Haridwar: The Rajaji Tiger Reserve, one of Uttarakhand’s premier wildlife destinations, has officially closed its gates to tourists for the monsoon season, as per its annual schedule. The park will reopen on November 15, after a five-month hiatus to allow the forest to regenerate and ensure visitor safety during the rains.
This year’s safari season, which ran from November 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025, witnessed a record-breaking 51,500 tourists, marking a significant increase from last year’s 46,600 visitors. The surge in footfall translated into a revenue boost of Rs 1.23 crore, delighting park authorities and signaling growing interest in eco-tourism.
Park saw 14,500 gypsy safaris
According to Ajay Lingwal, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), the park saw 14,500 gypsy safaris, up from 12,700 the previous year. Of the total visitors, 49,500 were Indian tourists, while 2,000 were foreign nationals, reflecting a steady rise in international interest.
Gate-wise revenue highlights
The park’s four main entry points—Ranipur, Chillawali, Cheela, and Motichur—all reported impressive gains:
Ranipur Gate (Haridwar Range) nearly doubled its revenue, jumping from Rs 9.58 lakh last year to Rs 17.36 lakh this season.
Chillawali Gate saw earnings rise from Rs 24.90 lakh to Rs 35.27 lakh.
Cheela Gate remained the top performer, generating Rs 53.20 lakh.
Motichur Gate contributed Rs 17.13 lakh to the total revenue.
Park officials attribute the growth to improved safari experiences, better infrastructure, and increased wildlife sightings, which have drawn more nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
Why the park closes during monsoon
Every year, Rajaji Tiger Reserve shuts down on June 15 due to the monsoon’s impact on forest conditions. Heavy rains swell seasonal rivers, overgrow vegetation, and increase the risk of wildlife encounters, making safaris unsafe. The closure also allows the forest to rejuvenate naturally, providing a healthier habitat for its diverse fauna, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and over 300 bird species.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve prepares to welcome even more visitors in the next season
With the 2025–26 season set to begin on November 15, the park administration is already planning enhancements to handle the growing tourist interest. “This season’s response has been very encouraging,” said ACF Lingwal. “We aim to further improve visitor facilities and conservation efforts in the coming months.” As the forest rests and regrows, Rajaji Tiger Reserve prepares to welcome even more visitors in the next season—offering a richer, greener, and safer wilderness experience.
Rajaji Tiger Reserve is a vital wildlife corridor in Uttarakhand
Spanning over 1,000 sq km across Haridwar, Dehradun, and Rishikesh, Rajaji Tiger Reserve is a vital wildlife corridor in Uttarakhand. Home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and over 300 bird species, the park blends Shivalik foothills with dense Sal forests. Seasonal closure during monsoon protects both wildlife and tourists, while supporting ecological balance and habitat restoration in this biodiverse sanctuary.
