Rich Wildlife Zone on the Ganga River Banks in the Shiwalik Foothills – Jeep Safari & Bird Watching in Uttarakhand
Chila Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife zone forming part of the larger Rajaji National Park, located in the Haridwar district on the border of Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand. Spread across the Shiwalik foothills along the banks of the Ganga and Chila rivers, the sanctuary is renowned for its significant population of Asian elephants, leopards, tigers, and spotted deer, along with 300+ species of birds making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. The dense sal and teak forests, interspersed with grasslands and river banks, create a rich and diverse habitat.
Chila is the most accessible zone of Rajaji National Park, located just 10 km from Haridwar. A jeep safari through the Chila range is the best way to spot wildlife, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Elephant herds moving through the forest or crossing the Ganga are among the most memorable sights. The Ganga canal and river channel running through Chila adds a scenic water element. Chila is also an excellent bird watching destination — great hornbills, crested kingfishers, pied kingfishers, and scores of migratory waterfowl can be spotted along the river banks. The sanctuary is open October to June; closed during monsoon.
November to March for best wildlife sightings and bird watching. April to June before monsoon when animals gather near water sources. The sanctuary is closed during monsoon (July–September) for conservation.
Nearest railway: Haridwar (10 km). Auto or taxi from Haridwar railway station to Chila gate.
Buses to Haridwar from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh. Chila gate is 10 km from Haridwar on Rishikesh highway.
Delhi to Chila ~240 km; Dehradun to Chila ~55 km; Rishikesh to Chila 30 km via Haridwar.