Plan for a Short Trip to Rajaji before Its Monsoon Closure in 2025
By JAGAT- 27/May/2025: Tucked along the foothills of the Shivalik range in Uttarakhand, Rajaji National Park is a tranquil yet thrilling haven for wildlife lovers, nature seekers, and photographers. Known for its majestic elephants, leopards, rich birdlife, and lush green forests, the park has steadily gained popularity as one of India’s most accessible wildlife destinations, especially for travel enthusiasts from northern cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to visit, now’s the time. Rajaji closes annually during the monsoon months to ensure the safety of both wildlife and visitors. Planning a short getaway before the 2025 monsoon closure allows you to experience the park at its liveliest, just before the rains arrive and nature transforms into a dense, rain-soaked forest.
Rajaji national park typically closes for visitors during the monsoon season, which spans from mid-June to mid-November. This closure helps protect the park's sensitive ecosystems and allows wildlife to move freely during the breeding season. Based on previous years, the park is expected to close by June 15, 2025. It’s highly recommended to check the official Uttarakhand Forest Department website or contact the park office directly for the most updated dates, as they may shift slightly depending on weather forecasts. Planning your trip in late May or early June gives you a window to explore the park while avoiding last-minute restrictions.
A 2-Night and 3-Day Travel Itinerary for Rajaji National Park
The Best time to visit Rajaji usually ranges from November to April, when tourists face favourable weather conditions. The month of May becomes somewhat hot, but if you have missed the peak tourist season, then you can plan a quick getaway in May too. Here’s a simple itinerary to help you make the most of your short visit to Rajaji before the monsoon closure.
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
Arrive at Rajaji National Park via Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. These cities are well-connected by rail and road and serve as excellent entry points. Head to one of the primary entry gates - Chilla, Motichur, or Ranipur. Spend your day exploring nearby forest trails or watching birds along the Ganges River. In the evening, familiarize yourself with the safari schedule and confirm your Rajaji National Park Booking if you haven’t done it online already.
Day 2: Safari Day
Start early with a morning jeep safari. The cool hours just after sunrise offer the best chance to spot elephants, barking deer, sambar, wild boars, and even leopards if you're lucky. Return for breakfast and relax during the midday heat. In the afternoon, embark on a second safari through a different zone for a broader wildlife experience. Don’t forget your binoculars - Rajaji is home to innumerable bird species, including hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles.
Day 3: Departure
After a peaceful breakfast, check out and begin your journey back. If time allows, you can take a short detour to Rishikesh or Haridwar for sightseeing or a dip in the holy Ganges before heading home.
How to Reach Rajaji National Park
Getting to Rajaji is relatively simple, making it a perfect weekend escape for travellers from northern India.
By Road:
Rajaji is well connected via road to Dehradun (60 km), Haridwar (10 km), and Rishikesh (21 km). You can hire a cab, drive down, or take a local bus to any of the main gates - Chilla or Motichoor Gate is the most popular and tourist-friendly.
By Train:
The nearest railway stations are Haridwar Junction and Dehradun, both of which are connected to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and so on. From the station, local taxis or autos can take you to the nearest gate of the park.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Rajaji is Jolly Grant Airport, located approximately 37 km away in Dehradun. Regular flights operate from Delhi and other metro cities. After landing, you can easily hire a cab to reach the park.
Don’t wait until the last minute, make your Rajaji National Park booking online, plan your route, and head out for a refreshing encounter with nature before the monsoon curtain falls on this beautiful reserve.