Rajaji National Park Guide

Rajaji National Park is one of northern India's most important wildlife reserves, spreading across the Shivalik foothills of Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri Garhwal — and the single best place near Dehradun to see genuinely wild elephants.

A Tiger Reserve Formed from Three Sanctuaries

Rajaji was created in 1983 by merging the Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries, later declared a tiger reserve in 2015. It sits along a critical wildlife corridor linking the Shivalik hills to the Gangetic plains, which is a major reason its elephant population has stayed relatively strong.

What You Can See

Wild elephant herds are the most consistently spotted wildlife, alongside spotted deer, sambar, and wild boar. Tigers and leopards are present but sighted less predictably. The park also supports over 300 recorded bird species, making it a serious destination for birdwatchers as much as big-game spotters.

Booking a Safari

Jeep safaris run in fixed morning and afternoon slots through different entry zones — Motichur and Kansrao are closest to Dehradun, roughly 15-20 km away, while Chilla suits travellers approaching from Rishikesh or Haridwar. The park is open roughly mid-November to mid-June, closed during monsoon.

For safari costs, zone-by-zone advice, and full booking tips, see our complete Rajaji National Park guide.