Rajaji National Park/Tiger Reserve

Rajaji National Park/Tiger Reserve is a protected area in India.

Rajaji National Park/Tiger Reserve at a Glance

Location
The Himalayan Heights, India, South Asia
Coordinates
30.062775, 78.130000
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cooler, dry months) for tiger safaris and wildlife.

Getting to Rajaji National Park/Tiger Reserve

Nearest airport: Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport (DED), 15 km away.

Nearest international airport: Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), 146 km away.

Wildlife in Rajaji National Park/Tiger Reserve

Home to 61 recorded species including 19 waterbirds, 17 birds of prey, 13 iconic birds, 8 tropical birds, 2 big herbivores, 1 big cats.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Rajaji National Park/Tiger Reserve

50 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

luxury

Similar Parks in The Himalayan Heights

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for India

Travel advisory for India

Rajaji National Park/Tiger Reserve FAQs

When is the best time to visit Rajaji National Park for wildlife sightings, and which safari gates are recommended?

Rajaji National Park is best visited from November to June, with March to May offering the highest chances of spotting wildlife as animals frequent water sources. The park typically closes during the monsoon season (July-October). For safari access, the Chilla and Motichur gates are popular and offer good opportunities to explore varied terrain and diverse wildlife.

What unique wildlife can I expect to see at Rajaji National Park, and how does the safari experience differ from other Indian parks?

Rajaji is renowned for its significant elephant population and offers excellent opportunities to spot Asian elephants in their natural habitat, alongside tigers, leopards, and sloth bears. Unlike some other parks, Rajaji's terrain, characterized by the Shivalik hills and proximity to the Ganges, provides a distinct landscape for safaris, often involving riverbed drives and dense forest trails.

What are the typical costs for a safari at Rajaji National Park, and how should I book one?

Safari costs at Rajaji generally include entry fees, vehicle charges (for a jeep), and a mandatory guide fee, typically ranging from INR 2500-4000 per jeep for a 2-3 hour ride. It's advisable to book your safari permits online in advance through the official Uttarakhand Forest Department website, especially during peak season, or arrange through local tour operators.

What specific safety precautions should I take during a safari at Rajaji National Park, especially considering its environment?

While Rajaji has a moderate malaria risk, it's crucial to use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication before your trip. During safaris, always follow your guide's instructions, maintain a safe distance from wildlife, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises to ensure both your safety and the animals' well-being.

How accessible is Rajaji National Park from major tourist cities like Haridwar or Rishikesh, and what transport options are available?

Rajaji National Park is highly accessible, with its Chilla gate located just 10 km from Haridwar and approximately 20 km from Rishikesh, making it an easy day trip from these spiritual centers. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available from both cities to reach the park gates, and many hotels can assist with arranging transportation and safari bookings.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.