Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Pilibhit National Park

Get ready to plan your next adventure at Pilibhit National Park. Residing alongside the India-Nepal border, Pilhibit is a window into India’s wildlife heritage and rich history. Whether you are a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, an avid birdwatcher or just passionate about wildlife, Pilibhit will satisfy all your curiosities. This park in the Terai Arc Landscape is an inspiration due to their conservation success. Pilibhit is a crucial corridor for wildlife especially tigers. It is most known for the high density of the legendary Bengal tigers thus declared in 2014 as a tiger reserve. Get ready to witness the dense Sal trees, lush meadows, and beautiful seasonal streams all across Pilibhit.
The tiger reserve is spread across a generous 730 sq km area balancing the ecosystem including a variety of birds, flowers, animals, and reptiles. Entice yourself by visiting this untamed beauty of wilderness in India.

Interesting Fact – Pilibhit

Local legends say Pilibhit was ruled by King Mayurdhwaj, a devotee of Lord Krishna and friend of Arjun from the Mahabharata epic (epic poem about war between cousins).

Prime Predators

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve’s top predators are Royal Bengal Tigers and Indian Leopards

Famous For?

The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve has some scenic spots that enhance the wildlife experience, like Chuka Beach popular for its natural beauty.

Major Wildlife

Tiger, Dwamp deer, Bengal florican, Hog deer, Leopard, Cheetal, Sambar, Wild boar, swamp deer, blue bull etc.

Flora & Fauna in the Park

Pilibhit radiates with an abundance of diverse flora and fauna due to its dramatic landscape and the park’s conservation efforts. 

Flora – The park pulsates a cooling effect as the thick canopies of the dominant towering Sal trees filter the sunlight. Other trees like teak, khair, semal and Mahua are also seen.  There is diverse plant life here including 2,100 flowering plants creating a botanical heaven. You may spot butterflies and insects on vibrant displays of wildflowers, orchids lotus and water lilies.    

Fauna – A unique mix of animals reside in Pilibhit with the highlight of about 65 Bengal tigers. Other mammals like leopards, sloth bears, Asian elephants and dolphins also call the park home. 

Reptiles and amphibians in the reserve like crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and gharial play a vital role in balancing the ecosystem. Keep a look out for more than 326 species of birds including drongo flits, grey-headed fish eagle, herons, peafowls, and egrets.

pilibhit-mammals

Mammals

  • Royal Bengal Tiger
  • Leopard
  • Swamp Deer
  • Hog Deer
  • Rhesus Macaque
  • Sloth Bear
  • Gaur
  • Indian Fox
  • Small Indian Civet
  • Jackal
pilibhit-birds

Birds

  • Bengal Florican
  • Saras Crane
  • Greater Adjutant
  • Painted Stork
  • Black Ibis
  • Indian Peafowl
  • Greylag Goose
  • Brahminy Starling
  • Shikra
  • Common Kingfisher
pilibhit-reptiles

Reptiles

  • Gharial
  • Mugger Crocodile
  • Indian Rock Python
  • Monitor Lizard
  • Cobra (various species)
  • Krait (various species)
  • Viper (various species)
  • Indian Rat Snake
  • Indian Wolf Snake
  • Indian Glass Lizard

Safari in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Get ready for a thrilling wildlife safari at Pilibhit! The park has a wide array of fauna you may get a chance to spot as you tour around with curiosity. The park is known for their responsible tourism practices, so they have smaller safari groups. This ensures minimal impact to the environment and animals helping their conservation and sustainability efforts.

The Classic Jeep Safari is conducted by trained drivers in an open-air jeep. Expert guides accompany you and narrate the park’s history and their experiences. 

Be alert for alarm calls, pugmarks, and tiger tracks to spot the majestic Bengal Tiger during this adventure. Do not miss out on other enriching sights like leopards, deer, elephants, and the magic of nature.

Opt for a night safari to decode the world of darkness. Keep your ears wide open to hear the hoots of owls and the chirping of crickets under the twilight sky. When you are silently watching, it is the dim light that makes eyes of nocturnal species glow in the dark. You may happen to see a barking deer or jungle cat or striped hyena.

Depending on when you visit, there are nature trails and bird excursions in Pilibhit. Take an elephant safari for a closer look at nature, birds, and wildlife. These intelligent mammals can move around in forests easily and they bring forth hidden gems which may not be seen during jeep safaris.

From among these various choices, pick up a safari that suits you best and explore this sanctuary from a different point of view

Pilibhit Safari Tours

Pilibhit budget safari

Pilibhit Budget Safari

Embark on a pocket-friendly journey through Pilibhit Tiger Reserve! Encounter elephants, rare birds, and more without breaking the bank. Join us for an affordable wildlife adventure!

pilibhit weekend safari

Pilibhit Weekend Safari

Discover the wonders of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve over 3 nights and 4 days! Spot Bengal tigers, vibrant birds, and lush greenery. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Pilibhit night safari

Pilibhit & Dudhwa Wildlife Tour

Spot Bengal tigers on the Pilibhit & Dudhwa Wildlife Tour. Explore Uttar Pradesh’s top tiger reserves – Pilibhit and Dudhwa National Park. Go on thrilling safaris with naturalist guides.

Pilibhit Fixed Departure Tour

Embark on a riveting wilderness odyssey with our Pilibhit Fixed Departure tour. Immerse in untamed beauty, witness majestic wildlife, and savor moments that etch unforgettable tales. Join us for an adventure beyond imagination.

Safari Zones or Gates

Pilibhit is divided into Zone 1 and Zone 2 for jeep safaris. Visitors can access both zones for a wildlife safari experience. 

Zone 1 (Core Area)

Chuka Gate and Aranya Gate are two main entry points to this zone. This zone provides a more isolated experience as fewer jeep safaris are allowed in this region. It is an exclusive safari, and more animal sightings may occur. This area has stricter protection rules has limited safaris; thus advance booking is crucial.

wildlife in safari zones of Satpura

Zone 2 (Buffer Area)

Many gates including Powalgarh, Ghoshitola and Bisalpur Gate give safaris access in Zone 2. This zone has luxurious grasslands, open jungles, and streams all around. The chances of spotting diverse wildlife are more but it is also a crowded experience. Higher number and frequent jeep safaris occur here.

How to book Safari in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

To book an end-to-end safari package in Pilibhit National Park including airport transfer, accommodation, meals, and internal transfer, you may contact Big Cats India, or schedule a free discussion with our experts to understand the best safari zone to book, based on your area of interest.

It is advised to plan your safari well in advance to get the best zones for sightings. If you are not sure which gate(s) to choose from, you can contact Big Cats India or message us for any assistance to book your safari in Pilibhit.

You can also book Pilibhit Safari online from the tourism website where you can also see the exact entry fee, jeep safari fee, elephant safari cost, and guide fee. However, this website only books your safari permits, not the accommodation, food, and internal transfer to the reserve gates.

Open Jeep Safari

Open Jeep Safari

Be ready with your camera to get on a jeep safari with 4-6 passengers. A trained jeep driver and a naturalist with years of experience will ride along for your adventure

Morning Safari Timings
Summer Pre-Winter Winters
06:00 to 11:00 Hrs 06:00 to 11:00 Hrs 06:30 to 11:00 Hrs
Evening Safari Timings
Summer Pre-Winter Winters
15:00 to 18:30 Hrs 15:00 to 18:30 Hrs 13:00 to 17:30 Hrs

Weather in  Pilibhit

The Pilibhit National Park have different kinds of climate during subtropical monsoon. These are the following weather conditions throughout the year

Summer (March – June)

Hot and Dry: It can’t be helped if you feel uncomfortable because of too much heat. The temperatures rise so high that they reach mid-30s (°C) at maximum and mid-20s (°C) at minimum during this season. 

Monsoon (July – September)

Hot and Humid: When the monsoon hits, there is a lot of rainfall which causes the temperature to drop slightly. Highs can be around 30°C to 32°C while lows around 24°C to 26°C. 

Post-Monsoon (October – November)

Pleasant: During post-monsoon months highs remain in mid-20s (°C) whereas lows fall about 15°C mark or even lower sometimes when skies clear up after showers pass through an area. Still expect less amount of precipitation overall during this period.

Winter (December – February)

Mild and Dry: The most pleasant season for safaris is winters. Highs range from around 20°C to 25°C while lows can go up till about 5°C or even lower sometimes during early hours of morning.

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Min(°C) 7 10 15 20 24 26 27 26 24 20 12 8
Max(°C) 22 25 30 35 42 41 38 37 35 32 28 23
Month Min(°C) Max(°C)
Jan 7 22
Feb 10 25
Mar 15 30
Apr 20 35
May 24 42
Jun 26 41
Jul 27 38
Aug 26 37
Sep 24 35
Oct 20 32
Nov 12 28
Dec 8 23

Visiting Park in Winter

Pilibhit in Winters

Winter days aren’t really cold here but yes nights definitely are! In Pilibhit winter is considered as the most pleasant time for tourists who plan their visit there. Early morning safaris can be very chilly so keep sweaters handy. Wildlife sightings also occur in large numbers despite the cold waves.

Visiting Park in Summer

Pilibhit in Summers

As a photography enthusiast or tiger lover, target the summer months of March to June. Though the heat can be unbearable, wildlife sightings increase especially near waterholes. Crowds may thin out providing a more intimate nature touch. Be prepared with enough sunblock, sunglasses, caps, and light cotton clothes to sustain the Sun.

Visiting Park In Monsoon

Pilibhit in Monsoon

The monsoon months of July to September bring heavy downpour. Pilibhit feels hotter than what it is due to very high moisture content present in this air mass. The upside however is that the jungle transforms into an emerald paradise with tranquil beauty and melodious songs of birds. 

Best time to spot tigers at Pilibhit Tiger reserve

The best time to visit Pilibhit Tiger Reserve for tiger sightings is during the summer months of April to June. The dry season means the vegetation is less dense, allowing better visibility into the forest areas. Tigers are also more frequently spotted near the waterholes and streams as they come to drink water during the hot days. Early morning and late afternoon hours are considered prime times when tigers are most active and increasing your chances of a sighting. 

Recommended Tour

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Travel 4 Days | 1 Park | 6 Safari

WhatsApp now to enquire or block your seat

 How to Reach the Park

Reach by Air

By Air

Nearest airport to Pilibhit is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), situated about 120 kilometers away in Uttarakhand which provides limited flight services mainly to Delhi capital territory only.

By Road

Pilibhit is connected to many major cities in north India through roads. Pilibhit town has a direct link with the National Highway 24 which makes it easily accessible to the people travelling from various parts of the country.

By Rail

By Rail

Bareilly Junction (BRY) serves as the nearest main railway station from Pilibhit. Bareilly is about 70 kilometers away from Pilibhit and well connected by rail network with all major cities in India.

Pilibhit National Park's distance from important cities

From By Air+Road (Hrs) By Road By Rail+Road (Hrs)
New Delhi 1.00 Air + 4.30 Road 7.00 Hrs   4.30 Rail + 1.30  Road
Nagpur 2.30 Air + 4 Road 22.00 Hrs

NA

Mumbai 3.00 Air + 5.00 Road 26.00 Hrs NA
Lucknow (Nearest) NA 4.30 Hrs 4 Rail
Bhopal 1.30 Air + 4 Road 11.00 Hrs 10.00 Rail + 3.00 Road
Jabalpur 2 Air + 4 road 14.00 Hrs 12.00 Rail + 2.00 Road
Indore 2 Air + 4 Road 12.00 Hrs 10.30 Rail + 3.30 Road
Kolkata 2.30 Air + 4.00 Road 30.00 Hrs NA

 

Distance from other Parks & Reserves
From Time to arrive
Corbett TR 3 Hours
Bharatpur BS 6.30 Hours
Dudhwa NS 7 Hours
Panna TR 14 Hours
Bandhavgarh 16 Hours
Ranthambore TR

3 Hrs Air

+ 4 Hrs Road

Kaziranga NP 9 Air +5 Road

Things you should carry with you

Essential things to carry for your Pilibhit Tiger Safari

Your DSLR or Camera to capture your memorable safari moment.

Binoculars to view the wildlife from a safe distance.

Plenty of water to keep you dehydrated on a sunny day.

Hat & Shades to protect from direct sunlight.

Bandanna or Cotton Scarf to cover your face and avoid dust.

Winter wear or jacket if you are doing a safari during winter. It really gets cold very quickly after sunsets in Jungle.

Rain Cover to save you and your gears from water during rain.

Pilibhit can get really colder very quickly in the evening so consider carrying woolens in the afternoon safari in Pilibhit during winter’s season.

Items to carry in Jungle Safari

Some History of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

The 20th century was when Pilibhit became a sanctuary of wildlife and this history was founded on an attempt to protect sal forests. Although it was announced as a reserved forest in 1936, it only achieved Project Tiger status by 2008. 

In the year 2014, Pilibhit became India’s National Park showing how more serious the country has become about conserving tigers. This hunting ground of the kings now provides asylum to royal Bengal tigers. It is also indicative of what can be done by Indians when they want to look after their rich natural heritage.

history of Satpura tiger reserve

Why visit Pilibhit?

Wanting an extraordinary experience with animals? Try Pilibhit National Park! Here are some reasons why

Observe royal bengal tigers in their natural environment. With higher chances of seeing these rare carnivorous cats than other overcrowded reserves.

Come see this untamed place characterized by diversified landscape such as lush green Sal forests mixed with vast meadows interrupted by temporary marshes. More than 2100 types of flowering plants cover the ground here. Over three hundred twenty six different kinds of birds fly around among tree branches forming canopies over visitors’ heads.

Embark on traditional jeep safari rides through woods or opt for thrilling night safaris or elephant back rides that offer distinctive viewpoints not often seen during daytime excursions when parks teem with tourists. 

You will be able to avoid larger crowds found at popular national game parks hence discovering hidden gems such as Pilibhit. It allows off-beat routes combined with sustainable tourism activities aimed at benefiting local communities through revenue sharing schemes, employment creation etc.

Pilibhit General Info Card

  • Total Area: 730.2498 Sq. Km
  • Location: Pilibhit, Bahraich & Lakhimpur Districts, UP
  • Notified as Tiger Reserve: 2008
  • Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (74 km)
  • Nearest Railway Junction: Pilibhit Junction

Pilibhit Wildlife Info Card

  • Carnivorous: Tiger, Leopard
  • Herbivorous: Cheetal, Sambar Deer, Blue Bull
  • Omnivorous: Wild Boar, Indian Fox
  • Birds: 326 Species of Birds

Pilibhit Tour Info Card

  • Ideal Tour Length: 3N4D or 6 Safaris
  • Can extend with: Dudhwa, Kanha, Tadoba
  • Tour Starting points: Delhi, Indore, Bhopal, Lucknow
  • Is tour Customizable?: Yes
  • Safari Options: Open Jeep, Canter

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve FAQs