Mohand Range Jungle Safari — Chillawali Safari Rajaji National Park 2026

Mohand Range, also known as the Chillawali Range, is one of the least-crowded safari zones of Rajaji National Park (Rajaji Tiger Reserve). Spread across the Shivalik foothills about 25–35 km from Dehradun on the Dehradun–Haridwar Highway (NH-58), a Mohand Range jungle safari gives you a genuinely different Rajaji experience from the busier Haridwar-side zones — gentle terrain, quiet forest roads, and some of the best leopard sighting odds in the entire reserve. If you're based in Dehradun and want a full jungle safari without the crowds, Mohand is the zone to book.

About Mohand Range (Chillawali) Safari Zone

Mohand Range sits on the Dehradun side of Rajaji National Park, distinct from the four Haridwar-side zones — Chilla, Motichur, Jhilmil Jheel and Ranipur. Together with Chilla, Motichur, Jhilmil and Ranipur, Mohand rounds out the five safari zones that give Rajaji Tiger Reserve its full ecological range: river, hill, wetland, ridge and mixed lowland forest. Locally, the zone is often called Chillawali, and a Chillawali Jungle Safari booking and a Mohand Range booking refer to the same gate and the same safari.

What makes Mohand different is the terrain: old Sal, shisham and rohini trees, sunlit open clearings and quiet streams running through the Shivalik foothills — a landscape that feels noticeably calmer than the Ganga-belt zones near Haridwar. Because visitor numbers are lower here, sightings often feel more personal, and walk-in booking at Mohand Gate is usually possible even without advance planning, which isn't the case at Chilla or Motichur in peak season.

Wildlife You Can See on a Mohand Safari

Leopards are the headline draw at Mohand — some visitors report seeing three to four individuals in a single safari when conditions are right. The zone's mixed forest and grassland also supports a wide range of other species:

Tip: book the early morning slot — leopard and deer activity is highest right after sunrise, and a local naturalist guide can help you read fresh pugmarks along the forest roads.

What to Expect on Your Mohand/Chillawali Jungle Safari

• Exciting Encounters: Spot leopards, deer, langurs and a wide range of birds as you navigate the lush forests and open grasslands of Mohand.
• Scenic Delights: Rolling Shivalik hills, winding streams and dense forest patches make this one of Rajaji's most photogenic zones.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Local naturalist guides share deep knowledge of the park's ecosystem and its inhabitants.
• Sensory Experience: Fresh air, damp soil, rustling leaves and distant animal calls make a Chillawali Jungle Safari an experience for all the senses, not just the eyes.
• Comfortable Stay Options: Relax afterwards in nearby guesthouses and budget-friendly resorts.

Mohand Zone Safari Timing & Best Time to Visit

Note: Exact gate times can shift slightly by season. Always reconfirm your slot at the time of booking.

Mohand Jungle Safari Booking Price 2026

Fees are fixed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department and are revised from time to time — check our latest ticket price page before you travel, or call us directly at 09917606031 and we'll confirm current rates for your travel date.

How to Reach Mohand Gate

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport, about 40 km from Mohand Gate.
By Train: Dehradun railway station is the closer railhead; Haridwar Junction is also well connected if you're combining Mohand with a Haridwar-side zone.
By Road: Mohand Gate sits directly on the Dehradun–Haridwar Highway (NH-58), an easy stop whether you're travelling between the two cities or coming from Rishikesh.

Mohand vs. Other Rajaji Safari Zones

If you're staying in Dehradun, Mohand is your most convenient full jungle safari — no need to travel to Haridwar at all. It's also a reliable backup if Chilla or Motichur slots are sold out, since Mohand rarely books out completely. See our full Rajaji safari zones guide for a side-by-side comparison of all five zones.

Where to Stay Near Mohand Range

Staying near Mohand Range gives you an early start into the Shivalik foothills. You'll find cozy guesthouses and budget-friendly resorts close to the gate, with facilities ranging from simple rooms to small nature lodges. Whether you're here for birdwatching, a jeep safari, or just relaxing in the hills, staying close to Mohand lets you make the most of Rajaji National Park without a long drive from Dehradun each day. See our stay at Rajaji guide for more options across all zones.

Conservation Efforts in Mohand Range

Increased logging, poaching and overgrazing have put pressure on several species in the Mohand Range over the years. In response, the state government has declared the area a protected wildlife sanctuary, banned hunting, and stepped up forest patrols against poaching and other illegal activity. Financial support for eco-tourism has also helped local communities while raising awareness of conservation needs.

NGOs and conservation groups work alongside forest officials here to run awareness programs, monitor animal populations and protect habitats — joint efforts that have led to a noticeable increase in the population of several species in the area. Choosing a responsible, permitted safari operator for your Mohand Range jungle safari directly supports this ongoing conservation work.

How to Book Your Mohand/Chillawali Jungle Safari

1. Choose your date and preferred slot — morning safari (6:30–9:00 AM) or afternoon safari (2:00–3:30 PM).
2. Select your safari type — jeep safari for a thrilling ride through the Shivalik foothills.
3. Share ID details — Aadhaar/Voter ID for Indian nationals, passport for foreign nationals.
4. Book online through our booking form, or call 09917606031 to book directly with our safari operator and nature guide.
5. Arrive at Mohand Gate at least 20–30 minutes before your slot with a printed or digital copy of your permit.

Good to know: Unlike Chilla or Motichur, Mohand rarely sells out completely — walk-in booking at the gate is usually possible on most days through the season, though booking ahead online still guarantees your preferred slot.

Safari Rules & Photography Tips

• Stay inside the Gypsy at all times — do not step out anywhere on the route.
• Maintain silence near wildlife; leopards are shy and easily startled by noise or sudden movement.
• Photography is allowed; avoid flash near animals.
• Wear neutral, earthy colours (khaki, olive, brown) and carry binoculars — especially useful given Mohand's strong birding reputation.
• Carry a light jacket for winter morning safaris in the Shivalik foothills, where mornings can be cool.

Frequently Asked Questions — Mohand Range