Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Safari offers one of the most authentic and rewarding wildlife experiences in northern India. Located in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh along the India–Nepal border, Pilibhit is renowned for its dense sal forests, expansive grasslands, wetlands, and a rapidly growing tiger population.
Part of the Terai Arc Landscape, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve has emerged as one of India’s most successful conservation stories under Project Tiger. With thriving wildlife, scenic forest corridors, and fewer crowds compared to central Indian parks, Pilibhit is an ideal destination for wildlife lovers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a raw jungle experience.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Pilibhit Tiger Reserve safari booking, zones, wildlife, best time to visit, and travel planning—helping you plan a seamless and memorable jungle adventure.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is located in the Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur districts of Uttar Pradesh, close to the India–Nepal international border. Nestled within the Terai belt, the reserve forms a critical wildlife corridor connecting forest landscapes of northern India and Nepal.
Approximate distances:
Its unique Terai–Duar ecosystem makes Pilibhit ecologically distinct from central Indian tiger reserves.
Pilibhit was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2014 under India’s Project Tiger initiative. Historically managed as reserved forests, the region gained national attention after scientific monitoring revealed exceptional habitat quality and prey abundance.
Since receiving tiger reserve status, Pilibhit has witnessed a remarkable increase in tiger numbers, earning recognition for effective habitat management, anti-poaching efforts, and corridor conservation within the Terai Arc Landscape.
The nearest airport is Bareilly Airport, located approximately 80–90 km from Pilibhit. From Bareilly, the reserve is easily accessible by road.
Pilibhit Junction Railway Station is well-connected with major cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, and Shahjahanpur, making train travel a convenient option.
Pilibhit is well-connected via highways and state roads:
From Bareilly: ~80 km (2–2.5 hours)
From Lucknow: ~270 km via Shahjahanpur
From New Delhi: ~330 km via Moradabad and Bareilly
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve has experienced significant wildlife recovery due to strict protection measures, high prey density, and abundant water sources. Rivers, canals, wetlands, and the Sharda Sagar Dam create ideal conditions for herbivores, which in turn support a healthy predator population.
Today, Pilibhit stands as one of North India’s most promising tiger landscapes.
The reserve is dominated by North Indian moist deciduous forests, featuring some of the finest sal forests in the Terai region.
Key vegetation types include:
High groundwater levels support lush undergrowth, including ferns and wetland vegetation.
Pilibhit supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including:
The reserve is also a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting over 300 bird species, including migratory waterfowl, raptors, and grassland birds.
Wildlife tourism in Pilibhit primarily focuses on regulated jeep safaris conducted under forest department guidelines to ensure sustainable tourism and minimal disturbance to wildlife.
Safari routes pass through core and buffer zones, offering opportunities to observe tigers, herbivores, birds, and wetland ecosystems.
Safari permits are limited and subject to availability, making advance booking essential—especially during peak season.
Safari booking typically includes:
Booking through experienced operators like Eagle Safaris ensures smooth coordination, accurate zone selection, and expert-led wildlife interpretation.
These eco-friendly stays offer a rare opportunity to stay inside the forest landscape and are extremely popular, requiring advance booking.
Several private resorts and hotels are available within 10–50 km of the reserve, offering comfortable stays with modern amenities.
Eagle Safaris specializes in creating carefully planned, wildlife-focused experiences that go beyond standard tourism.
Your journey becomes not just a safari—but a meaningful wildlife experience.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is a hidden gem of North Indian wildlife tourism—wild, scenic, and thriving with life. With fewer crowds and extraordinary biodiversity, it offers an intimate connection with nature and conservation success in action.
Plan your Pilibhit Tiger Reserve safari with Eagle Safaris and experience the untamed beauty of the Terai forests—where every trail tells a story, and every safari feels like discovery.
