Rajaji National Park from Rishikesh makes a nearby foothills outing, and Chilla is one of its safari areas. The nature trails in Chilla, Rishikesh, visitors may be seeking are explored by safari vehicle: the circular route crosses dense sal forest and open grassland, with a safari typically lasting several hours.
- Area: Chilla range, within Rajaji National Park in the Himalayan foothills.
- Route: A 36 km circular safari track.
- Typical duration: About 3–3.5 hours for a safari.
- Usual visitor season: 15 November to 15 June.
Which Part of Rajaji National Park Should You Visit?
Chilla is a good area to focus on if you want a forest-and-grassland safari route within Rajaji National Park.
Rajaji lies in the Himalayan foothills near Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun, with the Ganga and Song rivers flowing through the park. In 1983, the Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla sanctuaries were brought together as Rajaji National Park, named for freedom fighter and India’s first governor general C. Rajagopalachari, known as Rajaji. The park covers 820 km².
The Chilla safari track forms a 36 km loop, running from the entry toward the Mundal Sot track. Along the way, the landscape shifts between dense sal forest and open chaur grassland. The safari duration is given as 3–4 hours, so allow several hours for the outing.
Animals found in the Chilla zone include Asian elephant, tiger, leopard, spotted deer, sambar, langur, barking deer and jungle cat. Pied and great hornbills are among the birds noted there. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
How Do You Get to the Chilla Area?
Road travel is the stated way to reach Rajaji National Park, with buses and cabs available. Hotel Raj Palace is in Rishikesh; this three-star hotel in Rishikesh can anchor your plans in the city.
Uttarakhand Tourism gives the distances as 27 km from Rishikesh to the park and 8 km from Haridwar Railway Station. Jolly Grant Airport is 35 km from the park. These are distances to the park, not a particular Chilla gate, so confirm your route and entry point before travelling.
If you are planning other city stops around the outing, a one-day Rishikesh itinerary can help you place them in the same day.
Safaris, Entry and Permits
Chilla is one of several safari zones, and you should confirm availability and booking requirements with park authorities before making plans.
The Rajaji National Park website identifies Chilla, Jhilmil, Motichur and Ranipur as safari zones, as well as Asarori and Mohand entries near Dehradun. Booking choices and seasonal availability can vary. A jeep has capacity for six people, and sharing is not allowed.
Confirm current permit prices, entry fees, safari hours and the booking and payment process directly with park authorities. The application may ask for contact details, safari date and entry time, group size and visitor identification details, so check the current requirements before applying.
For Chilla range enquiries, Uttarakhand Tourism gives the Range Office Chilla number as 01382-26675.
When Should You Plan a Visit?
The usual visitor season runs from 15 November to 15 June, and the park closes during the monsoon.
Uttarakhand Tourism describes November to June as the best time to visit, with the usual season running from 15 November to 15 June.
Treat these dates as a general seasonal pattern rather than a guarantee that every zone is open on a given date. Before arranging transport or a safari, check the official site before you go for current opening information and instructions.
If you are arranging a broader Rishikesh visit, seasonal conditions also shape the city’s travel calendar. The best time to visit Rishikesh guide covers its seasons and events.
FAQs
How long does a Chilla safari take?
Plan for about 3–4 hours for the safari drive.
What kinds of landscapes are on the Chilla route?
The circular track passes through dense sal forest and open chaur grassland.
Can you book a shared jeep?
No. A jeep holds six people, and sharing is not allowed. Confirm current booking conditions with park authorities before applying.