Most Haridwar visitors don’t know that one of North India’s best wildlife sanctuaries is sitting just 9 km from the city. If you are visiting Haridwar for Ganga Aarti, Har Ki Pauri, or yoga — a morning jungle safari at Rajaji National Park is the perfect add-on. Back in the city by noon. No extra travel day needed.
Rajaji National Park surrounds Haridwar on three sides. The Motichur gate is just 9 km from Haridwar city centre — that is a 15-minute drive. Chilla gate is 12 km, Ranipur gate is 15 km, and Jhilmil Jheel is 20 km. Every one of these can be done as a comfortable morning day trip from Haridwar.
This guide covers everything — which zone to pick, how to reach, what it costs, and exactly what you will see — so you can plan your jungle safari near Haridwar without any confusion.
Why Haridwar is the Best Base for Rajaji Safari
Haridwar receives over 10 million visitors every year — mostly for pilgrimage and spiritual tourism. But what most visitors don’t realise is that the same Shivalik forest that frames Haridwar’s skyline is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and over 315 bird species.
No other major pilgrimage city in India has a tiger reserve this close. Varanasi doesn’t. Mathura doesn’t. Puri doesn’t. Only Haridwar — where you can attend Ganga Aarti at sunset and watch wild elephants at sunrise the next morning.
All Safari Zones Near Haridwar — Distance & Quick Guide
| Zone | Distance from Haridwar | Drive Time | Best For | Track Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motichur Zone | 9 km | 15 min | Elephant herd, Koelpura grassland | 24 km |
| Chilla Zone | 12 km | 20 min | Tiger, Elephant, Great Hornbill | 36 km |
| Ranipur Zone | 15 km | 25 min | Leopard, Himalayan Goral, Sloth Bear | 24 km |
| Jhilmil Zone | 20 km | 35 min | Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Bird Watching | 25 km |
| Satyanarayan Zone | 10 km | 18 min | Half-day safari, Birds, Peaceful | 15 km |
| Andheri Zone | 14 km | 22 min | Leopard, River safari near Chilla Dam | 20 km |
Zone-by-Zone Guide — Which One to Choose
Motichur Zone — 9 km from Haridwar
Closest Zone
Motichur zone is the closest safari gate from Haridwar city — just 9 km on NH-58 (Haridwar-Rishikesh highway). It is the most accessible zone and ideal for visitors with limited time who want to experience jungle safari near Haridwar without spending the whole morning travelling.
The 24 km circular track passes through mixed deciduous forest and opens up at Koelpura grassland — one of the best spots in Rajaji for elephant herd sightings. Spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, langur, and peacock are commonly spotted. Tiger and leopard sightings are occasional but recorded.
Chilla Zone — 12 km from Haridwar
Most Popular
Chilla zone is the most popular and most productive safari zone near Haridwar. The 36 km circular track is the longest in Rajaji — taking 3–4 hours to complete. It passes through dense sal forest, open grassland chaur areas, and the Mundal Sot river track along the Ganges.
This is where tiger sightings are most frequent in Rajaji. Elephant herds are commonly seen near the river in the morning. Great Hornbill and Pied Hornbill are resident — Chilla is the best zone for hornbill sighting. Also spot leopard, spotted deer, sambhar, monitor lizard, and crocodile near the riverbed.
The Chilla gate is located at the Chilla Forest Office — 12 km from Haridwar. Our office is located here, making booking and departure extremely convenient.
Ranipur Zone — 15 km from Haridwar
🐆 Leopard Zone
Ranipur zone is Rajaji’s premier leopard territory. The 24 km straight track leads through the rocky Shivalik terrain into the historic Beribara Forest Rest House area — the original Rajaji Wildlife Sanctuary from British times. Rocky ridges and cliffs create ideal leopard habitat.
This is the best zone in all of Rajaji for Himalayan Goral sightings — a unique cliff-dwelling wild goat found only in the Shivalik range. Goral being primary leopard prey means leopard activity is consistently high. Sloth Bear sightings are also most frequent in Ranipur compared to any other zone.
If you have only one morning for a leopard safari near Haridwar, Ranipur zone in December–February gives you the best chance.
Jhilmil Zone — 20 km from Haridwar
Unique Wildlife
Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve is 20 km from Haridwar on the Najibabad Road — about 35 minutes by car. It is technically a separate Conservation Reserve but managed under Rajaji Tiger Reserve and falls under the same booking system.
Jhilmil is the only place in Uttarakhand where Swamp Deer (Barasingha) can be seen. The wetland ecosystem is completely different from all other Rajaji zones — open grassland, marshy jheel, and Terai riverine forest. November to March brings 300+ bird species including migratory waterfowl from Siberia and Central Asia.
For bird watchers, wildlife photographers, and visitors who want something genuinely different from a regular jungle safari near Haridwar, Jhilmil is unmissable.
How to Reach Each Safari Zone from Haridwar
Most convenient option. Hire a cab from Haridwar station or your hotel. Cost: ₹300–500 one way. Driver can wait during safari and drop you back.
Autos available for Motichur and Chilla gate. Negotiate return fare. Cost: ₹150–250 one way. Not available for Jhilmil zone.
Buses run on NH-58 toward Rishikesh passing Motichur. Alight near the gate. Not practical for early morning safari timings.
We arrange pickup from your hotel in Haridwar. Included in some packages. Call +91-93687-57005 to check availability.
Safari Price — Jungle Safari Near Haridwar
Jeep (Gypsy) ₹3,000 Per vehicle (max 6 persons) | Entry Fee ₹150 Per person (Indian) | Guide Charges ₹500 Per safari (mandatory) |
Safari Timings
Morning Slot: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM (Best for all wildlife)
Evening Slot: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Not available April–June)
For a group of 6 Indians, total cost works out to approx ₹700–750 per person all-inclusive. Book in advance — daily jeep permits are limited to 30 per session.
What to Carry for Your Haridwar Safari Day Trip
- ✓ Neutral clothing — khaki, olive, or grey. Avoid bright colours and white
- ✓ Camera or phone with good zoom for wildlife photography
- ✓ Binoculars — especially useful for Jhilmil bird watching
- ✓ Water bottle — at least 1 litre per person
- ✓ Light jacket or shawl for November–February morning safaris
- ✓ Sunscreen and cap for March–June visits
- ✓ No plastic bags inside the park — carry a cloth bag
Plan Your Haridwar Day — Safari + Ganga Aarti
Here is a perfect Haridwar day combining jungle safari near Haridwar with the city’s spiritual highlights:
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | Wake up, light breakfast | Hotel, Haridwar |
| 6:00 AM | Depart for safari gate | 9–20 km from city |
| 6:30 AM | Morning jeep safari begins | Rajaji National Park |
| 9:30 AM | Safari ends, return drive | Back to Haridwar |
| 10:30 AM | Breakfast at hotel / restaurant | Haridwar city |
| 12:00 PM | Har Ki Pauri, temples, shopping | Haridwar |
| 6:00 PM | Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri | Haridwar Ghat |
Helpful Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Your Jungle Safari Near Haridwar
All zones just 9–20 km from Haridwar city. Morning safari done by 10 AM. Expert local guide included. ₹3,000 per jeep.
+91-93687-57005 | WhatsApp Available