Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajaji National Park)

Chilla is the largest and most accessible safari zone of Rajaji National Park, sitting just outside Haridwar and covering a wide stretch of Sal forest, grassland and riverine habitat along the Ganga's foothill course. Before Rajaji National Park was formally established, Chilla existed as its own protected area — the Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary — and it remains the most visited entry point into the park today, considerably more accessible from Haridwar than the Rishikesh-side gates. The zone is known especially for its elephant population, among the healthiest in the region, alongside leopards, deer, and a large number of resident and migratory bird species drawn by the mix of forest and riverbank habitat. Jeep safaris, typically run in morning and afternoon slots, are the standard way to explore, with sightings generally best in the cooler early hours. Like other zones of Rajaji, Chilla closes for a few months each year during the monsoon breeding season, so it's worth checking current open dates before planning a visit.