Chilla Park

It is about 20 kms from Rishikesh covered with forests providing a pleasant environment. Government has declared Chilla a sanctuary. A canal from Ganga feeds the reservoir to spot many animals. A stay at the tourist lodge is preferred by most tourists to enjoy the peaceful scenic surroundings. Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for animal watchers is about 8 kms. from Haridwar. Located on the banks of the Ganga River, in the heart of Shivalik hills, Chilla is a part of the famous Rajaji National Park. The town makes a good base for explorations of the park.

The fauna species include elephants, spotted deer, stag deer, blue bull, wild boar, fox, porcupine, jungle fowls and peacock. Migratory birds are also seen on the river Ganga. Wild animal/bird watching and photography on elephant back is a prime attraction. Pleasure walks in the jungle provide the much-needed respite from the maddening crowd and noise of the city life.

It is about 20 kms. from Rishikesh and about 8 kms. from Haridwar.

The Chila Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Rajaji National Park is a popular destination for nature and adventure lovers. The pristine scenic beauty and rich biodiversity attracts wildlife lovers from India and abroad and has 23 species of mammals and about 315 avifauna species. Fishing in the river there is allowed with permits only.

Chila Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for animal watchers is about 8 kms. from Haridwar. Located on the banks of the Ganga River, in the heart of Shivalik hills. The town makes a good base for explorations of the park. Inhabiting these dense green jungles are an impressive array of creatures- furred and feathered, docile and dangerous. The most prominent avian species include peafowl, pheasants, kingfishers and barbets, supplemented by a number of migratory species during the winter months. Besides that, the rivers, which flow through the park, harbour fish such as trout and mahseer. The fauna species include elephants, spotted deer, stag deer, blue bull, wild boar, fox, porcupine, jungle fowls and peacock. Besides these, one can find migratory birds also on the river Ganga. Wild animal/bird watching and photography on elephant back is a prime attraction. Pleasure walks in the jungle provide the much-needed respite from the maddening city noise. It has 23 species of mammals and 315 fauna species. One may watch a herd of elephants roaming majestically in the jungle. Sambhar, cheetal, barking dear, wild boar, langur, ghural, sloth bear, king cobra, woodpecker, etc are cherishing sights. The river shelters fish in abundance. Fishing is allowed with permits. The Rajaji National Park spreads across three districts of Uttaranchal- Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri Garhwal. In 1983, the three wildlife sanctuaries of Rajaji, Motichur and Chila were amalgamated into a single contiguous park consisting of several distinct vegetation zones, which included broadleaved deciduous forests, grasslands, and pine forests in the upper reaches. Rajaji’s history of conservation has been rather rocky in the recent past. The park’s been besieged by a host of problems, ranging from soil erosion to poaching. Despite all these issues, Rajaji continues to be one of northern India’s major wildlife reserves.

All visitors need entry permits in order to be allowed into the park. Permits are available at each of the gates to the park.

It is conveniently situated for anybody coming from Delhi, which is only 231 km from the park, and there are convenient overnight trains from Delhi to Haridwar and Dehradun, from where there are connecting buses to Rajaji. Similarly, Lucknow, is linked by bus to Haridwar and Dehradun. From Rajaji, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant, at Dehradun, while the most convenient railheads are Haridwar and Dehradun. Both have railway connections to the rest of the country. Rajaji is accessible through different gates; the Ramgarh Gate and Mohand Gate are within 25 km of Dehradun, while the Motichur, Ranipur and Chilla Gates are just about 9 km from Haridwar. Kunao Gate is 6 km from Rishikesh, and Laldhang gate is 25 km from Kotdwar.

Rajaji National Park is open to visitors between November and June. The best months to visit are between December and March. It is best not to travel after April.

Within the Rajaji National Park are ten forest rest houses, at Beribara, Chilla, Ranipur, Dholkhand, Kunnao, Motichur, Kansrao, Satyanarain, Phandowala and Kasarodi. Staying outside the park, at hotels and tourist complexes in Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun, is a good idea. Further information is available from the Rajaji National Park office.

Tourists can avail to stay with prior notice at… GMVN Tourist Bungalow. GMVN Gujar Huts. Irrigation Forest Bungalow. Forest Rest House.

A visit to the great pilgrim center of Rishikesh located on the banks of holy Ganga; amidst tranquil surroundings is a highly rejuvenating experience for both the nature lover and the spiritually guided mind.

The rafter’s camp developed by GMVN is just 62 kms. from Chila, providing an excellent opportunity for river rafting and water sports.

Perched on the edge of time along the banks of the holy river Ganga, Haridwar, the foremost on a traditional Hindu pilgrims’ itinerary, is just 8 kms. from Chila.