Everything you need to know about Rajaji National Park safari timings — morning and evening slot times, zone-wise gate hours, seasonal changes from November to June, and exactly when to arrive at the gate. Updated for the 2025–26 safari season.
Official slot timings set by the Uttarakhand Forest Department — updated for 2025–26 season
Disclaimer: Timings shown are based on the 2025–26 season schedule and are indicative. The Uttarakhand Forest Department reserves the right to revise safari timings without prior notice. Always confirm exact timings on your permit or call the gate office one day before your visit.
Total safari season
(Nov 15 – Jun 15)
Per day — morning
and evening
Duration per slot
~25–35 km route
Available for
jeep safari
Each zone has its own entry gate and slightly different operational schedule — check your specific zone before visiting
Most popular zone — highest demand. Gate opens sharp at 6:00 AM. Arrive by 5:40 AM to avoid queues at peak season. Morning slot is critical — tigers and elephant herds are most active in early morning in Chilla. Gate office opens at 5:30 AM for permit verification.
Second most popular zone. Same timings as Chilla. Being only 8 km from Haridwar, reaching Motichur gate by 5:45 AM is very manageable even from most Haridwar hotels. Best for leopards and birdwatchers — 200+ species recorded here. Full Motichur zone guide →
Jhilmil Jheel is the only zone with an extended season until June 30 — two weeks beyond the main park closure on June 15. This is a wetland conservation zone for the endangered Barasingha (swamp deer) and migratory birds. Evening safari timings for Jhilmil post June 15 are subject to Forest Department discretion — always confirm. Jhilmil Jheel zone guide →
Same core timings as other zones. Being 45 km from Dehradun, visitors typically need to leave their hotel by 4:45–5:00 AM for the morning safari. Ranipur receives far fewer visitors — no queues at the gate, immediate permit processing. Himalayan Goral sightings peak in early morning when they descend rocky ridges. Ranipur zone guide →
Most convenient zone for Dehradun-based visitors. At 35 km, you can reach the gate by 5:45 AM from most Dehradun hotels. Low visitor volume means smooth permit processing at the gate. Good for families wanting an uncrowded first safari experience. Mohand zone guide →
| Zone | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Chilla | 6:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Motichur | 6:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Jhilmil | 6:00 AM | Varies |
| Ranipur | 6:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Mohand | 6:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
Timings shown are for peak winter season (Nov–Feb). Summer timings differ — refer to master table above.
At a glance — which months the park is open, which months are best, and what time safaris run
Knowing the safari start time is not enough — you need to plan your hotel departure, travel to the gate, parking, permit verification and boarding all before the Gypsy rolls in. Here is the exact arrival timeline for the Chilla zone morning safari — the most popular slot.
If staying in Haridwar city centre, a 4:45 AM departure gives comfortable travel time to Chilla gate (15 km, ~25 min). From Rishikesh (20 km) leave by 4:30 AM.
Park your vehicle in the designated visitor parking. Small chai stalls near the gate are open this early — a good idea to have something warm before a winter morning safari.
The gate office opens at 5:30 AM for permit checks. Being in the queue by 5:20 AM ensures you are among the first batches processed, avoiding the last-minute rush that peaks at 5:50 AM during high season.
Your naturalist guide meets you at the Gypsy. The guide gives a 5-minute briefing on safari rules, the zone's current wildlife activity and morning route plan. Check your camera battery and settings now.
The Chilla gate opens at exactly 6:00 AM. All Gypsies enter together in convoy for the first 500 metres, then take their assigned routes. The forest ahead of you is cold, silent, and full of possibility.
Evening safari slots often have different reporting times than morning. Double-check your permit — it will state the exact reporting time. Some zones request arrival by 2:30 PM for the 3:00 PM slot.
Many visitors explore Haridwar's ghats in the morning after their safari and rest in the afternoon. Leave your hotel or lunch spot by 2:15 PM to reach Chilla gate comfortably by 2:40 PM.
The gate office reopens at 2:30 PM for evening permit processing. Arrive by 2:40 PM to complete permit verification without rush. Evenings are slightly less crowded at the gate than mornings.
The afternoon guide may be different from your morning guide. Introduce yourself again and mention any specific interests. Golden hour light starts at 4:30 PM — brief the guide if photography is a priority.
The evening gate opens at 3:00 PM. The afternoon forest is warmer and quieter than morning — deer are grazing in open clearings and the light through the sal trees is extraordinary for photography. Exit is sharp at 6:30 PM — the Gypsy must be back at the gate by sunset.
Late arrival = No entry: If you arrive at the gate after your slot's reporting time, the Gypsy may have already departed with other visitors or your permit may be forfeited. The Forest Department is strict about this — no exceptions, no refunds for late arrivals.
Gate timings, office hours and walk-in booking window are different from safari slot times
Tip: If you have an online permit, the gate process is faster — arrive 20 minutes early. Walk-in visitors should arrive 45 minutes before the safari start time to allow for permit processing, payment and documentation.
Timings may change with short notice. Call the gate office 1 day before your safari to confirm exact opening time for your specific zone and date.
If you decide to do a safari on the same day, walk-in booking is possible at the gate — but only if seats remain after online bookings. During peak season (Nov–Feb), chances of same-day availability are very low, especially for Chilla morning slot.
Best zones for last-minute: Ranipur and Mohand zones almost always have availability. Jhilmil zone is also less crowded.
Book Online — Guaranteed SlotA detailed breakdown of what each slot offers — so you can choose the right safari for your goals
Verdict: If you can only choose one slot — always choose morning. Tiger and elephant sighting probability is 30–40% higher in the morning slot compared to evening, based on wildlife patterns.
Best Strategy: Book morning in Chilla zone on Day 1. Evening in Motichur zone on Day 2. This combination gives you the best of both slots across both top zones — maximum wildlife variety across your entire Rajaji visit.
The most searched questions about safari timings, gate hours and park schedule — answered
Timings are just the start — here's everything else you need
Morning safari at 6:00 AM. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead during peak season. Don't let your preferred slot fill up.
🕕 Morning safari opens at 6:00 AM · Arrive by 5:40 AM · Book online to secure your slot
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