Rajaji National Park: How to Reach, Safari Cost and Everything to Know

When it comes to national parks in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett often gets the spotlight. But there’s another gem that’s remarkable for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers—Rajaji National Park. This safari near Dehradun, is a tiger reserve with rich biodiversity, offering an exciting tour for wildlife spotting. More than just a sanctuary for animals, this forest cover acts as the green lungs for Uttarakhand’s key cities Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh. With its pristine air and the Ganga river flowing on one side, this national park is a must-visit spot in Dehradun if you like wildlife tourism.

This article serves as a detailed guide on Rajaji National Park safari cost, bookings and accommodations. 

Where is Rajaji National Park Situated?

Rajaji National Park is situated along the Siwalik ranges at the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Spread across 820 sq km, it encompasses three districts Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. It is a popular safari near Dehradun and Haridwar. 

How to Reach Rajaji National Park?

The nearest city to Rajaji National Park is Dehradun. You can easily fly to Dehradun which has regular flights from Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore.  

By rail: Haridwar is the nearest station to Rajaji National Park. It is just about 10 km (15-20 mins) to reach the park from the station. 

By air: Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport is the most convenient if you’re taking a flight. The north boundary of the park is closer to the airport. You can book a cab from the airport to reach the national park directly.  

By road: Dehradun and Haridwar are well-connected with the highway network. Several bus services run on the route. You can drive easily from Delhi via the express highway. 

Rajaji Park Safari Cost and Time

Rajaji National Park primarily has three zones to manage the tourists – Chilla Zone, Ranipur Zone and Jhilmil Zone. There are different types of safaris available like day visits, full-day tours and gypsy or jeep safaris. 

Rajaji National Park Safari Timings:

The safari duration usually varies within the safari zones. It is ideally between 2-3.5 hours. 

Morning safari – 7 AM to 9 AM

Evening safari – 3 PM to 6 PM

Rajaji Park Safari Cost

Rajaji National Park also has entry tickets in addition to the safari cost. 

Entry fee: INR 150/per person for 3 hours

Jeep Safari cost: INR 3,000-3,500 for 6 people. 

There are additional costs if you bring a video camera or take a guide. 

How to Book Rajaji National Park Safari?

For Rajaji National Park safari booking, head to the official website https://rajajitigerreserve.uk.gov.in/ 

Fill out the form on the website with your details and get a booking confirmation over email. 

Where to Stay Near Rajaji National Park?

Experience the thrill of a wildlife safari near Dehradun at Rajaji National Park, a must-visit destination for nature lovers. You can choose our private villas in Dehradun, for an unforgettable holiday amidst comfort and serenity. 

Ivy Cottage is a lovely 4-bedroom private villa in Dehradun to stay within a verdant foliage and enjoy your family getaway. In addition to its lush garden, the home also has a private pool and an outhouse with barbecue arrangements. 

If you prefer a serene riverside stay, check out our Rishikesh villas which ensure you wake up to the melody of birdsong and experience the bliss of residing beside Ganges. 

FAQs

1. When is the best time to visit Rajaji National Park?

November to May is the best time to visit Rajaji National Park. The park stays closed during the monsoons. In the winter months, the climates are much cooler in North India, making for a more pleasant experience.  

2. Which zone is the best for safari in Rajaji National Park?

Chilla Safari Zone is the most common track for safaris in Rajaji National Park as it spans 36 km. 

3. Can we see tigers in Rajaji National Park?

There can be no assurance about definite spotting of tigers in Rajaji National Park. The forest is vast and divided into three safari zones. It is more common to spot wild elephants, boars, sambars, deer, barking deer and a variety of bird species in the national park reserve. 

4. What are other tourist spots near Rajaji National Park?

Rajaji National Park is close to the spiritual cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, which have Ganga ghats to visit and experience the calm vibes. Some must-visit places in Dehradun include the Forest Research Institute, Guchchupani Caves, Mindrolling Monastery, etc. 

5. Which is the closest city to Rajaji National Park?

Rajaji National Park is a popular safari near Dehradun. The safari zones are also closer to Haridwar and Rishikesh.