Planning a visit to Rajaji National Park and wondering, “Is Rajaji National Park open now?”
The answer depends on the time of year and the safari zone you want to visit. Rajaji follows a seasonal tourism schedule, and the regular safari season is generally from 15 November to 15 June. The published entry schedule lists 16 June to 14 November as the park’s closed period for regular tourism access.
This means that if you are planning a safari during the monsoon closure period, you should not assume that the regular Chilla, Motichur or other tourism-zone safari is operating.
In this guide, we explain the Rajaji National Park safari season, opening dates, safari timings, seasonal changes and what to check before booking.
Is Rajaji National Park Open Now?
As of September 2026, the regular Rajaji National Park safari season is closed.
The currently published schedule states:
15 November to 15 June: Regular tourism/safari season
16 June to 14 November: Regular park safari closed
Therefore, visitors planning a regular jungle safari in September should wait for the next scheduled tourism season unless the forest authorities announce a specific alternative arrangement.
The exact opening of individual zones can also vary, so it is important to confirm the latest zone-level information before travelling.
For general information about the park, you can also visit our Rajaji National Park Safari Guide.
When Does Rajaji National Park Safari Season Start?
The main Rajaji safari season starts around 15 November and continues until 15 June.
This period covers the winter, spring and early summer months, when regular tourism activities and jeep safari access are available according to the applicable forest rules and zone schedules.
If you are planning your trip around the opening of the new season, November can be an important month to watch for updated booking availability.
Before finalizing hotels or transport, check:
- Safari zone availability
- Opening date
- Morning and evening sessions
- Current entry requirements
- Current safari charges
- Booking availability
Safari access is subject to forest department permissions and operating conditions.
Rajaji National Park Safari Season Dates
Here is the general published seasonal schedule:
| Period | Regular Safari Status |
|---|---|
| 15 November to 31 January | Open |
| 1 February to 31 March | Open |
| 1 April to 15 June | Open |
| 16 June to 14 November | Closed |
The exact availability of individual zones should still be confirmed before booking because tourism operations can vary by zone and season.
If you are planning a visit specifically for a particular zone, check the zone status instead of relying only on the general park opening dates.
What Are Rajaji National Park Safari Timings?
Rajaji safari timings change during the season because sunrise and sunset times change.
The published entry schedule currently lists the following timings:
15 November to 31 January
Morning: 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Evening: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
1 February to 31 March
Morning: 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Evening: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
1 April to 15 June
Morning: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM
Evening: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
These are the published entry windows. Your actual safari duration and reporting requirements can depend on the selected zone and current forest instructions.
For more information about costs, see our Rajaji National Park Safari Ticket Price and Entry Fees guide.
Why Do Rajaji Safari Timings Change?
Safari timings are linked to daylight and the conditions inside the forest.
During the winter months, the morning entry starts later. As the days become warmer and daylight patterns change, morning and evening entry windows are adjusted.
This is why you should not use an old safari timing found in a blog, social media post or screenshot.
Always check the current timing applicable to your travel date.
Which Rajaji Safari Zones Are Open?
Rajaji has multiple tourism and safari access areas, and zone availability can vary.
Visitors may come across areas such as:
- Chilla
- Motichur
- Ranipur
- Jhilmil Jheel
- Chillawali or Mohand
- Gohri and other designated areas
However, you should not assume that all zones operate under exactly the same schedule.
For example, the published Rajaji safari information has previously specified different closing dates for some zones, including Jhilmil Jheel.
Before booking, check the zone you actually intend to visit.
You can compare the available areas in our Rajaji National Park Safari Zones guide.
Is Rajaji National Park Open During Monsoon?
The regular safari schedule lists 16 June to 14 November as the closed period.
You may find websites advertising monsoon nature drives or buffer-area experiences during this period. However, these should not be confused with the regular Rajaji National Park core tourism-zone safari.
Some published safari-tour information describes alternative monsoon nature activities that are subject to forest authority permission and weather conditions.
Heavy rain can also affect forest tracks, river crossings and access.
Therefore, if your main objective is a regular Rajaji jungle safari, plan around the official seasonal tourism window rather than assuming that a private monsoon package means the regular safari zones are open.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Rajaji National Park?
The best time depends on what you want from your trip.
November to January
The weather is generally cooler, making it comfortable for a safari and outdoor sightseeing.
February to March
These months offer a transition toward warmer conditions while remaining within the main safari season.
April to June
Temperatures rise, but the safari season continues until 15 June under the published schedule.
If your priority is comfortable weather, consider the cooler months. If your travel dates are fixed, the more important factor is confirming that your preferred zone and safari session are available.
For a detailed seasonal breakdown, read our Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand guide or the dedicated Rajaji best-time article if available on your site.
How Early Should You Book a Rajaji Safari?
If you already know your travel date, it is sensible to check safari availability before finalizing your complete travel plan.
This becomes particularly useful when you:
- Want a specific safari zone
- Need a particular session
- Are travelling with family
- Have fixed hotel reservations
- Are travelling during a busy holiday period
You can also read our detailed guide on How Early Should You Book a Rajaji National Park Safari?.
For the actual online booking process, see How to Book Rajaji National Park Safari Online.
What Should You Check Before Visiting Rajaji National Park?
Before leaving for Rajaji, confirm these details:
1. Park opening status
Make sure your travel date falls within the current safari season.
2. Safari zone
Confirm that your preferred zone is operating.
3. Safari timing
Check the applicable morning or evening entry window.
4. Ticket and permit requirements
Confirm the current entry procedure and required documents.
5. Safari availability
Do not assume a safari is available simply because the park is open.
6. Weather conditions
Rain or other conditions can affect forest access.
7. Reporting gate
Confirm the exact entry gate before travelling.
For general travel planning, you can also use our How to Reach Rajaji National Park guide.
Rajaji National Park Opening Date: What Should You Remember?
The most important dates to remember are:
Regular safari season: 15 November to 15 June
Regular closed period: 16 June to 14 November
However, a seasonal opening date does not automatically guarantee that every safari zone, session or route will be available on every day.
Forest authorities can change access based on operational, weather and wildlife-management conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rajaji National Park open now?
As of September 2026, the regular safari season is closed under the currently published schedule. The regular tourism period is listed as 15 November to 15 June.
When does Rajaji National Park reopen?
The regular safari season is scheduled to reopen from around 15 November, subject to the applicable forest department schedule and zone availability.
What are Rajaji National Park safari timings?
The published timings vary by season. Morning entry ranges from 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM, while evening entry ranges from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM depending on the period.
Is Rajaji National Park closed during monsoon?
The regular published tourism schedule lists 16 June to 14 November as closed. Alternative nature or buffer-area activities may be advertised separately, but these are not the same as the regular tourism-zone safari.
Can I book Rajaji safari before the park opens?
You can check advance booking or enquiry availability for the upcoming season, but the actual safari remains subject to the applicable opening date, permits and zone availability.
Which month is best for Rajaji safari?
November through March offers the cooler part of the main safari season, while April to June is warmer. Your preferred month should also be considered alongside zone availability and safari timings.
Final Answer: Is Rajaji National Park Open Now?
If you are checking in September 2026, the regular Rajaji National Park safari is currently in its seasonal closure period.
The published schedule lists the main safari season from 15 November to 15 June, with regular park safari closed from 16 June to 14 November.
If you are planning your trip for the next season, start by checking your preferred Rajaji safari zone, opening date, safari session and current booking availability before making your travel arrangements.
