PILIBHIT TIGER RESERVE

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, where majestic tigers traverse lush, riverine forests and marshland. Here, the sprawling greenery of the reserve contrasts with flowing rivers, creating a dramatic backdrop for the royal Bengal tiger. 

Established as a sanctuary in 1974 and later designated as a Tiger Reserve in 1997, Pilibhit covers 1,007 square kilometers (389 square miles). It’s home to a thriving population of tigers, with around 70 wild tigers inhabiting the reserve. Unlike other tiger reserves, Pilibhit has a unique combination of open grasslands, dense forests, and flowing rivers, providing diverse habitats for tigers and a variety of other wildlife, including numerous bird species.

Which Is the Best Zone?

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is divided into several zones, each offering a unique experience. Unlike other parks, Pilibhit’s zones are not as strictly defined, but they still provide varied opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Zones 1 and 2 are particularly noted for frequent tiger sightings due to their rich vegetation and ample water sources. If you’re aiming to maximize your chances of spotting tigers, focusing on these zones is advisable.

Safari Vehicle Options

In Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, you can choose between two types of safari vehicles: jeeps and canters. Jeeps, accommodating up to 6 guests, are more agile and can navigate narrow trails more effectively. Canters, with a capacity of up to 20 guests, offer a higher vantage point, which can be advantageous for spotting wildlife, but may be less flexible in maneuvering.

How to Book a Safari in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

The most economical way to book a safari in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is through the official government website. Booking directly through the government portal ensures you get the best rates and accurate information about availability.

For a jeep safari, prices start at approximately 2,000 INR for a 3-hour safari. Ensure you book well in advance, as slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

How Many Safaris Are Enough?

A single game drive might not be sufficient to spot a tiger, given their elusive nature. To increase your chances, consider booking at least three safaris, ideally including both morning and afternoon slots. This increases your chances of encountering these beautiful, wild animals in their natural habitat.

How to Plan Your Trip to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Best Time to Visit Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

The ideal time to visit Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is September to June. During this period, wildlife is more active and the chances of spotting tigers are higher. It’s best to avoid visiting during the rainy season.

How to Get to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

The most convenient way to get to Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is by train. The nearest major train station is Pilibhit Junction via. You can take the Purnagiri Express from Delhi. This train leaves Delhi at 6:00am and arrives at 4:00pm. You can also take a private taxi but this will cost more. You can book trains directly from the IRCTC website, or from 12Go.

Where to Stay in Pilibhit

There are few accomodation options near Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, ranging from budget to luxury. Staying close to the reserve’s entrance is best for early morning safaris.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Safari

Remember this is a wild park, not a zoo. Guides cannot make magically make wild animals appear on-demand. Whatever you see is entirely based on luck on that day.

Appreciate the small things. When you can’t spot a tiger, look out for small animals and birds you might not get a chance to see anywhere else.

What to Bring for Your Safari in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

· Bring a sunhat.

· Wear comfortable, airy clothing.

· Bring a light jacket incase of rain.

· Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty when you get out of the vehicle for a restroom break.

· Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

· Bring bug spray.

· Wear sunscreen.

· Bring binoculars.

· Bring a camera with at least a 200mm zoom lens. 400mm or 600mm is even better! (I didn’t bring my 600mm for this trip since we were backpacking for six months, and I regretted it so much I bought one in Delhi before our safari!)

Travel Insurance for India

Whatever you do, don’t travel without travel insurance. Whether it’s sickness, theft, or lost luggage, something WILL go wrong, and travel insurance is your only way of lessening costs!

India Travel Essentials

Traveling comes with a unique set of challenges. To keep your journey happy, healthy, and safe, I recommend traveling with these:

Addalock (Don’t travel to India without this! It’s an added safety lock that works with any door).

Ear plugs and eye mask (For overnight train rides!)

Hand sanitiser and wet wipes (In India, these are a must.)

Reusable water bottle  (Save plastic by investing in a Grayl water purification bottle, which lets you fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world.)

Power bank (There’s not much worse than running out of phone battery and not being able to find your way home.)

International travel adapter (You’ll need at least one of these for all of your trips.)

For a full list of my travel recommendations, click here!