Rajaji National Park is located at a pristine location in the foothills of the Shiwalik in Haridwar District. Jeep Safari in Rajaji National Park is the most fascinating activity to engage in. Jeep safaris are operated twice everyday, once in the morning and once in the evening, for about 2 hours each shift. The safari takes place inside the park in open jeeps, where visitors can navigate through rough terrain on unpaved trails. There are 5 different safari zones in Rajaji National Park, namely - Chilla Zone, Motichur Zone, Chaurasi Kutiya Zone, Jhilmil Zone, and Haridwar Zone. While the Chilla, Motichur and Haridwar are categorised under the Core Zone, the Buffer Zone encloses the Jhilmil and Chaurasi Kutiya. In order to secure a jeep safari, online booking in advance for the same is rendered necessary. Jeeps are almost equally allocated in all the zones and so does the wildlife population.
Please note that tiger sightings cannot be guaranteed during the jeep safari at Rajaji National Park. It is entirely a matter of luck. However, abiding by the instructions imparted by the guide and the driver, wildlife spotting can become more interesting. Kindly, do not force or influence the driver to divert the jeep route or request to stay beyond the stipulated safari duration. Before entering the park premises, it's crucial to obtain permission and tickets from the forest department.
Chilla Zone- Exploration of the Chilla Zone in Rajaji National Park offers visitors an eco-conscious adventure through a captivating jeep safari guided by local experts. Covering a distance of 36 km, this safari is renowned as the most sought-after excursion within the park. Along the route, adventurers can delve into the rich biodiversity of the region while admiring the stunning landscapes of Mundal, Mithawali, and Khara. The safari traces through dense sal forests and expansive Chaur plains, showcasing a harmonious blend of habitats. With a duration of approximately 2 and a half hours, the safari provides ample opportunities to witness the park's diverse wildlife, including Asian Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Spotted deer, Sambhar, Langoor, Barking deer, and Jungle cats. Moreover, bird enthusiasts can rejoice in sightings of Pied and Great Hornbills, adding to the allure of this nature-filled experience. Along the way, visitors can also explore the Interpretation Centre-Cum-Library, enriching their understanding of the park's ecological significance.
Motichur Zone- Another renowned entry point to Rajaji National Park is the Motichur Safari Zone, attracting visitors with its remarkable Sal Forest. Spanning approximately 25 km, the safari route offers a mesmerizing journey through dense forest. The abundance of Sal trees provides a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife species, with elephants being a common sight in the Motichur area. As visitors traverse the forest through jeeps, they may also encounter Woodpeckers, Hornbills and Barbets relishing the resources of the forest and contributing to the area's vibrant biodiversity.
Jhilmil Zone- The Jhilmil Jheel Safari offers a unique and delightful experience, serving as the buffer zone of Rajaji National Park within the Haridwar Forest Division. Spanning approximately 30 km, this safari treats tourists to a scenic drive through a combination of forests and the serene waters of the Ganges River. Along the route, visitors encounter expansive Patera grasslands, which are frequented by Swamp Deer, Spotted Deer, Sambhar, and Wild Boar. The southern part of Chilla boasts a marshy grassland that serves as a conservation reserve for Swamp Deer. Jhilmil Lake is renowned for sightings of Leopard and Elephant, adding to the safari's allure. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, from November to March offering prime opportunities to observe migratory birds alongside resident species.
Chillawali / Mohand Zone- The Chillawali Safari Zone is popularly known as the Mohand Range. This zone is located approx 20 km from Dehradun on the Delhi-Dehradun National Highway 72A. The track length of the Mohand Safari Zone stretches from 30 km - 36 km. The forested hills of this zone facilitate the sight of leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, Himalayan black bears, langurs, wild boar and many more. It is a significant region of Rajaji Tiger Reserve and also houses a variety of avian species, namely, Himalayan monal, grey partridge, black francolin, etc
Book Safari in Advance: Advance booking of jeep safaris in Rajaji National Park is crucial to secure the safari in advance. This helps to avoid the last-minute non-availability of jeeps.
Know the Right Season: Learn about the optimal time or season to visit Rajaji National Park. Winters are the most comfortable season to embark on a safari. However, the summer months from March to June escalate the chances of wildlife sightings.
Strictly Follow the Rules: There are a set of rules and regulations that have to be mandatorily followed by visitors while on a jeep safari inside the zones of Rajaji. The rules are implemented to ensure visitors' safety and maintain the forest's decorum.
Maintain Silence: Making any kind of noise is strictly prohibited inside the forest. Any unwanted noise disturbs the serene ambience of the forest, which is unsuitable for the animals.
Dress Appropriately: Venturing inside the forest during a safari requires comfortable dressing. Also, the colour of the apparel has to be considered. Light and earthy tones are recommended to camouflage with the forest region during safari.
Carry Cameras and Binoculars: Carry binoculars to get distant views. Binoculars also help to catch a glimpse of the slightest activity happening at a distance. Cameras are the best option to capture the wild moments on the safari. However, remember to turn off the flash while clicking pictures.
Abide by the Guide’s Instructions: Pay attention to the instructions given by the guide. Doing so will ensure a better opportunity for wildlife viewing, simultaneously maintaining all the safety measures.