Who would have imagined that the Terai forests of Uttar Pradesh interspersed with a bustling sugarcane and timber plantation belt would once again come up as a shining tiger reserve in the country? The answer – no one!
A Pilibhit tiger in the mist
Today with a growing population of over 70 tigers in the Reserve, Pilibhit is no doubt a (somewhat) success story of human and animal coexistence. Yes, there are conflicts between ‘sugarcane tigers’ and farmers (and that will continue with rising tiger numbers) but despite all odds, humans and big cats are finding ways to coexist.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is close to the Indo Nepal border and is part of the Terai Arc Landscape. The Reserve is spread over 800 sq km of age old sal forests, perennial water bodies and grasslands that provide a corridor for movement of fauna between Jim Corbett National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary (Dudhwa) and Shuklaphanta National Park in Nepal. This corridor provides a safe passage for wild animals but requires significant amount of effort by more than one Indian State and country forest departments in monitoring and providing a passage that is conflict free for both man and animal.
Hog Deer
Stork-billed Kingfisher
Back in the day it was a struggle to get to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. Shabby road conditions, safety issues, lack of even basic tourist facilities and accommodation and rampant poaching causing animals to make a dash for forest cover the moment they sensed humans, made Pilibhit one of the least attractive jungle experiences in the country.
However most of that has changed and for the better. Today, along with a ‘friendly’ tiger population, Pilibhit is also well connected by Bareilly airport (just an hour drive) making it easily accessible than before. Direct flights from Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai provide quick hassle-free access to wildlife enthusiasts keen to visit the Park without bearing the brunt of pot holes and other forms of road blocks.
Beautiful Pilibhit
Pilibhit’s Sal Forests
Accommodation options are still limited at the moment. Visitors have the option to stay in the Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism guest house in Chuka and then there are a few homestays and hotels outside the Park. In our opinion staying in a private hotel outside the Park is the most comfortable (and hygienic) option at the moment. It is wise that you manage your expectations from the onset. At the moment, hotels in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve are not 5-star quality and there can be service issues from time to time. However, things are bound to get better as the Reserve is getting popular with time. From these private hotels, it takes anywhere between 15 – 30 minutes drive time to get to the safari gate. In Pilibhit, sometimes it is these good quality hotels that sell out before safaris do!
Safaris are done in gypsies (open top jeep) and must be booked much ahead of your visit. Safari timings change slightly season to season but in general are from 6AM-10AM and 2PM-5:30PM. Safari season starts November 15 each year and the Park closes for the monsoon on June 15 every year. Safari prices vary each season and sometimes change mid-season too, therefore, we are unable to list them down here. Please email us your dates of visit and we can provide you the most up-to-date pricing along with other incidentals such as hotel, experienced guides and ground transportation.
Scarlet Minivet
Honey Badger during a Jeep Safari in Pilibhit
Apart from Tigers, the Park also is also known to impress wildlife enthusiasts with rarely seen lesser known species such as the Honey Badger, Leopard Cat, Fishing Cat, Hispid Hare, Hog Deer and the Swamp deer. Reptiles such as the Marsh Crocodile are frequently seen basking along the water canals that flow through the Park.
The canals and catchment formed from the waters of the Sharda river provide much needed water to the fauna and flora of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve. More than 450 species of birds have been recorded in the Reserve including the endangered Bengal Florican, Swamp Francolin, Lesser Adjutants, Shaheen Falcon and Black Storks, to name a few. Several species of migratory birds can also be spotted in these water bodies during their annual migration and these include Bar-headed Geese, Ruddy Shelducks, Pintails, Shovelers etc.
Shaheen Falcon
Picture perfect Pilibhit
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is ideal for those of you keen to spot tigers in picture-worthy frames, lesser known mammals and birds. The Reserve may not offer a 5-star luxury stay experience but we are confident that the lack thereof will be compensated by the excellent wildlife and stunning built and natural landscapes that make Pilibhit Tiger Reserve truly a hidden gem of Uttar Pradesh.
