Rajaji National Park begins virtually at the edge of Haridwar and extends eastward through the Shivalik range toward Rishikesh and beyond. It is one of the best places to see wild elephants in northern India — the park holds one of the largest elephant populations in the western Himalayan foothills. Tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and a rich population of birds also inhabit the forest.
Jeep safaris depart from several entry points around Haridwar, typically at dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. The park is open roughly from November to June; it closes during the monsoon. The Chilla entry gate is the closest to Haridwar city. Even a short safari can yield elephant and bird sightings, and the forest itself — sal and mixed deciduous — is beautiful in the early morning light.