Travel Guide 2026
How to Reach
Rajaji National Park
The most accessible Tiger Reserve in North India. 15 km from Haridwar · 250 km from Delhi · Train from ₹150. Complete guide for every transport mode and every safari gate.
Distance from Major Cities
Haridwar
15 km
25-30 min
Rishikesh
18-22 km
35-45 min
Dehradun
35-55 km
1-1.5 hrs
Delhi
250-265 km
5-6 hrs
Dehradun Airport
35-45 km
45-60 min
At a Glance
Rajaji is North India's Most Accessible Tiger Reserve
No other Tiger Reserve in India sits this close to a major railway junction, a highway, and two Himalayan holy cities. Planning your journey is straightforward.
From Delhi
250 km
5-6 hrs by road
From Haridwar
15 km
25-30 min by auto
From Rishikesh
18-22 km
35-45 min by taxi
From Dehradun
35-55 km
1-1.5 hrs by taxi
Dehradun Airport
35-45 km
45-60 min to gate
How to Travel
Complete Transport Guide - All Modes
Click any transport mode to see detailed routes, timings, fares, and booking tips.
By Train - Most Recommended
Haridwar Junction · 15 km from Chilla Gate · Trains from Delhi from ₹150
Recommended Route
Delhi → Haridwar Junction
- Board overnight train from New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, or Old Delhi station
- Arrive Haridwar Junction in 4-6 hours · Night trains are most convenient
- From Haridwar station: auto-rickshaw to Chilla Gate · 20-25 min · ₹150-200
- Arrive at gate by 5:40 AM for morning safari
Alternative Route
Delhi → Rishikesh Station
- Train to Rishikesh Railway Station (some trains connect directly)
- Or train to Haridwar → local bus/taxi onward to Rishikesh
- From Rishikesh: taxi to Motichur Gate · 22 km · 45 min · ₹350-500
- Best if you want Motichur or Ranipur zones, or combining with Rishikesh stay
| Train Name | Train No. | Departs Delhi | Arrives Haridwar | Duration | Sleeper Fare | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dehradun Shatabdi Express | 12017 | 06:45 (NDLS) | 10:48 | 4h 03m | CC: ₹760 | Daily |
| Mussoorie Express | 14041 | 22:15 (NDLS) | 04:30 | 6h 15m | SL: ₹190 | Daily |
| Yoga Express | 19031 | 23:55 (NDLS) | 05:35 | 5h 40m | SL: ₹200 | Daily |
| Kota-Dehradun AC Express | 12401 | 23:50 (NDLS) | 03:55 | 4h 05m | 3A: ₹600 | Daily |
| Janshatabdi Express | 12055 | 15:20 (NDLS) | 19:27 | 4h 07m | 2S: ₹150 | Daily |
| Indb-Amritsar Express | 19325 | Varies (NZM) | HW via NH | ~5h | SL: ₹175 | Weekly |
Train timings subject to change. Verify on IRCTC.co.in or Rail enquiry 139 before booking. NDLS = New Delhi · NZM = Hazrat Nizamuddin. Overnight trains (Mussoorie Express, Yoga Express) are most popular for next-morning safaris.
By Road - Most Flexible
NH-58 via Meerut · 5-6 hrs from Delhi · Door-to-gate convenience
Main Route - Delhi to Chilla Gate
NH-58 (Delhi-Haridwar Highway)
- Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar · 250 km total
- At Haridwar: take NH-58 towards Rishikesh · Don't enter Haridwar city
- Cross the Ganga bridge at Chandi Ghat · Turn right on Chilla Power Channel Road
- Chilla Gate is 3 km ahead on the right
- Total drive time: 5-6 hours (without major traffic)
Alternative - Expressway Route
Delhi-Meerut Expressway + NH-334
- Take Delhi-Meerut Expressway to Meerut
- Join NH-334 towards Haridwar via Muzaffarnagar
- Faster than NH-58 through Delhi due to expressway section
- Recommended for early morning departures (4-5 AM)
Bus options from Delhi: UPSRTC Volvo/AC buses from Kashmiri Gate ISBT to Haridwar · ₹300-600 · 5-7 hrs · Multiple daily departures. Shared taxis also available from Kashmiri Gate for ₹400-500 per seat. Not recommended if you need to reach gate by 6 AM for morning safari - take overnight train instead.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun · 35-45 km from Chilla Gate · Daily flights from Delhi
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)
- Distance from Chilla Gate: 35-45 km · 45-60 min drive
- Daily flights: Delhi IGI → Dehradun DED · 45-55 minutes
- Also connects: Mumbai (1 hr 50 min), Bengaluru (2 hrs 40 min), Kolkata, Hyderabad
- Taxi from airport to Chilla Gate: ₹800-1,200 · Prepaid taxis at arrivals
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, Akasa Air
International Visitors
Delhi IGI Airport (DEL) → Haridwar
- Fly into Delhi IGI Airport from your home country
- Option 1: Connecting flight Delhi → Dehradun (45 min)
- Option 2: Hire cab from Delhi airport to Haridwar (250 km · 5-6 hrs · ₹3,500-5,000)
- Option 3: Delhi to Haridwar by train from New Delhi station (4-6 hrs)
Local Transport - Haridwar to Gates
Auto-rickshaw, taxi & bus options from Haridwar to all safari gates
From Haridwar to Chilla Gate
Auto-Rickshaw (Budget Option)
- Auto-rickshaws available from Haridwar station and bus stand
- Fare: ₹150-200 to Chilla Gate · Negotiate before boarding
- Duration: 20-25 minutes
- Best for solo travellers or couples · Not ideal for groups with luggage
Recommended for Families/Groups
Taxi from Haridwar
- Taxis available at Haridwar Railway Station exit · Fixed rates
- Chilla Gate: ₹250-350 · Motichur Gate: ₹200-300
- Pre-book via WhatsApp for early morning (5:00-5:30 AM) pick-up
- We arrange safari taxi pickups: WhatsApp 7820012558
| From | To (Gate) | Mode | Distance | Time | Approx Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haridwar Station | Chilla Gate | Auto-rickshaw | 9-15 km | 20-25 min | ₹150-200 |
| Haridwar Station | Chilla Gate | Taxi | 9-15 km | 25-30 min | ₹250-350 |
| Haridwar Station | Motichur Gate | Auto/Taxi | 8 km | 20-25 min | ₹150-250 |
| Rishikesh (Ram Jhula) | Chilla Gate | Taxi | 18-20 km | 35-45 min | ₹350-500 |
| Rishikesh (Ram Jhula) | Motichur Gate | Taxi | 22 km | 45 min | ₹400-550 |
| Dehradun Airport | Chilla Gate | Taxi | 35-45 km | 45-60 min | ₹800-1,200 |
Zone Entry Gates
Gate-by-Gate Directions
Each safari zone has its own entry gate. Arriving at the wrong gate means a 20-40 minute detour. Use these zone-specific directions.
Most Popular
Chilla Gate
Chilla Zone - Tigers & Elephants
- From Haridwar: NH-58 towards Rishikesh → cross Ganga bridge at Chandi Ghat → turn right on Chilla Power Channel Road → gate 3 km ahead
- Distance from Haridwar city: 15 km · From Haridwar station: 9 km
- GPS: 29.9457°N, 78.0736°E - search "Chilla Forest Gate" on Google Maps
- Gate opens: 5:30 AM (morning safari) · 2:30 PM (evening safari)
- Landmark: Look for the Chilla dam road sign after crossing the Ganga
Motichur Gate
Motichur Zone - Leopards & Birds
- From Haridwar: NH-58 towards Rishikesh · Motichur gate is 8 km from Haridwar on the right side before entering Rishikesh city
- From Rishikesh: 22 km via NH-58 towards Haridwar · Gate on the left side
- GPS: Search "Motichur Gate Rajaji" on Google Maps
- Nearest base: Both Haridwar and Rishikesh are equidistant
- Note: Motichur and Chilla gates are in opposite directions from each other
Jhilmil Jheel Gate
Jhilmil Jheel - Wetland & Barasingha
- From Haridwar: NH-58 towards Rishikesh → continue past Motichur Gate → follow signs for Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve
- Distance from Haridwar: ~30 km · Approximately 45 minutes by taxi
- Open until June 30 (2 weeks after main park closure)
- Best combined with Motichur Zone visit on the same day
Ranipur Gate
Ranipur Zone - Leopard & Goral
- From Haridwar: ~22 km · More rural route · Taxi recommended
- Take Haridwar-Kotdwar road · Follow signs for Ranipur Range Rajaji
- Less well-signposted than Chilla - confirm route with your taxi driver in advance
- Best to book transport specifically mentioning "Ranipur Gate Rajaji"
Mohand Range Gate
Mohand Range - Birds & Forest
- Located between Haridwar and Dehradun · Closest to Dehradun (35 km)
- From Dehradun: NH-58 towards Haridwar · Follow Mohand/Chillawali signs at Saharanpur highway junction
- From Haridwar: 35 km · 45-55 minutes by taxi (₹600-800)
- Best accessed from Dehradun base · Also good for Saharanpur travellers
Important: Wild Elephants on Roads After Sunset
Wild elephants frequently cross the roads near Chilla Gate and along the Rishikesh-Haridwar highway - especially after sunset. Do not drive on these roads after dark without caution. If you encounter an elephant on the road, switch off your headlights, turn off the engine, and wait quietly until it moves away. Never honk or accelerate toward an elephant.
City-Specific Routes
Reaching Rajaji From Nearby Cities
Step-by-step guides from the most common starting points - with modes, costs, and timings.
From Delhi
250-265 km · 5-6 hrs road · 4-6 hrs train
By Train (Recommended)
Overnight train from New Delhi/NDLS/NZM to Haridwar Junction. Mussoorie Express (22:15 NDLS), Yoga Express (23:55 NDLS). Arrive Haridwar 4:30-5:35 AM. Auto to Chilla Gate by 6 AM. From ₹150 Sleeper.
By Car (Groups)
NH-58 via Meerut-Muzaffarnagar-Roorkee-Haridwar. Depart by midnight for a 6 AM safari. Paid highway tolls: ~₹250-350 total. Petrol/diesel ~₹1,800-2,200 one way.
By Bus
UPSRTC Volvo from Kashmiri Gate ISBT · ₹300-600 · 5-7 hrs. Not recommended for morning safari - schedule unreliable for early gate arrival.
From Haridwar
15 km · 25-30 min
Auto-Rickshaw (Budget)
Auto-rickshaws outside Haridwar Railway Station and Har Ki Pauri. ₹150-200 to Chilla Gate. Pre-negotiate. Not available at 5 AM - book previous evening.
Taxi (Recommended)
Hotel taxi or Haridwar station taxis. ₹250-350 to Chilla Gate. Pre-book for 5:00-5:30 AM pick-up via WhatsApp 7820012558. We arrange safari-day transport.
From Rishikesh
18-22 km · 35-45 min
Taxi (Best Option)
Taxis from Ram Jhula / Laxman Jhula area. ₹350-500 to Chilla Gate (18-20 km). ₹400-550 to Motichur Gate (22 km). Book night before for 5 AM pickup.
Scooter Rental
Popular for solo travellers. Scooty rental ₹500-800/day from Rishikesh. Scenic drive via Chilla dam road along Ganga. Avoid after sunset - elephants cross road.
From Dehradun
35-55 km · 1-1.5 hrs
Taxi to Chilla Gate
Taxi from Dehradun city to Chilla Gate: ₹700-1,000 (55 km, 1.5 hrs). Best for Chilla zone. Dehradun is also closest base for Mohand Range (35 km).
Bus + Local Transport
Buses from Dehradun ISBT to Haridwar hourly · ₹80-120 · 1.5 hrs. Then auto/taxi from Haridwar to gate. Total: ₹250-400. Good budget option.
Travel Tips
Essential Travel Tips
Arrive Early at Gate
Gate opens at 5:30 AM for morning safari. Arrive by 5:40 AM to complete permit verification without rush. From Haridwar - leave your hotel by 5:00-5:10 AM. Taxi booking the night before is essential in peak season.
No Driving After Dark Near Park
Wild elephants regularly cross NH-58 between Haridwar and Rishikesh after sunset - especially near Chilla. If you're driving back after an evening safari (ends 6:30 PM), be extra cautious. Switch headlights to dim if you spot an elephant on the road.
Save Offline Maps
Mobile data is poor near the park. Download Google Maps offline for the Haridwar-Chilla area before leaving. Save the Chilla Gate GPS pin: 29.9457°N, 78.0736°E. Signal is lost entirely inside the forest.
Stay in Haridwar, Not Rishikesh
For Chilla Zone safaris, Haridwar is the better base - 15 km vs 18-20 km from Rishikesh. Hotels in Haridwar are also generally cheaper. You can attend Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in the evening after your morning safari - perfect combination.
Frequently Asked
Travel & Directions FAQ
Haridwar Junction is the nearest major railway station - 9-15 km from Chilla Gate. It is well-connected from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Jammu, and all major Indian cities. Rishikesh Railway Station is 20 km from Motichur Gate. Dehradun Railway Station is 55 km from Chilla Gate.
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (IATA: DED) is the nearest airport - 35-45 km from Chilla Gate. Daily flights connect Dehradun with Delhi (45 min), Mumbai (1 hr 50 min), Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Taxi from the airport to Chilla Gate costs ₹800-1,200 and takes 45-60 minutes.
Yes - it is possible but a very long day. Delhi to Haridwar is 250 km (5-6 hrs road). Depart Delhi by 12 AM-1 AM, reach Haridwar by 5:30-6:30 AM, complete morning safari (6-9:30 AM), drive back by noon. Total = 18-20 hour day. Not recommended. The better plan: take an overnight train to Haridwar, safari morning, return by evening train. Stay overnight for a much more comfortable experience.
Chilla Gate is 9-15 km from Haridwar Railway Station (distance varies depending on which part of Haridwar). From Haridwar Bus Stand or city centre, it is approximately 15 km. Auto-rickshaw costs ₹150-200 and takes 20-25 minutes. Taxi costs ₹250-350 and takes 25-30 minutes.
Yes - Rishikesh is an excellent base for Rajaji safaris. Chilla Gate is 18-20 km from Ram Jhula (35-45 min by taxi, ₹350-500). Motichur Gate is 22 km (45 min, ₹400-550). A Rishikesh stay lets you combine safari with river rafting, yoga, and Ganga views - making Rajaji from Rishikesh a very popular combination itinerary.
Yes - taxis are available at Haridwar Railway Station even at 5 AM, as Haridwar is a 24-hour pilgrimage city with constant transport activity. However, for peak season (December-February) morning safaris, we strongly recommend pre-booking your taxi the previous evening. WhatsApp us on 7820012558 and we arrange hotel-to-gate transport as part of our safari package.
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