Rajaji National Park safari
Rajaji is the forest on Haridwar's doorstep: sal woodland, riverbeds and grassland that are home to wild elephants. A morning safari fits easily into a Haridwar trip.
By the Amartarangini team. Last checked in October 2026.
- Season
- 15 November to 15 June. Closed in the monsoon.
- Safari slots
- Morning 6 to 10 AM, afternoon 2 to 6 PM (Chilla zone)
- Nearest gate
- Motichur, about 6 km from the hotel
- Most popular zone
- Chilla, about 15.7 km from the hotel
What you might see
Rajaji is best known for Asian elephants. Spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, langurs and peacocks are common, and the reserve also holds leopards and a small number of tigers. Birdlife is rich, especially in winter.
Sightings are never guaranteed. Go for the forest, and treat any big animal as a bonus.
The zones near Haridwar
- Motichur: the closest gate to the hotel, about 6 km by road.
- Chilla: the main tourism zone, across the Ganga, about 15.7 km from the hotel. The usual circuit takes around two and a half hours.
- Ranipur and Jhilmil Jheel are smaller zones on the Haridwar side.
Season dates and Chilla timings above are from the Rajaji Tiger Reserve website. Ask at the gate or at our reception about current slots and fees for Motichur.
Tips
- Safaris are by open jeep with a registered driver and guide, booked at the gate.
- Carry a photo ID for every guest.
- Winter mornings are cold in an open jeep. Bring a warm layer.
- Wear dull colours, stay in the vehicle and keep your voice down.
From Amartarangini
Amartarangini sits at the edge of the Rajaji forest. Please do not walk into the forest on your own, and drive slowly on the roads near Motichur after dark, when elephants sometimes cross.
Book online Call +91 90843 79816Free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in on direct bookings.
Questions guests ask
When is Rajaji National Park open?
From 15 November to 15 June each year. It is closed during the monsoon.
Which Rajaji gate is closest to Amartarangini?
Motichur, about 6 km by road. Chilla, the main zone, is about 15.7 km.
Bringing a school or college group? We provide stay and pure vegetarian meals for 400+ students and teachers on Uttarakhand Darshan Yatra. See educational trips.