory waterfowl. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Safari Zones
Rajaji Tiger Reserve has six safari zones — each with a separate entry gate. All zones are accessible by jeep safari. Chilla is the primary and most visited zone.
Zone: Chilla
The main tourism zone and the most visited. Good for elephant, tiger, and large mammal sightings. Eco-development committee canteen available. Interpretation centre and library on site.
Zone: Chaurashi Kutia (Beatle Ashram)
A spiritual and wildlife heritage site — named for the 84 huts (Chaurasi Kutiya) representing 84,00,000 species believed to exist on earth. This is the site visited by The Beatles in 1968. Open throughout the year — the only zone at Rajaji not subject to the monsoon closure. No vehicle charge applies for this zone.
Zone: Motichur
Motichur Wildlife Sanctuary has good wildlife diversity including elephant, tiger, and leopard. It has a dense Sal forest terrain.
Zone: Haridwar
Good wildlife sighting record with 420 sq km of total area in this range.
Zone: Chillawali
A location for cheetah sightings and scenic views.
Zone: Ramgarh
Ramgarh zone offers a distinct safari experience within the Rajaji Tiger Reserve landscape. Good wildlife diversity across the Shivalik forest terrain.
You must reach the gate 20 minutes before last entry timing to avoid inconvenience. After entry, the safari runs for 2–3 hours generally.
Safari and Permits
Safari Timings
Three seasonal timing periods apply across all zones. Entry and exit timings are strictly enforced.
Nov 15–Feb 15
6:30 AM – 10:30 AM
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Feb 16–Apr 15
6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Apr 16–Jun 15
5:30 AM – 9:30 AM
3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Safari Type
Jeep safari is the only vehicle type available across all zones.
Permit Booking
You can book safari through the official online booking portal.
• Official Booking Portal: rajajitigerreserve.uk.gov.in
• Booking process: Select date, select zone, select number of visitors, enter visitor details including group leader, make payment — e-ticket will be generated.
Nature Guide services must be obtained from the park. Non-commercial photography has no fee.
Entry Fees
Fees are per person per visit for entry and per vehicle for vehicle charge.
Chilla
₹600 | Vehicle: ₹500
Chaurashi Kutia
₹1,200 | Vehicle: ₹0
Motichur
₹600 | Vehicle: ₹500
Haridwar
₹600 | Vehicle: ₹500
Chillawali
₹600 | Vehicle: ₹500
Ramgarh
₹600 | Vehicle: ₹500
The charge for the day visit gypsy is determined by the vehicle owner/driver based on track length or geographical/natural situations of the forest area. In a safari vehicle, a group of 06-07 adults are allowed for day visit.
Getting There
Haridwar is the primary access city for Rajaji Tiger Reserve — Chilla gate, the main safari zone, is approximately 50 km from Haridwar. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes and transport info below.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve Access City — Haridwar
Rail Station: Haridwar Junction (HW)
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)
Bus Terminal: Haridwar Bus Stand
Travel to Haridwar by train or bus and hire a taxi to Chilla gate — approximately 50 km by road. If flying, Jolly Grant Airport (DED) at approximately 40 km from Chilla gate is the nearest — travel onward by taxi.
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