Rajaji National Park

2 daysBest: Nov–JunForests#elephants#safari#wildlife

Elephant-rich forest across the Shivaliks

Why this weekend?

Chila rangeElephant sightingsGanga riverline drive

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The day-by-day plan

Day 1 · The safari
- Jeep safari
- Elephant watch
- River stop
Day 2 · The ranges
- Chilla drive
- Watchtower
- Return

Geography & terrain

Rajaji NP lies in the Dehradun and Haridwar districts of Uttarakhand, 25 km from Haridwar and 50 km from Dehradun — the elephant park of the region, its 1983 reserve, the jeep safaris and the Ganges edge set on the Shivalik's forest.

History & culture

The park's story runs with the 1983 national park era — the elephant reserve of the 1983 founding and the Shivalik's forest of the 1986 tiger project, with the park's modern role as the wildlife stop of the Haridwar circuit and the home of the 1983-era park and the jeep safaris and the Ganges-side drives; the park's history of the 2018 tiger count and the elephant corridors and the Chilla range, gives Rajaji its elephant character.

Where to stay

Budget

₹1,500–3,500/night

Mid-range

₹3,500–7,000/night

Comfort

₹7,000+/night

Things to do

Elephant safaris
Forest drives
River edges
Watchtower decks
Wildlife grounds

Eat & drink

Kafuli (spinach curry)
Bhatt ki dal (black soybean)
Aloo ke gutke
Bal mithai (Almora sweet)

Getting there

Fly: Dehradun (DED)
Train: Haridwar, Kathgodam, Dehradun stations
Road from Delhi: 250–450 km depending on valley
Getting around: Shared taxis and buses on hill roads

Budget snapshot

Total: ₹10,000–18,000 (2 days)
Per day · Stay: ₹1,500–7,000/night
Per day · Food: ₹600–1,000
Per day · Transport: ₹1,200–1,600
Per day · Activities: ₹2,500–2,900

Month by month

Jan · Snow: −5–8°C · Snow rain
Feb · Snow: −3–10°C · Snow rain
Mar · Good: 2–14°C · Light rain
Apr · Best: 7–20°C · None rain
May · Best: 12–25°C · None rain
Jun · Good: 16–30°C · Moderate rain
Jul · Monsoon: 18–28°C · Heavy rain
Aug · Monsoon: 17–27°C · Heavy rain
Sep · Best: 14–26°C · Moderate rain
Oct · Best: 8–20°C · None rain
Nov · Cold: 2–14°C · None rain
Dec · Snow: −2–9°C · Snow rain

Practical info

Language: Hindi (English understood in tourist spots)
Best window: Nov–Jun
Connectivity: Patchy in high valleys — offline maps essential
UPI/cards widely accepted; keep small cash for hill and market stops

Practical tips

The season (Nov–Jun) holds the sightings
The safaris ask the bookings
The drives ask the early starts

Frequently asked questions

What is Rajaji NP?

The elephant park of the Shivalik.

What is there to do?

The safaris, the elephants and the river.

How long is the visit?

Two days.