India's finest Terai floodplain wetland adjoining Rajaji National Park. A shimmering mosaic of ox-bow lakes, tall elephant grass, reed beds and sal woodland — the last stronghold of the endangered Barasingha (swamp deer) in Uttarakhand, and a sanctuary for over 250 bird species including some of the rarest migratory waterfowl in the Ganga basin. The Barasingha — Why Jhilmil Exists The Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve was not created for tourism. It was created for one animal — the Barasingha , or swamp deer ( Rucervus duvaucelii ). This large, antlered deer with its spectacular multi-tined rack (the name Barasingha means "twelve-tined") was once abundant across the Terai grasslands of northern India. By the early 2000s, the Uttarakhand population had collapsed to fewer than 30 individuals — confined entirely to the floodplain grasslands around what is now Jhilmil Jheel. In 2005, the Uttarakhand Forest Department notified Jhilmil Jheel as a Conservation Reserve specifically to protect the remaining Barasingha habitat. The wetland — its seasonal flooding, tall grass, and ox-bow lake complex — is precisely the habitat the Barasingha depends on for food, shelter and calving. Without Jhilmil, this population would not survive. Today, the Jhilmil population has recovered to approximately 90–110 individuals — a fragile but hopeful number. When you visit Jhilmil Jheel, every safari ticket directly funds this conservation effort. Jhilmil Jheel — A Wetland Unlike Any Other Zone in Rajaji Every other Rajaji zone is primarily sal forest. Jhilmil Jheel is primarily water . The reserve is a remnant of the ancient Terai floodplain — a landscape of seasonal ox-bow lakes, perennial pools, tall phragmites reed beds, open grassland, and riparian forest — flooded each monsoon by the Ganga and its braided channels, and drained to a rich, productive wetland complex in winter and spring. This is not the place to come for tiger sightings or elephant herds on the canal road. Jhilmil is a place for stillness . For watching a flock of 200 bar-headed geese land on a morning lake with the Shivaliks behind them. For seeing a Barasingha bull with his magnificent antler rack wading through the jheel at dawn. For hearing the call of a marsh crocodile from the reeds before you have seen it. Jhilmil rewards patience and quiet attention in a way that the busier zones simply cannot. Jhilmil is not a substitute for Chilla. It is a completely different experience — wetland, not forest. Think of Jhilmil as Rajaji's Bharatpur — a world-class birding wetland that happens to have large mammals too. Visit Chilla for tigers and elephants. Visit Jhilmil for birds, Barasingha, and the rarest habitat in Rajaji. Open Until June 30 — 15 Days After All Other Zones Close Jhilmil Jheel is the only Rajaji zone that remains open for 15 days beyond the main park closure on June 15. This extended season exists specifically to protect the Barasingha calving period — and it creates a unique wildlife watching window that no other Rajaji zone offers. June 15–30 is the Barasingha calving period. The Forest Department keeps Jhilmil open — with strict visitor protocols — so that conservationists and researchers can monitor new calves and assess population health. Tourism is a secondary benefit, managed carefully to avoid disturbing calving females. June 16–30 is also the beginning of the pre-monsoon build-up — thunderclouds over the Shivaliks, the smell of rain in the air, and a final flush of breeding bird activity before the wetland floods. Breeding waders, storks, and waterbirds are in full display plumage. It is one of the most atmospheric birding experiences in North India. During June 16–30, only morning safaris are typically available. Evening safaris are subject to Forest Department discretion. Visitor numbers are strictly capped. Temperatures reach 36–40°C — arrive early and carry water. Always confirm the latest status with the Jhilmil gate office before travelling. The 4 Wetland Habitats of Jhilmil Jheel A landscape entirely shaped by water — each microhabitat supporting its own distinct wildlife assemblage Abandoned river channels cut off from the main Ganga flow, forming elongated crescent lakes of still, shallow water fringed with aquatic vegetation. These are the prime Barasingha wading habitat — the deer feed on submerged and emergent water plants in the shallows. Painted Storks, Openbill Storks, and herons nest in trees overhanging the water. Mugger crocodiles bask on exposed banks. Vast stands of tall Saccharum grass and Phragmites reeds surround the open water — sometimes reaching 4–5 metres in height. This is nesting and hiding habitat for marsh birds, deer, and leopards. The grass is burned annually under Forest Department management to improve Barasingha grazing habitat and maintain open wetland edges. Seasonal grassy floodplains at the wetland edge are the most productive birding areas — these open spaces host wintering waterfowl and waders in enormous numbers from October to March. Bar-headed Geese, Lesser Whistling Duck, Cotton Teal, Baillon's Crake and dozens of migratory shorebirds use these areas as feeding and roosting grounds. The forest fringing the wetland on the higher ground provides a buffer of sal woodland that supports mammals moving between Jhilmil and the main Rajaji park. Tigers, leopards, elephants, and spotted deer all use this transition zone. The forest edge is excellent for raptors — Osprey, Pallas's Fish Eagle, and Lesser Adjutant Stork are all recorded here. Wildlife You Can See in Jhilmil Jheel Jhilmil's wetland ecosystem supports a unique wildlife community — different from any other Rajaji zone The star of Jhilmil. Barasingha bulls — with their broad, multi-tined antlers — are seen wading through the shallow jheel margins at dawn, feeding on aquatic vegetation. The resident population of ~100 individuals makes sightings likely on most morning safaris between November and May. Approach is in the Gypsy only — no dismounting. The antler "rack" of a mature bull in winter coat is one of India's most striking wildlife sights. Jhilmil's ox-bow lakes support a significant resident Mugger crocodile population. These broad-snouted reptiles bask on exposed mud banks and sandspits around the lake margins — visible year-round but most active in winter mornings when they seek warmth. On a single safari around the main jheel, you may count 10–20 muggers. Note: unlike Chilla's Gharials, Jhilmil's crocodilians are Muggers — a different, stockier species. Elephant herds visit Jhilmil's grasslands and forest fringe regularly — especially in the mornings during October–January when the grass is green after the monsoon. These sightings tend to be in the transition zone between the wetland and the sal forest rather than in the open water areas. Jhilmil elephant sightings are generally quieter and more intimate than the large open-grassland herds of Chilla. Family groups of smooth-coated otters are seen regularly in Jhilmil — diving, rolling, and fishing in the jheel channels with remarkable energy. They are vocal and conspicuous, making them easy to locate by their piercing whistles and splashing. Early morning near the main jheel is the prime viewing time. Jhilmil is arguably the best place in Rajaji for extended otter observation. Leopards use the riparian forest fringe of Jhilmil regularly — hunting Barasingha calves and spotted deer. Sightings are less frequent than in Motichur (where the rocky terrain provides more leopard habitat), but encounters here tend to be dramatic — leopards hunting or drinking at the wetland edge, sometimes in full view across open water at close range. Jhilmil is Rajaji's birding showpiece. The wetland supports an extraordinary mix of resident and migratory waterbirds, waders, raptors and forest birds. Winter brings thousands of migratory waterfowl from Central Asia and Siberia. Full bird checklist in the section below. Birdwatching at Jhilmil Jheel — 250+ Species

Jhilmil Jheel is the finest wetland birding destination in the upper Ganga basin. The combination of open water, reed beds, grassland, and forest edge — all within 38 sq. km — creates a habitat mosaic that no terrestrial forest zone can replicate for birds. Over 250 species have been recorded here, of which roughly 180 are residents or regular visitors and 70+ are passage migrants or winter visitors. The winter peak (October–February) brings spectacular concentrations of migratory waterfowl from Central Asia — Bar-headed Geese fly over the Himalayas to winter here directly from Tibet and Mongolia. Thousands of ducks, teals and pochards pack the open water at dawn. Waders probe the mud flats at the lake margins. Overhead, Pallas's Fish Eagles and Ospreys circle looking for fish. Top tip for birders: Ask your naturalist guide to stop at the jheel viewpoint on the eastern bank between 7:00–8:30 AM — from this single location you can often count 40+ bird species without moving. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. The above lists 22 key species from the 250+ recorded in Jhilmil. The complete checklist is available from the Range Office at the gate. Serious birders should visit with the published checklist and tick off species throughout the safari. How to Reach Jhilmil Jheel from Haridwar 10 km from Haridwar — accessible by road, approximately 20 minutes Head south from Haridwar on the Roorkee road (NH-58), turn right at Bhel township toward the Ganga barrage. The Jhilmil gate is on the floodplain road beyond the barrage. Taxis and auto-rickshaws from Haridwar — ask for "Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve Gate." Haridwar Junction is 9 km from Jhilmil Gate. Direct trains from Delhi (4.5–5 hrs), Dehradun (1 hr). An auto-rickshaw or taxi from the station takes approximately 20 minutes on the southern bypass road. Delhi to Haridwar is approximately 230 km via NH-58 through Meerut and Roorkee — about 4.5–5 hours. From Haridwar, continue south on the Roorkee road to the Jhilmil floodplain access. Do not take the Haridwar–Rishikesh route — Jhilmil is south of Haridwar, not north. Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) is 40 km from Jhilmil Gate — slightly farther than to the Rajaji zones north of Haridwar. Flights from Delhi (45 min). Pre-book a taxi from the airport — approximately 1.5 hours depending on Haridwar city traffic. Address: Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve, Bhel Township Road, Haridwar, Uttarakhand GPS: 29.8750° N, 78.1340° E Direction note: Jhilmil is south of Haridwar city on the right (west) bank of the Ganga. Do not confuse with Chilla gate which is east of Haridwar on the east bank. Jhilmil Range Office: Call ahead to confirm safari availability — Jhilmil has fewer daily slots than Chilla. Jhilmil Jheel — Frequently Asked Questions What is Jhilmil Jheel and is it part of Rajaji National Park? Can you see the Barasingha (swamp deer) in Jhilmil Jheel? Why is Jhilmil Jheel open until June 30 when other zones close June 15? Is Jhilmil good for birdwatching? What species can I see? Should I visit Jhilmil Jheel instead of Chilla zone? Explore All Rajaji Safari Zones Pair Jhilmil with a forest zone for the complete Rajaji experience 15 km · Highest tiger probability · elephant herds · gharial on Ganga 8 km · Best for leopard · 200+ birds · hilly terrain 45 km from Dehradun · Goral · rocky ridges · least crowded 35 km from Dehradun · quiet experience · families A Barasingha Bull Wades Through the Jheel at Dawn. Uttarakhand's last Barasingha. 250+ birds. India's finest Terai wetland safari. Open until June 30. This is Jhilmil. Jhilmil Jheel — Barasingha & 250+ birds · Open till Jun 30 · Only wetland zone in Rajaji