Rajaji Tiger Reserve — location and key facts
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.
When is Rajaji Tiger Reserve open
• Open: 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 in Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Rajaji has one of the largest elephant populations of any tiger reserve in India.
Asian elephants and tigers in Rajaji Tiger Reserve
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.
Birds in Rajaji Tiger Reserve
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.
Safari zones in Rajaji Tiger Reserve
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. 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
Also known as Mohand. A location renowned for leopard sightings, with scenic views — 3 to 4 leopards are commonly reported per visit.
Zone: Ramgarh
Ramgarh zone offers a distinct safari experience within the Rajaji Tiger Reserve landscape. Good wildlife diversity across the Shivalik forest terrain.
Safari types and permits at Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Safari timings at Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Three seasonal timing periods apply across all zones. Entry and exit timings are strictly enforced. The safari runs for 2-3 hours generally.
Nov 15 – Feb 15
Morning safari: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Afternoon safari: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Feb 16 – Apr 15
Morning safari: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Afternoon safari: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Apr 16 – Jun 15
Morning safari: 5:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Afternoon safari: 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Safari type at Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Jeep safari is the only vehicle type available across all zones.
How to book a Rajaji Tiger Reserve safari permit
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.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve safari 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 or driver based on track length or geographical and natural situations of the forest area. A group of 6-7 adults is allowed per safari vehicle for a day visit.
All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.
Safari rules at Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Safari conduct rules at Rajaji are enforced by the Nature Guide assigned to every vehicle and apply to all visitors regardless of nationality.
• Wear earth-toned, dull colors. Bright colors alarm wild animals.
• Do not alight from the vehicle at any point inside the park, except where permitted.
• Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Do not tease or disturb animals.
• Do not smoke or light campfires inside the forest.
• Do not litter. Dispose of all waste in the bag provided on your way out.
• Nature Guide services must be obtained from the park. Co-operate with forest officials at all times.
• Arrive at the gate 30 minutes before the last entry timing. Visit is prohibited before sunrise and after sunset.
How to reach Rajaji Tiger Reserve
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 — approx. 50 km by road. If flying, Jolly Grant Airport (DED) at approx. 40 km from Chilla gate is the nearest — travel onward by taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions — Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Safaris are booked through the official portal at rajajitigerreserve.uk.gov.in. Select your date, zone, and number of visitors, enter visitor details including a group leader, and complete payment — an e-ticket is generated. Nature Guide services must be obtained separately from the park.
Chaurasi Kutia is a spiritual and wildlife heritage site within Rajaji Tiger Reserve, named for its 84 huts representing the 84,00,000 species believed to exist on earth in Hindu tradition. It is the site The Beatles visited in 1968, and is the only zone at Rajaji open throughout the year.
Chillawali, also known as Mohand, is renowned for leopard sightings — 3 to 4 leopards are commonly reported per visit. There is no wild cheetah population anywhere near Rajaji; India's only wild cheetah population is the reintroduced program at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, hundreds of kilometers away.
Most zones close during the monsoon, within the broader season that runs November 15 to June 15. Chaurasi Kutia (Beatle Ashram) is the exception and remains open throughout the year.
Six safari zones, each with a separate entry gate, all accessible by jeep safari. Chilla is the primary and most visited zone.
₹600 per person plus a ₹500 vehicle charge applies at most zones. Chaurashi Kutia is the exception, at ₹1,200 per person with no vehicle charge. Fees are per person for entry and per vehicle for the vehicle charge.
A group of 6-7 adults is allowed per safari vehicle for a day visit. The charge for the gypsy itself is set by the vehicle owner or driver based on track length and the terrain of the specific zone.
Haridwar is the primary access city, with Chilla gate approx. 50 km away. The nearest railway station is Haridwar Junction (HW), and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (DED), approx. 40 km from Chilla gate.
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