Elephant Safari in Rajaji National Park
A slow, close-to-the-ground way to enter the forest — riding a Forest Department working elephant through the Chilla zone, at a pace and vantage point no jeep can match.
Check AvailabilityElephant safari runs only when Forest Department working elephants are available and is not guaranteed on every visit. Confirm current status directly before planning your trip around it.
Elephant Safari in Rajaji National Park
Alongside the open-top Gypsy jeep safari, Rajaji offers a smaller-scale elephant safari — riding one of the Forest Department's own working elephants through the Chilla zone. It's a different kind of forest experience: slower, quieter, and at a height that changes how the jungle looks and sounds around you.
Elephant Safari in Chilla Zone
Chilla is the only zone in Rajaji where elephant safari is offered, run from the Chilla elephant camp near the main gate. Because it depends on the Forest Department's own working elephants rather than a large fixed fleet, it operates on a smaller, more limited basis than the jeep safari — some seasons and days it may not run at all.
Elephant Safari Experience
Riding an elephant through sal forest and grassland puts you well above eye level with the undergrowth — you'll notice details a jeep passes by, and move quietly enough that some wildlife doesn't register your approach the way it would a vehicle. It's a shorter, gentler outing than a full jeep safari, better suited to a relaxed forest experience than a wildlife-spotting mission.
Elephant Safari Timings
Elephant safari generally follows the same broad safari windows as the jeep safari, subject to elephant and mahout availability on the day.
Typically 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM, in line with the park's morning safari slot. Cooler hours suit both riders and the elephants.
Typically 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, in line with the park's evening safari slot, subject to daily availability.
Elephant Safari Price
Unlike the jeep safari, elephant safari is typically charged per person rather than per vehicle.
| Category | Indicative Rate |
|---|---|
| Indian visitor (per person) | ₹1,200 – ₹1,500* |
| Foreign visitor (per person) | Higher rate, confirm at gate* |
| Camera / photography permit | Charged separately, per device |
*Rates are indicative and revised periodically by the Forest Department — confirm current pricing before booking.
Elephant Safari Booking Process
- Check current availability — elephant safari is not offered every day, unlike the jeep safari
- Book online where available, or enquire directly at the Chilla gate booking office
- Carry a valid photo ID for every rider, as required for all Rajaji safari bookings
- Arrive at the Chilla elephant camp ahead of your slot time
- Pay any balance amount on arrival, if advance booking only covered a partial payment
Elephant Safari Route / Track
The elephant safari covers a short, fixed loop within the Chilla zone, near the elephant camp and main gate — considerably shorter than the 20+ km jeep safari routes. It's designed as a close, unhurried forest walk rather than a wide-ranging wildlife search.
How Many People Can Ride an Elephant
Typically 2 to 4 riders per elephant, depending on the howdah (seating platform) used and individual elephant capacity. A mahout accompanies every ride and guides the elephant throughout.
Wildlife You May See
Sightings depend on the day, but these are commonly seen along the Chilla elephant safari route.
Spotted Deer
Forest edgesWild Boar
UndergrowthForest Birds
Sal canopyLangurs
Tree coverBest Time for Elephant Safari
Early morning is generally the most comfortable and active slot — cooler temperatures suit both riders and the elephants, and forest activity is higher. Winter months (November–February) offer the most pleasant riding conditions overall.
Elephant Safari vs Jeep Safari
Different pace, different experience — here's how they compare.
| Elephant Safari | Jeep Safari |
|---|---|
| Available only in Chilla zone | Available across all zones |
| Short, fixed loop route | Long routes, 20+ km |
| Slow, close-up forest experience | Faster, wider area coverage |
| 2–4 riders per elephant | Up to 6 per Gypsy |
| Seasonal, subject to availability | Runs daily in season |
| Priced per person | Priced per vehicle |
What to Carry
Safety Rules & Guidelines
- Follow the mahout's instructions at all times, including how to mount and dismount
- Keep hands, feet and loose items inside the howdah at all times
- Sit still and avoid sudden movements that could unsettle the elephant
- Children must be seated with and supervised by an adult throughout the ride
- The safari may be paused or cancelled at the mahout's discretion for safety reasons — this is normal and non-negotiable
Rules for Responsible Elephant Tourism
- Only ride Forest Department-managed elephants — never a privately operated or unregistered ride
- Do not feed the elephants without explicit permission from the mahout
- Do not touch, prod, or attempt to direct the elephant yourself
- Respect the mahout's call if a particular elephant is resting or unavailable that day
- Report any visible sign of distress or mistreatment to Forest Department staff
How to Reach Chilla Elephant Safari
The Chilla elephant camp is near the main Chilla gate, roughly 12 km from Haridwar along the Haridwar–Rishikesh road. Taxis and autos are readily available from both cities; Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest major rail link, about 20–25 minutes away by road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elephant safari available every day at Rajaji?
No — it depends on the Forest Department's working elephants being available and fit for the day. Unlike the jeep safari, it is not guaranteed to run on every visit, so it's best to confirm before you plan around it.
Which zone offers elephant safari?
Chilla is currently the only zone in Rajaji National Park offering elephant safari, run from the Chilla elephant camp near the main gate.
How is elephant safari priced compared to jeep safari?
Elephant safari is charged per person, while jeep safari is charged per vehicle. Confirm current rates with the Forest Department, as pricing is revised periodically.
Is elephant safari suitable for children?
Yes, when seated with and supervised by an adult, following the mahout's instructions throughout the ride.
Check Elephant Safari Availability
A limited, seasonal experience — enquire ahead of your visit to confirm it's running.
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